When a new team like Lahore Badshahs entered the ICL, not many would have predicted that after the first week, our team would emerge as the team to beat in the tournament.
When a new team like Lahore Badshahs entered the Indian Cricket League (ICL), not many would have predicted that after the first week, our team would emerge as the team to beat in the tournament. But I knew what these boys were capable of and I am delighted that they have delivered on the field.
The first match was very crucial for us in many ways. It was our ICL debut and that too against the defending champions. And it was good that the game went down to the wire and we eventually triumphed. For the millions of ICL followers worldwide, it was a big upset. For us, it was exactly what we needed at the start of the tournament — a victory from a very close game.
Such a close game brings out the best in terms of camaraderie. And this is what exactly happened as in the game that followed, we overwhelmed the Hyderabad Heroes. And I hope we can keep it going against the Chandigarh Lions on Sunday. Having won both the matches that we have played so far, we are placed at the top of the table. And if we can clinch Sunday’s tie, we will have one foot in the semi-finals. And after having beaten the defending champions, I don’t see any reason why we shouldn’t be able to win against the last tournament’s runner-up. We are being inspired by the Ahmedabad Rockets - the other new team in the ICL besides us - who beat the Lions in their first match.
The other day, someone asked me whether I have a magic stick since the team has done so well. After having such a bunch of talented, experienced and youthful players, I don’t think I will ever need a magic stick. It’s all about making them realise the importance of the match and assigning each one of them a particular role for a particular match.
Just because we have won our first two games, there is no reason for us to get complacent. After all, we are playing Twenty20. The match can change its course within two-three overs. So we need to back each other up and take one game at a time.
To conclude, I would say that the fact that most of us knowing each other even before the formation of the team has really worked for us. Since most of the boys have played with me and with each other at the highest level, they know each other’s strengths and weaknesses. I hope they take full advantage of this throughout the tournament.
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