For Herschelle Gibbs life has always been on the fast lane. A stunning batsman with a stunning range of strokes, Gibbs has been a natural entertainer. The opener is among a handful of players who evokes interest among the public during a domestic game. In Cape Town his popularity has to be seen to be believed.

Gibbs kept his appointment; the only change was the venue. He chose the deck by the poolside under gun metal skies would be more appropriate for the evening than his hotel room. In an exclusive chat with this newspaper Gibbs spoke about his extensive role with the Chargers, the new found spirit within the team and his pick on the IPL among others matters.

Q: What was your first reaction when you heard the IPL is shifted to South Africa?

A: It might seem strange but my first reaction was disappointment. I was personally looking back to returning to India especially Hyderabad. The results were disappointing last year but the crowds backed us throughout. There would have been more appeal there. At the same time I knew my role would be greater here as I am the only South African in the Chargers team. I had to share my knowledge of local conditions.

Q: There are quiet a few South African players in the IPL. The support has been great but does it add to pressure too?

A; The feeling has been a bit bizarre. I was getting the loudest cheers every time the ball was coming to me in Cape Town. Sometimes the support is greater than what we receive while turning out for our country. Incidentally the DC colours are the same I wear for the Cape Cobras so that actually helped in calming nerves. There is no pressure as such as players at this level should adapt.

Q: Your partnership with Adam Gilchrist has been devastating. How important is it to have a left-right combination in T20?

A: Most have the teams have adopted for that. A left-right combination disturbs the best of bowlers. Only a few new ball bowlers adjust better. This has helped setting the foundation. Both of us are hitting the ball nicely. Gilly is one batsman who instils fear even in the bets of the bowlers. This has helped my game. Our job is to make optimum use of the field restrictions. So far things have worked out fine.

Q: What do you see as the biggest reason for the Chargers transformation?

A: It is a combination of many factors. The spirit is undeniably greater. The energy level is also high. The combination is better and more balanced this time. The team has shown an overall improvement. R.P. Singh bowling in tandem with Fidel Edwards has made a huge impact. RP had to do it alone last year. Pragyan Ojha is more experienced now. The job of the new ball bowlers is as important as mine and Gilly is. They have kept a check on the scoring rate in the first six overs. Once that is done half the battle is won.

Q: Gilchrist had said you are leader of the fielding unit, what is your take on that?

A: It is nice to know that. The fielder at backward point has a big role to play anyway. We have some excellent fielders in the team. Some of the catches we have taken prove that. The grounds here support diving and sliding and under Mike Young the team has been enjoying their fielding drills both in practice and in the games.

Q: The win over Mumbai Indians should have been special. How do you see the Chargers progress in the IPL?

A: It was important for the youngsters in the team to not get intimidated by the big names in their side. I am sure the win will work well for their mindset. It should help with their approach and understand their roles better. As far as the tournament is concerned it has been a great start but things can turn very quickly in this format. A lot of planning is required to make headway. The wickets here have been very good and I expect bigger scores when the event moves to Johannesburg and Pretoria as the air there is thin the ball travels the distance faster. The second half is going to be even more absorbing and I am confident of our chances of making the knockout stage.