Deccan Chargers captain Adam Gilchrist feels the third edition of the Indian Premier League will be a lot different tactically as teams try to outwit each other in the cut-throat competition.
“I think there’s constant innovation…Brendon McCullum and Tillekaratne Dilshan have opened up a whole new section of the field for scoring with their innovative shots, areas which previously were scored through only if the wicketkeeper was having a snooze. The bowlers too are getting smarter about what they are doing,” he said on Thursday, eve of the tournament opener. Gilchrist also spoke about a variety of topics. Excerpts:
On the opening match: Given the nature of the game, especially this type of format, anything’s possible. It’s a new tournament, everyone just starts afresh. We’ve played there (at the D.Y. Patil Stadium) once and it was our first win in the IPL. So the guys really enjoyed getting back to the stadium yesterday.
On not having a full squad: We’re one of a number of teams that aren’t at full strength yet but that’s the beauty of the competition, that’s where management comes in. It’s an opportunity for other players. We are very comfortable and confident in the overseas players that we have. But of course, we have all realised from the first two IPLs that it’s not just about the foreign players. It’s the Indian contingent and how they perform that can often lead to determining the results in these games.
On strike bowler R.P. Singh: He had the purple cap last year and from memory, he came second or third in the leading wicket-takers in IPL-1. He’s not without success in these conditions but is more experienced.
No matches at home for Deccan Chargers: We are very disappointed for the fans of Hyderabad. They missed out last year like everyone did and they miss out again... but it’s out of our control, we’ve got to adjust.
On the IPL: The tournament has afforded many players an opportunity to show their wares. I think several players of other nationalities have regained selection or gained selection in their national team. It has happened a couple of times in our team. Ryan Harris is one; Dwayne Smith got himself back into the West Indian team although he has just been left out.
On an IPL window: I think the ICC and the IPL need to sit down on the table and have a look at it. But I have no doubt that the administrators are already aware of that. I am beginning more and more to believe that the players across the globe would like a window to be available, the obvious part being there is a good financial return for the players. But along with that it’s becoming, well it is THE premier club competition in the world.
On Sachin Tendulkar scoring a double century in ODIs: Probably in 10 years time he’ll get 300 (laughs). If there’s one man who was going to do it, it was him. It’s a wonderful testament to his longevity. The greatest sign of a champion is longevity and he is beyond anyone else in that regard.
On Pakistan players being left out of IPL-3 auction: It did surprise me. They are the current world champions in this format. I guess to balance that surprise, there was a reasonably limited amount of positions available this time and teams had specific desires. Perhaps those player types weren’t required by franchises.