Stung but upbeat Rajasthan Royals set for blitzkrieg session

Swinging between crest and trough, Rajasthan Royals haven’t had many moments of late to breathe a sigh of relief. But, Rajeev Khanna, vice-president (operations), who is among the  handful of Rajasthanis in Royals outfit, has ensured well that the team’s enclosure remains robust irrespective of the catastrophe brewing outside. Stadium arrangements are in place, team camps are running smoothly and strikingly, there is order to everything under Khanna’s supervision that one starts to doubt if ever the team management faced any hardships to get Royals back in Jaipur. To quote Khanna, ‘The show must go on…in all its richness and style’. Here are excerpts from the chat with the man who has been at the forefront to ensure SMS Stadium springs back to life:

Q. The controversies doesn’t seem to cease for Rajasthan Royals. With Steve Smith issue having rocked the cricketing world, how do you think it will have an impact on RR, the team that was re-establishing its brand?

RK. There are certain things beyond our control and it’s one of them. Making a comeback after 2 years and come what may we will ensure the fans get to live an experience of a lifetime. SMS Stadium has been equipped well and crowd should be ready to revel in the IPL fete. Royals are all set to deliver a mix of great cricket, entertainment and experience for the fans.

Q. When and how you got associated with Royals begin?

RK. I had played cricket a lot and always wanted to be associated with a cricket team. When IPL came in 2008 I saw an opportunity and sent my resume to the Royals. It was in 2009 that I got to live my dream when RR’s management contacted me as they were looking for a local person who could manage for them the logistics. But, the very year the tournament was held in South Africa, so my first assignment was to ensure that the Royals’ matches are shown in hotels and clubs.

Q.  Coming from a small town like Jodhpur, how difficult was it for you to acclimatise yourself in the Royals’ setup?

RK. Given that I come from Air Force background and have studied law, I was never short on confidence. And with great support of my wife I never felt that there’s anything that I can’t achieve. I started as manager (public affairs) and now I look after the entire operations of the team that include- players’ logistics, travel, contract, visas and among various other things it also include venue-related work that includes gate revenue, ticket inventory, implementation of other works like branding of the stadium, how it will look given it’s the home of the franchise.

Q. How difficult was it to bring back Royals to their home in Jaipur? How exhausting those slew of meeting and discussions were?

RK. It was certainly a tough ask. But, we were fortunate that the BCCI, Rajasthan government and RCA were supportive and joined the cause to bring back Royals to Jaipur. It’s not a one man’s job, to succeed you need cooperation and we got it from all the fronts.

Q. Are you emotionally attached with Royals?

RK. I am. As I started my career with them…Royals are in my heart.