On the eve of their opener versus Chandigarh Lions, Mumbai Champs coach Sandeep Patil opens up while Chris Cairns, the Lion’s skipper, reveals their strategy ahead of the much-awaited tie
On the eve of their opener versus Chandigarh Lions, Mumbai Champs coach Sandeep Patil opens up to Sanjib Guha while Chris Cairns, the Lion’s skipper, reveals their strategy ahead of the much-awaited tie
SANDEEP PATIL
After having failed in the first season, how do you plan to make amends?
My formula is to avoid panic situations. Having self-belief is most important in anything that you do. The fear of getting out was our main problem in the last edition of the Indian Cricket League (ICL), but this time I hope we will get it right.
What are the strengths and weaknesses of your side?
Our strength is definitely the bowling department as all our bowlers did put up a consistent performance the last time we played here. In this format of the game, we cannot afford to have too many dot balls, which was a concern for us. That was the cause for not being able to put up a respectable score last time. Losing wickets at the wrong time certainly did put us back to square one.
Do you have any injury problems?
No we don’t have any injury problems in the team at the moment. We are ready to get down to the business.
How do you rate your opponents?
All the teams taking part here are well balanced but this time we don’t want to let the opportunity go. We want to win this time.
Do you have any separate plan for Chris Cairns and Lou Vincent?
You can’t have fixed plans for anyone in this format of the game. You have to asses the situation well and bowl and bat according to the plan.
How is this edition of ICL different?
Last time it all the teams were new but this time all the teams and players look more prepared for the cracker.
CHRIS CAIRNS
How do you plan to go about it this time, keeping in mind the last year’s performance?
We haven’t done that badly in the first tournament as we managed to make the finals, but the second meet was disappointing. We have addressed the problems and nothing less than a semifinal berth would satisfy us. That is our minimum goal. We don’t want to return disappointed.
What are the strengths and weaknesses of your side?
Cannot say about the weaknesses but our strength lies in having good top order batsmen and a strong bowling attack. We are focusing only on positives.
Do you have any injury problems?
No at the moment we don’t have any injury problems. We will field the best XI.
How do you rate your opponents?
I feel Chennai and Hyderabad are very good sides in this edition along with us. Also Lahore Badshahs can be very dangerous.
Do you have any separate plan for Nathan Astle?
Nothing as such. We will just have to make sure that we don’t give him any room.
How is this edition of ICL different from the first one?
One ground is all we had for the first tournament. This time, though, I feel the Indian players have become better and with the passage of time and after playing more matches they are more experienced now than they was in the first edition.
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