IPL 2016: From pep talk with Raina after WT20 to backing the youngsters, Gujarat Lions' owner Keshav Bansal opens up

It was high time this state, which hosts three BCCI-affiliated cricket associations, had an Indian Premier League (IPL) team of its own. Thanks to Keshav Bansal, the youngest owner in the history of the cash-rich league, people of Gujarat can finally cheer their lungs out and say ‘Gujarat ni vaari chhe’ (it’s Gujarat’s chance).

Like any brand new organisation that requires an extra bit of effort to kick-start its functioning, this new franchise demanded an extra iota of care, which was ably provided by Keshav and his team at Intex. However, like a seasoned leader, the 24-year-old slowly but steadily made his way to the backstage and allowed his players to thrive in the limelight.

“As an owner, my duty is to take care of the managerial aspects, whereas the cricketing matters are handled by the coach and captain. I don’t get involved in team meetings. I only meet them after they are done with their sessions and inquire whether they need some help from my side or not,” said the young entrepreneur while relaxing at a five-star hotel in South Mumbai.

If sticking to the basics and staying sorted are the reasons for Gujarat Lions’ stupendous run of form, then the appointment of Brad Hodge as their head coach can be termed as a master stroke by the franchise. But how did the Australian T20 veteran, who is a novice in this department of the game, garner Keshav’s attention? “It took us a lot of time to finalise the coach, but upon interacting with Hodge, I felt that he has the capabilities to bind a team together in the face of adversities, which according to me is a very vital quality. Also, Hodge may not have coached any team but he has been one of the greatest T20 players and his maturity at this level is what we vouch for. Big names don’t matter, experience is what makes the difference in the end,” said the Intex scion who seemed to have a ‘horses for courses’ mentality.

The Lions’ management had vehemently backed Suresh Raina as their captain even before the start of the IPL. While Keshav felt that the presence of too many international captains in the same squad could backfire, for them it was ‘no issue’. “These guys have struck a chord and, although Raina is the captain, others chip in with their thoughts and suggestions and ultimately play their part in helping the team forward,” explained Keshav.

Suresh Raina and Keshav Bansal at the launch of the franchise

Raina’s topsy-turvy form in the recently concluded World T20 was also not a cause for concern for the Gujarat Lion’s management. “See, these kind of things are part of the game and I had a general chat with him (Raina) after he joined the camp, but all of us were confident that the result of the World Cup wouldn’t have any bearing on his IPL performance,” Keshav stated.

Keshav Bansal at Mohali after Gujarat Lions' match against Kings XI Punjab (Source: Gujarat Lions Facebook page)

The enthusiastic entrepreneur is that at age of his life where people generally tend to follow the footsteps of eminent personalities, but when asked whether he looks up to other successful IPL owners like Shah Rukh Khan or Preity Zinta, he said, “I love SRK as an actor and admire his skills but that’s it. My father is my idol but, at the same time, we are two different individuals. I have my own strengths and weaknesses. I can’t copy anyone. If I do that, I will only reach that person’s level. I have my own vision to go beyond and I have to be original. I have to create my own ways so that people follow me and not the other way round.”

Keshav, who has been an avid follower of different kinds of sports since childhood, is into physical activities a lot these days. He plays squash matches inside glass bound courts and cools off to Dwayne Bravo’s ‘Champion Dance’. “Bravo is always brimming with energy. He keeps the team together and teaches me the ‘Champion Dance’. We have shot a video of it too,” Keshav smiles.

The Gujarat outfit, apart from putting up a dazzling show in the initial stages of IPL, are giving ample opportunities to talents who are very new to the game. Keshav revealed the reason behind this. “We have not bought these youngsters to make them sit in the dugout for the whole season. If they have the potential, then why not use it in the matches? This is a great platform for them and they look up to us for that one opportunity. This is the least we can do for Indian cricket.”

Keshav, however, tread a safe path when asked about matches being shifted out of Maharashtra due to the prevalent drought situation. “I don’t want to go into controversies, but at the same time, I feel for the franchises which would be affected by this. Having said that, we have to take the society into account and respect the court’s verdict.”

Keshav Bansal at his study

Gujarat and Pune franchises have been given a two-year reign and in all probabilities will have to disband their teams when suspended outfits Chennai Super Kings and Rajasthan Royals return to the league, but Keshav is not worried about this. “We just want to enjoy our time in the league. BCCI will take the final call and we will respect that. We also have to figure out how much leverage Intex gets as a brand.”

However, the lion-hearted owner, like the emblem of Gujarat Lions embroidered on his t-shirt, gave a faint hint that they were here to stay when he concluded by saying, “The team’s result doesn’t matter, it’s important to have a long-term vision.”

Cricket lovers of Gujarat will also love to continue their association with the team anthem, ‘Game maari chhe’ for many more seasons to come.