MOHALI, Apr 2:
Kings XI Punjab captain-cum-coach, Adam Gilchrist, today said there is no “secret tactic” to victory, but added they have a balanced squad that is capable of beating the best in business.
“We necessarily don’t have big list of names that match up with some other franchisees, but we have a balanced squad,” Gilchrist said at the PCA stadium here, four days ahead of their IPL-5 campaign opener against Rajasthan Royals on April 6 at Jaipur.
KXIP may have not won a title so far, but the Aussie insisted they were not going too much into the history, and instead want to derive positives from the past.
The side missed the semis by a whisker in the last edition, but made it to last-four under Yuvraj Singh in IPL-1.
“We have a balanced squad. We are playing competitive cricket. I don’t think there is any secret tactic that will guarantee victory,” he said in response to a question.
Joe Dawes, the newly appointed Indian bowling coach, who will play the same role for KXIP and Mike Young, the side’s fielding coach, were also present at the press conference.
Dawes sounded confident of an improved show.
“I am delighted to be a part of Kings XI Punjab as it is a young and enthusiastic team with some of the best players on its side. I am very confident about team’s performance in IPL season-5 and am looking forward to a great season of cricketing tournament,” said Dawes.
Chief Operating Officer of KXIP, Arvinder Singh and team’s assistant coach Vikram Rathore were also present.
However, in a departure from the past, none of the team’s co-owners were present at the press conference, with flamboyant Preity Zinta also conspicuous by her absence.
Gilchrist said there were some new additions to his team this season, including English pacer Stuart Broad.
“According to original plan, he was supposed to join us on April 8, but keeping in view his calf strain, we will have an update on his condition tonight as he was expected to undergo a scan today,” he said. (PTI)
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