Ahead of their campaign-openers in IPL, new captains of Kings XI Punjab and debutant Gujarat Lions presented a picture in contrast. Kings XI’s David Miller was looking to learn and add to his game while Lions’ leader Suresh Raina stuck to the oft-repeated lines and wanted his team enjoy its cricket.
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The South African was clear about his objective in the IPL. “There are always a lot of pressures in the game that we play. There are challenges that go up and down but for me, it’s something to add to my game that I am looking forward to. It’s not going to be an easy task. So many great players that I can rub my shoulders with ask their advice when I do need and also have the opportunity to lead some younger guys.”
Viru Bhai
Talking of Virender Sehwag’s presence as the team's ‘mentor’, Miller referred to the now-retired batsman as “Viru Bhai” and continued, “He is very simple in what he does. It’s good to have someone like that just to add the experience and listen to someone who’s actually been there and done that.”
He issued a veiled threat to the opposition when he gave his impressions of Mitchell Johnson’s bowling at present. “The fire is definitely there and the pace is there, as well. He is bowling very quick. He is swinging the ball as well. He could break a few toes, or at least leave a few with swollen toes.”
Raina, on his part, said, “We do have a balanced side. To be honest I think all the players have done really well in domestic (cricket). We do have a good opening pair as well as a good middle order. They have done really well in IPL as well as their first-class teams. We just need to go out there and start very positively. I'm pretty sure we’re going to do really well.”
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