Kings XI Punjab batsman Mahela Jayawardene was not worried over the injury problems on the eve of their Indian Premier League campaign-opener against Delhi Daredevils and said they have enough quality players to feel the void.
Kings XI Punjab batsman Mahela Jayawardene was not worried over the injury problems on the eve of their Indian Premier League campaign-opener against Delhi Daredevils and said they have enough quality players to feel the void.
ADVERTISEMENT
Jayawardene said that stylish left-hand batsman Yuvraj Singh and all-rounder Yousuf Pathan, who have some injury concerns, will be playing here tomorrow.
"Last year also we had injury problems. In this season too, we have some injury concerns, but we should not focus too much on that. We have quality domestic players in the side, who add depth in our squad," Jayawardene said at a press conference yesterday.
Jayawardene also said injured Australian paceman Brett Lee's "progress was being assessed" and hoped he will play in the coming matches.
Another first-choice of Punjab team, Shaun Marsh who was highly successful in the inaugural edition two years ago, also looks unlikely to be fit for the start.
Asked about the previous editions, Jayawardene said it was "unfortunate that they had lost in the semifinals in IPL-I and ended up fifth in South Africa last year" as they had some injury concerns.
On their strategy this year, Jayawardene said: "We will try to pick up early wickets, concentrate more on our strengths, try to go out there and enjoy ourselves."
Asked about the batsmen trying innovative shots in the T20 format, he said: "This has to do with the challenges that we come across. You have to think out of the box and find ways and means to develop the game.
Even bowlers are now trying variations." Jayawardene also said that if the batsmen can do their jobs properly, the Punjab team can enter the final-four stage.
"You are as good as your last knock. T20 is a different competition. You need to continue with the hard work and hopefully, we will try to be there in last-four," he said.
"The domestic players would probably be our strength. We have adequate depth to fiddle with that. It can be a headache for selectors, but it is good to have headache rather than not having any at all," he added.
Asked whether having a window for the IPL in ICC's Future Tours Programme would be good, he said: "IPL has become a global event. I am sure ICC will give it a thought."
"Even when IPL was held in South Africa last year, there was a lot of fanfare. It is ideal for international players to be a part of it. Hopefully, we will have a period when all the players will be available," he said.
Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!
