IPL 2016: We have to fit in different roles, says Virender Sehwag

Fixtures | Squads

“We enjoy different roles at different times. Sometimes, we are son, sometimes father and sometimes grandfather. Cricket is also like that. We have to fit in different roles. As a player, as a captain or as a mentor, it is the same. I am enjoying at the moment. I will contribute in whichever way I can and help the youngsters and motivate them. I will share my experience and what kind of mindset I have. I will miss playing cricket, but I will enjoy in other leagues as MCL,” said Sehwag.

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KXIP does sees the presence of youngsters like Chandigarh lad Manan Vohra, Patiala youngster Sandeep Sharma and Mohali lad Gurkeerat Mann and Sehwag did talk about his role with them.

“I just talk to them. If he wants to take a risk, he can delay the risk. It is important to decide when to take risk. Whether that decision is too early or too late and that’s the experience I share with the players. It is
also about clear thinking. Mental toughness is also about consistency but to hit the ball, one backs himself and his shots,” added Sehwag.

Having reached the final of IPL only once in the previous eight editions of the IPL, the Sanjay Bangar coached team has appointed a new captain in the form of South African David Miller for this edition of the IPL. With new buys like Australian Marcus Stoinis, South Africans Kyle Abott and Farhan Beherdien, Miller would hope to start the campaign with a win.

“Responsibility changes as a captain and sometimes, your role in the team changes. We got some time before our first game. The side has got some great experience and a lot of guys have played at the international level. I am looking forward to take the challenge and rub the shoulders with them. It is my first time as captain and we have to plan out strategy very well and we have got all the resources for that,” said Miller, who has played 189 T20’s in his career.

Kings XI Punjab coach Sanjay Bangar, who is also the batting coach for the Indian cricket team, also believes that the presence of youngsters will help the team.

“As a coach, I think IPL is believed to be talent where talent meets opportunity. And that’s what excites me. And that has been the theme for this team. We have real first timers. Miller came to the team as a 20-year-old boy and sat on the bench for one season. And today he is the captain. Players like Sandeep Sharma and Gurkeerat have gone on to play for India. And that is what my role is to back each player in the team,” added Bangar.