‘Can-manage’ belief in Kenyan camp

But despite all the tension and heaviness in the air Karim, while running towards the nets following Patil’s call, had a sense of occasion and called out: ‘‘Where are the colours guys, it is Holi today and you all have come empty-handed?’’

But all the confusion and chaos ended when the batsmen strapped on their pads and the bowlers got hold of the fresh white balls. It was time for serious business and opener Ravindu Shah went out to the middle.

After facing the battery of fast bowlers comprising the Sujis, the Odoyos and a few handpicked local net bowlers, Shah went indoors, where a bowling machine was in place for additional practice.

Speaking to the reporters later, Shah said, ‘‘The bowling machine has been a big help for players like us who don’t get to face genuinely quick bowlers back home. It gives us a chance to hone our skills.’’

The man, who faced Shoaib Akhtar before the World Cup and Brett Lee during it, was of the view that ‘‘one has to have a sense of timing and anticipation to play the quick bowlers; judging the length and line early is the key. But mind you, it is easier said than done.’’

So what does he think about the in-form Indian pacers? ‘‘The vital thing is not to think about the opposition. Things which one is capable of tackling should never be a worry and things one can’t anticipate should be avoided,’’ was his cryptic answer.

And does he think he can tackle them? ‘‘I can manage,’’ was all he would say. The ‘‘can manage’’ mood seems to be omnipresent in the Kenyan camp with two days left for a game that will fetch them their biggest-ever pay-packet. The Kenyans are expected to share over $ 550,000 among themselves. And, just for the record, they earned $ 400,000 by just qualifying for the last four.

Ask star leg-spinner Collins Oboya, who got a hiding against the Aussies at the same ground here less than a week ago, and he too echoes similar ‘‘can manage’’ sentiments. ‘‘That game was okay and those things are behind me. I have much better memories to carry with me rather than sit and brood over the last game,’’ he said.

But the initial tension seemed to have frittered away after Patil returned following the session at nets. He casually walked out and talked about how, for all these years, he has told everybody who cared to listen that ‘‘these boys have the potential.’’

‘‘At that time no one cared to listen to me, and today they are talking about how this magical transformation of the minnows have taken place. Believe me, there is no magic. It is pure hard-work and dedication of this bunch of 15.’’

Time for the obvious final question. Can this lot defeat the Indians? ‘‘No way, I won’t get into that trap again. I won’t say anything that I can’t digest after the match,’’ was the swashbuckling batsman’s measured and careful answer.