From the iSport Cricket Paddock: Ardent DC fan and the official DC writer for iSport Issac John pens a motivating piece, giving his 'tips' to the entire team. Read on to know who's given the kudos and who needs to improve!
Gilly: 10 on 10 for captaincy and batting so far. But, the law of averages is going to catch up with you soon and you also don’t have a fellow opener. Resist the temptation of getting Rohit Sharma to open. I know you’re itching to play Roach as well but unless Gibbs fails for 3 innings in a row, stay with the current foreign player combination. I hate to admit this but you’ve got the rub of the green going your way in some of those wins that you’ve got so far. The team needs to learn to not throw away great starts. Get a bit of a killer instinct going in the kids or take them out for counselling or the movies but get it into their head somehow that in any match moments of skill need to outnumber moments of fortune comfortably.
Symmo: You beauty! Stay focused; don’t start your fishing trips yet. If you continue to play this way, the ACB will want to call you back in time for the Ashes. (That’s of course, if you want to go back at all). See for yourself the difference you’re making to the team. The youngsters are looking up to you and so is Gilly. I want you to be the player of the tournament because I know if that happens, this team will have the trophy.
Vaas and Rohit Sharma: You will inevitably have a couple of bad matches. And when that happens forget about them the very next day because I have told Gilly you two know these sub continent conditions better than anyone else in this team. Both of you have been swinging it really well with the ball and the bat. Keep trying your hand at your other skills as well. As the tournament progresses I want you Rohit to also win matches with your bowling and for you Vaas to start hit those sixes down the order. They’ll be required. I see you as the lower order batting captain.
Mike Young: I love what you’ve been inculcating in the boys – they’ve never fielded better. Keep everyone involved. Catches and run-outs win more matches in this format than any other.
Gibbs: At some point, Gilly will ask you to open. And at some point he will also rest you to get Roach in. You’ve played the sheet anchor role well so far and you would still probably be the best fielder this IPL but Roach needs to be unleashed sometime. Keep your faith and confidence going- you’re a different player altogether when you have those on your side.
RP: Your fielding and catching has been fantastic but your main role is to be a strike bowler. I am not so much of a bowler to give you any bowling tips but you have got to get your rhythm back. The good thing is you don’t have to shoulder all of it, Vaas has taken over the lead mantle. Support him and you’ll surprise yourself.
Pragyan and Suman: You’re getting better but there’s always room to improve. Keep going!
The rest of the boys: Just learn from the biggies. There’s nothing I can tell you that the likes of Symmo, Vaas, Gilly and Rohit can’t show by doing it themselves. Just learn to handle pressure from these guys. If you do that, as the cliché goes, half the battle would be won.
Finally, Lehmann to himself in his private diary: I don’t know why these buggers won’t allow 5 foreign players. How do I get Styris and Harris in when they get here in April – they seem to be in good nick and what do I do about Roach? For now am happy to have a problem of plenty but its going to be a bit tricky getting a good balance going in the side. Maybe I’ll think of it tomorrow. These last two wins were bloody close – drained me out completely – need some sleep!
Set as favorite
Comments (0)
Subscribe to this comment's feed
Show/hide commentsWrite comment
Show/hide comment form
| < Prev | Next > |
|---|
