IPL 2019 | Mohammed Shami and KL Rahul want to make big contributions, insists Mike Hesson
Kings XI Punjab head coach, Mike Hesson, has reckoned that India cricketers - Mohammed Shami and KL Rahul - want to be available to the team this year despite the upcoming ODI World Cup. Hesson added that he is enjoying his team talks with club captain, Ravichandran Ashwin, along with support staff.
The 2019 season of the Indian Premier League is just two days away and Indian cricket fans are set to flock to the stadiums to support their favourite teams in the coming days. The new-look Kings XI Punjab franchise impressed early on last season before their form dropped towards the latter stages of the tournament.
However, the likes of KL Rahul, Mohammed Shami, Chris Gayle and captain R Ashwin are sure to dictate how the team performs in the 12th edition of the competition. KXIP coach, Mike Hesson, reckons that team India duo - KL Rahul and Mohammed Shami - who are in contention to play this year’s World Cup are eager to help the Punjab-based franchise once the tournament starts on March 23.
“It is going to be on a case-by-case basis. I have had chats with K. L. Rahul and Mohammed Shami. They are keen to make a big contribution for KXIP and we are certainly very keen to have them. We will manage them like every player throughout the tournament. If they feel little jaded during the course of the IPL, we will rest them. Whether they need extra training or rest, I am not sure
The team will have to factor in the availability of foreign players but the problem will not be too acute for Kings XI, according to Hesson. “Availability will be an issue but we will be least affected than most teams. Afghanistan players will probably leave later in the group stage, South African players towards the playoffs, not sure if they will be asked to go back. There is a Sheffield Shield final in Australia also but we certainly have got enough players to deal with that,” he added.
Ashwin was appointed skipper last year and did a decent job using his years of experience to practice with a young and vibrant Punjab squad. Hesson added that discussions thus far with Ashwin and the rest of the support staff have been highly productive.
“We have similar thoughts around the way we want to play the game. We have had some good discussions on the game along with the rest of the support staff. Ashwin reads the game well and is very clear in his mind. We just have to give him the best group of players to work with
“What I know about Ashwin is that he is a highly competitive person. That has not changed. He has been training well for the and is fiercely determined. I don’t think has changed,” Hesson added.
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