It’s been an unusual few days – far too soon in the tournament to have such a long break! It almost feels like we are starting all over again.
There won’t be much time off for the rest of the tournament, certainly not as long as we have just had which is probably a very good thing. Building up momentum is far more important at the business end of the season than it is at the beginning, and as we all know, few teams get on a roll of victories quite as well as KKR.
The last match was our first defeat in 12 IPL matches, I think, so there’s certainly no reason to panic. I think a few of us had forgotten what it feels like to lose – not very pleasant, so hopefully the King’s XI will feel a bit of a backlash from the boys.
My role as batting coach has been everything I hoped it would be – mostly mental rather than technical and almost always at the player’s initiative. I believe cricketers should be able to recognise when they would benefit from some advice and then make the effort to seek it.
I enjoy talking about team tactics and individual game plans, discussing how to read the flow of a game and when to make a move – and when not to. It was a strength of mine and it’s very rewarding sharing my experiences.
It has been a great time to catch up with old friends in the city and, naturally, to spend a bit of time at Royal Calcutta Golf Club where me and my new partner, Johan Botha, remain unbeaten. And long may it stay that way. But rather like Knight Riders, we will have to absorb a bit of pressure because everyone wants to beat the champions.
My partner, Charlene arrives on Sunday, her first time in India. Sharing this amazing country with someone for the first time is one of my favourite experiences, whether it is a friend or a team mate, on the roads, on the cricket field or in the markets. She is very relaxed person but, no doubt, there will be the usual eye-opening sights and sounds.
Apparently Shah Rukh [Khan] didn’t appear on television very much during our first game but he was there and as supportive as usual. He will certainly be at the majority of the matches going forward. As I said many times over the last three years, the players couldn’t hope for a better man to be their boss!
Gameplan
