Dubai: King's XI Punjab, who flattered to deceive in the first two editions of Indian Premier League (IPL), want to set the record straight in the third one which gets under way from March 12.
"We have a good record at home for we made the semifinals in 2008. Hopefully, we can do one better," said Yuvraj Singh, the erstwhile captain of the Emirates-sponsored team.
Singh, who remains an inspirational figure for the team despite being replaced by Kumar Sangakkara as captain for the season, felt that a number of injuries derailed his team's campaign last year when the event was staged in South Africa. "[Brett] Lee could join us only late while some of the bits and pieces fell through. We are hoping to do well this time and justify the faith our sponsors have shown in us," he told the media.
Echoing similar sentiments, his King's XI teammate Brett Lee said the team had stumbled on a few occasions last time when they should have done better.
Get along well
"However, that's Twenty-20 cricket for you. Having played with the team for two seasons now, we can say that we really get along well together as a team and have the balance to do well," he told Gulf News.
As a senior pro, Lee played his part in trying to downplay the stir created over removal of Singh from captaincy of the Chandigarh-based team, for whom he was also the "icon" player.
"While Sangakkara is the captain of the team, three of us — Yuvraj, Mahela [Jayawardene] and myself — will help him out as virtual vice-captains," the Australian said.
Yousuf Abdullah, the utility player from South Africa on the team, felt it's important to get the tempo going early on by winning the first couple of matches in the league.
"It creates a winning environment and helps you to look forward towards making the semifnals," said the burly Abdullah.
With a skiddy, left-arm seamer who can also bat, it would be Abdullah's second season with the Punjab outfit.
"This season, the guys are really pumped up. We are also determined not to repeat the same mistakes as last year," he added.
