Muscat: Oman's national cricket team coach Sandeep Patil believes that it will be a new ball game for the national team when they try to improve on their runners up position in the ACC Trophy to be held in Kuala Lumpur from August 12 to 26.
He conceded that the team would definitely aim to improve on their position achieved two years ago when they lost the final to neighbouring UAE also in Malaysia.
He stressed on the importance of working as a team and showing consistency.
"We don't want to play one good match but we want to be consistent during the tournament," Patil said.
Patil comes only three or four weeks before an event to take charge of the team.
"Everyone has their style, this is my style and Oman Cricket Board are happy, that is why they have invited me again," he said, adding that he keeps in touch with the happenings in Oman through Muscat-based assistant coach Rajendra Rawat.
"Raj and selectors Madhu Jesrani and Chaitanya Gulabsi ensure that my programme is carried out in my absence and everything is ready when I arrive," the former India and Kenya coach added.
He agreed that non-availability of turf wickets in Oman was a disadvantage for the team.
"As long as they keep playing on cement wickets they will have slight adjustment problems on the turf," he said.
"We are mentally prepared to play on turf and our game plan and match strategy will be keeping that in mind," he said.
Patil lauded the government for supporting the game and welcomed the proposal to get a turf ground in the near future.
Oman's national team left for Colombo on Thursday en route to Malaysia to take part in the ACC Trophy in Malaysia. They will play practice games in Colombo before leaving for the main event.
National Bank of Oman is the main sponsor of the team while Khimji Ramdas and Al Turki Enterprises are the respective sponsors of the jersey and kit bag logos.
Sandeep Patil (centre) with Anil Khimji and physiotherapist Deepak Kachalia (right) during the Oman team's practice session at the Jaber Bin Zaid School Ground in Wattayeh.
