Mohali - At 40, he may be the elderly statesman in the Indian Premier League (IPL), which is full of youngsters but newly appointed coach-cum-captain of Kings XI Punjab Adam Gilchrist said it is all about shouldering responsibilities.
He said the buck would stop with him as he is looking to inspire his side for a path-breaking season five
. In the last one year, his association with cricket was limited to hitting a few balls from his close friend Geoff Marsh or coaching his 10-year-old son Harry.
In fact, the last time he played in a competitive match was in IPL IV in 2011 but the highly successful Australian wicketkeeper and explosive opener is not short on confidence.
'I'm feeling fresh and full of energy. It's fantastic to be back,' Gilchrist said. The former Australian wicketkeeper said he is enjoying his dual role which he describes as a task to coordinate the players with his highly efficient support staff.
'I would not have taken this job (coach), if I was not enjoying it. I'm more than happy and feeling positive about it. It's about taking responsibility and I know the buck stops with me,' Gilchrist said.
Gilchrist, who was part of the invincible Australian team which won three consecutive World Cups from 1999-2007, retired from international cricket in 2008.
'These days, I'm busy with my business venture of Indian sandalwood besides being the ambassador of a university. Also I'm busy with Harry who is excited about his U-11 cricket,' he said.
'I don't need something extra to motivate myself. Once in a while I hit a few balls from my very good friend Geoff Marsh ... In such a lifestyle, IPL gives the nice balance.'
No comments:
Post a Comment