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Skills are usually not a priority however “match mindset” actually is, Kings XI Punjab fielding coach Jonty Rhodes has mentioned, stressing the necessity for observe video games earlier than the IPL to provide the competition-starved gamers a really feel of what awaits them within the event. Rhodes, who’s returning to the IPL after a two-year hole, additionally feels that teaching workers like him have a further accountability of offering emotional assist to the gamers this time, given that almost all of them can be with out their households and mates on account of COVID-19 well being security protocols.
With the strict bio-secure SOP in place for the 53-day IPL, starting September 19 within the UAE, most gamers have determined towards bringing their households.
“I think from a skills point of view, batting wise, all the boys have their skills back, they are playing ramp shots in the nets and playing shots all around the ground, which is interesting because they could not practice much during a lockdown,” Rhodes, who was a part of the Mumbai Indians camp for 9 seasons, informed PTI from Dubai.
“You tend to pick up the skills quickly but it is the match practice or the lack of it that will take a while to get used to. Playing in the nets is one thing, if you can get the match mindset, especially in a tournament like the IPL, it is very important.”
Like different groups, Rhodes mentioned KXIP too is eager on having a number of observe video games earlier than the event.
Barring Chennai Super Kings, all groups have spent at the very least one week within the nets after finishing their six-day quarantine upon arrival.
CSK had been compelled into an prolonged quarantine after 13 of their contingent members examined constructive for COVID-19.
“We are tying to arrange one or two practice games just because of this reason (for match mindset). The skills have come back quickly. The balls are just flying out of the ground and it is good to see the bowlers hitting the right areas,” mentioned the South African, who’s rated among the many greatest fielders of all time.
A event just like the IPL could be mentally draining, extra so in a protected surroundings just like the gamers are in proper now and must be part of for nearly three months.
They are usually not even allowed to ask teammates of their resort room. Since most of them will not have household assist to show to when issues are usually not going their means, Rhodes feels the function of assist workers may even embrace caring for the gamers’ psychological nicely being.
“Cricket in India is a very special thing. I have seen it during the IPL, it is a lot about families and friends who are back in the hotel room, having dinner at midnight and things like that.”
“But these are professional cricketers. So, I think the toughest part is not the bio-bubble, the toughest part has been not being able to play and players have come through that and are prepared (for living in bio-bubble).”
“Things might change when they have an up and down performance during the tournament, and that is where the coaches have the responsibility of making sure the players are feeling good because they won’t have the family back-up this time.”
“Especially the ones who are not doing well or are on the bench. We as a team have to provide that family support,” mentioned Rhodes.
On the fielding entrance, Rhodes is impressed with many of the squad members.
“I have been trying to reiterate that if I am looking at a fielder, I am watching his feet and not his hands. If you can’t get to the ball, even the best hands in the world are not (useful).”
“The guys have not been catching cricket balls (due to the break) so their hands are soft, so a lot of tennis ball practice and lateral movement. I have been impressed with almost all of them. Mandeep (Singh) is a great fielder.”
“Even seniors like Mohammad Shami have been impressive from day one. The Indian team has certainly shown over the past five-six years that as a unit, they are a very strong side and it is important as a senior player to set good standards because the young cricketers get influenced by them.”
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However, Rhodes wish to work on the motion of the youthful quick bowlers, as he would not need anybody to be a legal responsibility on the sector.
“I would certainly be keeping an eye on them and making sure they enjoy their fielding. The last thing a player wants is letting his team down on the field,” added Rhodes.
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