Kings XI Punjab might have squandered the sole lead after losing to Mumbai Indians in IPL-7, but captain George Bailey feels there is no pressure for their return match against table toppers Chennai Super Kings to be played here at Barabati Stadium on Wednesday. “It is the same as any other match,” said Bailey at the pre-match press conference on Tuesday.
Also the skipper of the Australia T20 team, Baily said the defeat against Mumbai has not spoiled the mood of his teammates. “The mood’s been really good. It’s really important because it’s a long tourament. It’s hard for the guys who aren’t playing so it’s important to keep their mood up and keep them fresh energetic. We are really lucky to have a bunch of good players, young and old. We couldn’t have asked for more,” he claimed.
Bailey felt that being their adopted home venue, Barabati would provide them a little bit of advantage. “We want to get used to it. It will be a challenge here but we will train at the ground. Of course, we will have a slight advantage here. But until we play it’s not going to be huge,” he opined.
Commenting on the pitch, Bailey said: “Like the size of the ground. It’s bigger. It brings a little bit of skill and tactic to the game which is pleasing.”
Bailey, the first player since Dave Gregory to lead Australia in his debut match, admitted that leading the national side and an IPL team was not the same thing. “While leading Kings XI Punjab you get to immerse yourself in different cultures. You get to learn a lot about how players from different countries prepare. Opposed to captaining Australia, this tournament gives you time to build a team, you spend time, get to know each other and obviously travel a lot. In internationals we get together for 4-5 days, it happens quite quickly.