 What a match we had on Monday! It was one of those days that everything just  went our way and we got our basics right. Sachin and Sanath were absolutely  amazing and just took the game away from Kolkata Knight Riders. They are the  kingpins of the team, and watching them lead from the front was a boost for us  youngsters who watch and learn from them.
What a match we had on Monday! It was one of those days that everything just  went our way and we got our basics right. Sachin and Sanath were absolutely  amazing and just took the game away from Kolkata Knight Riders. They are the  kingpins of the team, and watching them lead from the front was a boost for us  youngsters who watch and learn from them.
Sachin and Sanath were my heroes while growing up and being in the same  dressing room has been a great experience for a young guy like me. It was even  more of an honour to share Sachin's birthday celebrations with him! Batting with  him was amazing, too, and I hope I get more opportunities to do so.
Yesterday, the bowlers were spot on, especially Lasith, Nayar and Bravo who  just went through the top order. Perhaps the big score we posted took some of  the pressure off them, as they did not have to worry about defending a small  total and were able to just play their game. Nayar is shaping up well and  turning out to be a good all-rounder -- look at the way he smashed Flintoff in  our first match, against Chennai! All in all, I think we have a very balanced  side with good team spirit and are looking good for the upcoming games.
One of those will be tomorrow when we take on Kings XI Punjab who have won  two matches on the trot now. We will really have to concentrate against them and  play like we did yesterday. We may be on a high now but still cannot take them  for granted as they can be very destructive. Irfan -- who can do a lot of damage  with bat and ball --  Yuvraj, Sangakkara, Mahela  and Bopara can really hit out.  We will have to bowl well and a couple of early wickets will do wonders for  us.
Yuvraj is one of their key players, and I remember him hitting Stuart Broad  for 36 in one over here at Kingsmead during the ICC world T20. But we have world  class bowlers in our side and it will take a great effort from him to repeat  that act. We will also have to be careful of Yusuf Abdullah, who has been doing  quite well of late.
Having Jonty and Pollock to advise us definitely gives us an edge over most  teams. I have learned a lot from Jonty, who has worked with us in the national  side too, and Pollock brings so much knowledge and insight of the grounds and  conditions with him.
I was looking forward to playing my first IPL in India. Even by watching it  on TV last year we could get a feel of what a great experience it was. It is big  in South Africa, but back in India it would have been special. Still, I am  enjoying the experience of meeting and learning about different players,  countries and cultures. To the fans back in India, keep supporting us even  though we are not there. Hopefully we will do you proud and bring the trophy  back home
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