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I always knew I was going to come back to India, says DD coach Kirsten
Delhi Daredevils coach Gary Kirsten believes that the only forward for the franchise was to start afresh and that is why they opted not to retain any players at the auction in February.
He reasoned that their main aim was to pick a new squad and start afresh for the upcoming seventh edition of the Indian Premier League, which starts in UAE on April 16.
- IPL 7 schedule
"At the auction we made a decision to select a new squad and not retain anyone from last year. We are looking towards working with a new squad. Don't know whether it's a right decision or not but that's what we have gone for," Kirsten said in Delhi on Wednesday.
Delhi Daredevils' started their practice session under new captain Kevin Pietersen and new bunch of players, Kirsten emphasised on team bonding more than anything else.
- Check out the team line-ups for IPL 2014
"The guys are looking forward to being together. Eight days before match, it is important time to connect. Started connecting and getting to know each other. Enjoy each other's company," the former India coach said after the session.
'It's good to be back in India personally'
Kirsten believes IPL will be a completely different, but pointed out that he was sure of returning to India having quit after the World Cup victory in 2011.
- IPL 7 schedule
"IPL requires a lot more intensity. It's a new challenge for me and I am looking forward to it. It's good to be back in India personally. I always knew that I was going to come back sometime. I love watching T20 cricket and haven't missed many matches," said the coach.
Kirsten asked the administrators to clean up the game following the spot-fixing scandal which rocked the IPL last year and resulted in the arrest of three Rajasthan Royals players -- S Sreesanth, Ankeet Chavan and Ashok Chandila.
- Check out the team line-ups for IPL 2014
"Unfortunately, it's been a part of the game and it's not a nice element. The game certainly needs to be cleaned up and whatever can be done to champion the cause of a cricket player."
'Gameplan and strategy will change from game to game'
The South African also said that the team's strategy will change from game to game and believed that Delhi Daredevils can perform much better this season.
- IPL 7 schedule
"The strategy is not only going to be my idea. We will formulate different strategies. Gameplan and strategy will change from game to game," he said.
With the inexperienced duo of Shahbaz Nadeem and Rahul Sharma picked as the two frontline spinners for Delhi, Kirsten said it is not a worry as they also have the option of using part-timer South African JP Duminy.
- Check out the team line-ups for IPL 2014
"I don't think we would want three specialist spinners. Two is enough and Duminy is a frontline spinner these days," he said.