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Bhubaneswar: Odisha T20 skipper Govind Poddar feels that old warhorse Chennai Super Kings (CSK) are still the favourites to lift the coveted Indian Premier League (IPL) title this time. The gutsy all-rounder gives full mark to the Mahendra Singh Dhoni led-team to come up with flying colours in the 13th edition of the grand tournament which kicks off at UAE tonight.
“Experts might write-off the yellow clad bunch and crib that they don’t have the right blend of experience and youth in the ranks. But most of the senior players in the team know very well how to take the team through crunch situations,” he said.
However the state T20 captain admitted that the absence of veteran spinner Harbhajan Singh and all-rounder Suresh Raina (for few games) will definitely peg the team. “You can’t replace players with the calibre of Bhajji and Raina. But other senior players in the team know how to cover them up,” he told odishatv.in .
Apart from CSK Govind’s other favourites are Sunrisers Hyderabad, Rajasthan Royals and Mumbai Indians. “These teams will also be pretty tough to beat. They know their game well and are able to pull it from any tight situation,” he said.
Govind thanks BCCI for organising this grand event amid the pandemic. “After lockdown market has been open for all. Everybody has a right to earn a living including cricketers. I give full credit and pay my gratitude to BCCI for allowing the cricketers their right over bread and butter amidst the surging Covid-19 situation.”
Govind watches the grand event from a different perspective -- as a student of the game. “While watching the game on television, I learn a lot from the greats. It helps me improvise my skills watching them set their innings, maintain the pace of the game and change gears according to situations,” he added.
An all-rounder like Govind is just tailor made for the T-20 version of the game. With his attacking batting at the top and effective off spin bowling, he could have been a trump card for any team. It’s an irony that player of his calibre is yet to find his space in the cash-rich league. However, Govind has no qualms over it. “Many great players have failed to find place in IPL teams. It’s not everything and the world doesn’t end here. The selection is also not in our hands. There are many issues and I don’t want to discuss them,” he said.
Govind is just focused on what is in his control. “I am trying to sharpen my skills. Whatever strength I have, I am just trying to focus on those. I am determined for a larger purpose and not unnecessarily worried over IPL selection.”
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