Hashim Amla was a surprise call-up for the Kings XI Punjab squad during this season. Named as a replacement player for the injured Shaun Marsh, the 33-year old was thrust into a team which was struggling to find its rhythm.
However, Amla has revealed that he has been enjoying the opportunity to participate in the cash-rich league. Speaking to the media ahead of his side’s last match against Rising Pune Supergiants, the admirable cricketer reflected on his journey in the IPL.
He affirmed, “Every IPL, every tournament, there are going to be a few teams that suffer losses and unfortunately, it's been Kings XI this time. But as I said, credit to the players for keeping up great spirits and trying to maintain optimism when things haven't gone well.”
Appreciating the dressing room atmosphere, Amla felt, “So, that's been my impression and I am very pleased to have been involved and had the opportunity of interacting with the Kings XI guys. I've enjoyed it.”
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With a hectic international season ahead, the right-hander hinted, “For me, personally, having three weeks here has afforded me getting some cricket before the international season. If I didn't come here, I would have been going to the West Indies without any cricket behind me. So fortunately, these three weeks have been a good start-up pack to the international season and I'm very grateful for that.”
When asked about Murali Vijay’s captaincy, Amla lauded, “Vijay has been very good. Since I have been here, his is obviously the only captaincy I've been under. He's been extremely positive and, as I said, credit to the players, to him and the guys who've kept their optimism when things haven't gone well.”
The elegant batsman has played five matches so far with only one substantial score to his name. However, even that knock was not enough to guarantee a victory for his side. He was understandably disappointed with Kings XI’s performance in this edition.
Looking ahead to the match-up between the two bottom-placed teams in the league, Amla hoped to sign off on a positive note. The Durban-based stalwart enthused, “Certainly, no team wants to be last in the log and I'm sure every team in the IPL plays their cricket with a great amount of pride and passion. So no doubt that the Kings XI team are in the same boat, we want to finish the IPL on a good note.”
He added, “It's disappointing with the position we are in but you got to make the best of every situation you are in and the best for us in this situation will be to win the last game and at least leave on a happier note.”
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