IPL 2016: Kings XI Punjab's Marcus Stoinis says IPL has helped better his game

Kings XI Punjab’s overseas players have been quite a disappointment this Indian Premier League (IPL), failing to make an impact in the team, although they might find some relief in Marcus Stoinis’ consistency in his limited opportunities this season.

Stoinis is an Australian all-rounder who made his T20I debut on 31 August 2015 against England. He has played 25 T20 matches so far and has scored 404 runs and picked up 15 wickets.

The Kings XI clinched a much-needed victory over the Delhi Daredevils in Mohali on 7 May, credit to Stoinis for his half-century and three-wicket haul with the ball. He gave his team something to rejoice about, in what has been a miserable season for them so far.

In a thriller of a game last night, Royal Challengers Bangalore beat Kings XI Punjab by just 1 run. They nearly lost the game to the antics of Murali Vijay’s 89 and Stoinis’ quick 34 from 22.

At the post-match presentation after their game against RCB, Stoinis spoke about his performance, and how the IPL has helped him better his game.

"I think from being put in these sort of situations, you're forced to adapt or you get kicked out pretty quickly.

"I'm enjoying every opportunity because you've got to adapt to succeed at this game at a high level. So my game has changed a little bit. Also just being tested mentally every game; every situation is a good test. I think the key is consistent development and just improving all time and it feels like it's getting there," he added.

Marcus says he needs to repay his captain for his faith in him

The Australian right-hander has played five games so far and has been very impressive with the bat and ball. He has scored 146 runs at an average of 36.5, including his match-winning fifty, which has secured him a place in Punjab’s playing eleven.

The 26-year-old said he owes these knocks to his captain Murali Vijay for the confidence he has shown in him.

"Personally, it's a great opportunity for me to be here. And I'm relishing every opportunity I'm getting.

"I've got full backing from the skipper. He's thrown me the ball a lot, he's put me in prime positions with the bat. So really, you want to deliver for them and do the right thing.”

Talking about Punjab’s meek chances of making it to the playoffs after their seventh loss in ten games, he said it was a missed opportunity.

"We've worked so hard as a team these last five weeks as every other team has but we've been through some stuff. This was an opportunity that's been missed, I think.”

Adding on, he said that the IPL is a brilliant platform which gives youngsters ample opportunities to learn from the seniors in the team, and adapt to different playing conditions. Marcus was previously a part of Delhi Daredevils in 2015.

"I was here last year with Delhi; I've played a few Australia A games as well. But this is the first time I've been here for an extended period.

"The pressure might be a bit different compared to the Big Bash (League), but the game's very similar. I think the key is to talk to the experienced players around you. We've got Virender Sehwag, and Vijay as captain and some great experienced bowlers as well. The key for me is just to talk to those guys, try and use those tips in your training and then put it into the game," Stoinis explained.