Anil Kumble has faith that this could be the year when Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) finally end their trophy drought in the Indian Premier League (IPL).
Kumble, the India spin legend, who joined the franchise as head coach after another disappointing campaign last season, feels Kings XI have finally got the kind of squad depth that shall see them through.
Besides appointing Kumble, Kings XI also elevated KL Rahul to the captaincy helm and made decent retentions and buys at the auction to strengthen their first-choice unit as well as the back-ups in all departments.
"It feels really nice, it feels a bit strange to come on to the field like this and then have the entire squad, I mean not necessarily the entire squad but the set of players that are here. So it's wonderful to be on the ground and have a hit, it's nice to be outdoors," said Kumble in a video posted by KXIP on Twitter.
"We have high hopes from this season, we have a really good squad, a very balanced squad, some experienced and some youngsters. I am getting to know them now and seeing them play for the first time here, some of them in nets, so yeah just looking forward to build on the preparation and to be ready for the IPL," he added.
Kumble also backed Rahul to lead the troops from the front and not bog down with the extra responsibility on his shoulders.
Rahul has been made leader of the pack after two consecutive successful seasons with the bat as well while donning the gloves behind the stumps.
"KL is very relaxed, he is very mature, I have known him for a long time. He has the experience, international experience, having played this long and of course, the last couple of years he has been a part of the Kings XI and he has been their main player," said Kumble.
"He knows the team very well, he knows the youngsters really well. He is very excited and he is very keen. He has his hands full by being a batsman, keeper and then the captain," he added.
Kings XI will miss the cheers from the home-based fans in Mohali during the tournament, a sentiment Kumble echoed and acknowledged the value of his team's supporters.
"We will miss all Kings XI fans at the ground, I have been to Mohali were Kings XI have played, I have seen the passion. I am sure you will support us right through the IPL," he concluded.
IPL 2020 begins on September 19 and runs till November 10. The eight-team tournament will feature 60 matches played across Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah.
(Inputs from ANI)
