Fielding coach Jonty Rhodes said sharpening the skills once again won't be that much of an issue for Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) players ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020 in UAE, but regaining that "match mindset" will take its own time.

Stressing on that, Rhodes, the former South Africa batsman, is of the view that a few practise matches could really come in handy. 

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Since the end of their quarantine period, all teams barring Chennai Super Kings (CSK), who had to extend their isolation due to sudden news of COVID-19 positive cases in the camp, have had at least a week of training sessions. 

But there is no substitute for getting a feel of actual game scenarios before the tournament, starting September 19. 

“I think from a skills point of view, batting wise, all the boys have their skills back, they are playing ramp shots in the nets and playing shots all around the ground, which is interesting because they could not practice much during lockdown,” Rhodes told PTI. 

“You tend to pick up the skills quickly but it is the match practice or the lack of it that will take a while to get used to. Playing in the nets is one thing, if you can get the match mindset, especially in a tournament like the IPL, it is very important."

“We are tying to arrange one or two practice games just because of this reason (for match mindset). The skills have come back quickly. The balls are just flying out of the ground and it is good to see the bowlers hitting the right areas."

Rhodes, who was part of the Mumbai Indians (MI) coaching staff for nine seasons, thinks given most of the players decided against travelling with their families and are required to follow strict bio-security regulations through the best part of next two months, it is important for their teams to also provide them mental support off the field. 

“Cricket in India is a very special thing. I have seen it during the IPL, it is a lot about families and friends who are back in the hotel room, having dinner at midnight and things like that."

“But these are professional cricketers. So, I think the toughest part is not the bio-bubble, the toughest part has been not being able to play and players have come through that and are prepared (for living in bio-bubble)."

“Things might change when they have an up and down performance during the tournament and that is where the coaches have the responsibility of making sure the players are feeling good because they won’t have the family back-up this time."

"Especially the ones who are not doing well or are on the bench. We as a team have to provide that family support."

Fielding being his area of expertise among the on-field issues, Rhodes said Kings XI players have been wonderful to work with so far. 

“I have been trying to reiterate that if I am looking at a fielder, I am watching his feet and not his hands. If you can’t get to the ball, even the best hands in the world are not (useful)."

“The guys have not been catching cricket balls (due to the break) so their hands are soft, so a lot of tennis ball practice and lateral movement. I have been impressed with almost all of them. Mandeep (Singh) is a great fielder."

“Even seniors like Mohammad Shami have been impressive from day one," he concluded.