Like most players, Nair has spent the last few months at home, waiting for a chance to play. And now that the opportunity has arrived, the batsman aims at proving his mettle as a T20 batsman and contribute towards KXIP lifting their maiden IPL title.
“Very motivated,” Nair informed of his plans ahead of the IPL 2020 in an exclusive chat with Hindustan Times. “It’s again a new season so I’m glad that all of us are getting an opportunity to play first of all. We need to thank BCCI and the governments who have been working hard to make this happen. Also, very happy to meet all the boys after so long and then having this opportunity to come here in UAE and play. Really excited to get started and hopefully I’m able to win some games for the team.”
KXIP had their first practice session last Wednesday, and while Nair was nowhere to be seen in the video clip uploaded on the franchise’s Twitter handle, the team seemed excited and in good spirits. “We’ve had a good time in the last 10 days. Adjusting to the new conditions that have been laid out by the BCCI. We have about 20 days to go now and prepare ourselves in the biggest tournament in the world,” he said.
Besides roping in Anil Kumble as the franchise’s head coach last November, KXIP have strengthened the unit, bringing in Andy Flower as his assistant, Jonty Rhodes as fielding coach and Wasim Jaffer overlooking the batting. By the look of things, all three have been actively involved in the supervision of the players. Although it’s still early days, Nair says the players have benefitted by picking the brains of all these legends.
“It’s been a few days, a few sessions. It’s inspiring to work with such legends of the game. All are legends and continue to bring the best out of us. It’s going to be an exciting season where I can learn a lot from all these wonderful coaches and improve skills,” Nair added.
