IPL 2016: Rajat Bhatia opens up about MS Dhoni's captaincy and Pune's injury woes
Despite managing only two wins from eight matches, the mood in the Rising Pune Supergiants camp is still upbeat. According to all-rounder Rajat Bhatia, the management feels that the replacements for the injured personnel could help turn their fortunes around.
Indian Express reported the 36-year old speaking on Dhoni’s ability to weather chaos and the chances of rejuvenation for his team. Bhatia also revealed that he wanted to imbibe his skipper’s temperament.
He affirmed, “Nobody knows what is going on in his mind. His thinking is completely different. He is unbelievable. Even when you are expecting that he will be angry, he does not get angry. That’s what I am learning from him. How to stay calm.“
The seasoned leader is having a torrid time due to the plethora of injuries in the Pune camp. Following Faf du Plessis and Kevin Pietersen's departure, Mitchell Marsh and Steve Smith followed suit due to fitness issues.
With the core of the overseas contingent ruled out for the remainder of the season, things are not looking too bright for the Supergiants. However, Bhatia hoped that the reinforcements might get the team back on track.
The medium pacer asserted, “You never know. Some teams who are winning might lose and teams that are losing may win. You can’t judge any team at this stage of the tournament. In T20 cricket, it can change any time. It’s all about momentum.”
The Australian duo of Usman Khawaja and George Bailey will take the place of the injured stars in the newly-formed franchise. While Khawaja is arriving on the back of sublime form at the top of the order, Bailey can add experience to the batting lineup.
Bhatia believed, “We now have Usman Khawaja and George Bailey in the side, coming in as replacements. Hope it works now. Injuries are unavoidable. We can only do our best. It’s a big squad and everybody gets opportunity. Let’s hope for the best. There is no strategy. When you win people say, the strategy has worked. But it is about momentum.“
The right-armer will return to his home ground in Feroz Shah Kotla for Pune’s upcoming clash against Delhi Daredevils. On his familiarity with the conditions, he jested, “You can just share your views, which I am going to do. Wickets and Associations keep changing in Delhi.“