Kings XI Punjab, led by David Miller, open their Vivo IPL 2016 campaign with a home fixture against debutants Gujarat Lions at the IS Bindra Stadium in Mohali on Monday. The hard-hitting Miller, who was appointed captain of the franchise from Punjab ahead of the ninth season of the T20 tournament, is excited about his new role in the side. Miller, who has won KXIP quite a few games over the years with his bat - sometimes as an anchor and on other occasions with blistering knocks - will now be at the helm of the affairs in the middle. “There are always a lot of pressures in the game we play. There are challenges that go up and down. But for me it is something to add to my game that I looking forward to. It’s not going to be an easy task but I will take it one game at a time. I am looking forward to what lies ahead. There are so many great players that I can rub my shoulders with, seek advice from when I do need and also have the opportunity to lead some younger guys. So I really looking forward to that,” he said while speaking about his new role. Speaking about the first game that takes place on April 11, Miller said, “We are looking forward to it. We have had enough time to prepare now. We had a few days to settle in which has been nice. We are going through a few things with the team and just getting along together.” Discussing the Suresh Raina-led opposition, Miller said, “We are going to go into tomorrow’s game making sure whatever responsibility we have as bowlers, batters and fielders, we are doing it to our best. We aren’t going to look too much at their threats because in every team there are big players and dangerous players. So the biggest thing for us is just to have eyes on each other and make sure that we do the skills and basics and enjoy T20 cricket. We (have to) make sure our execution is really good, spot on. We are thinking of being proactive in certain areas and making sure we sort out our own games before looking at the opposition because you can get wrapped up in bowling to Suresh Raina or facing Dale Steyn and stuff like that. It’s about just making sure we are doing our process internally and making sure that you tick all the boxes individually.”

While the Gujarat Lions have some in-form international and domestic players, Kings XI too have a strong line-up – the captain David Miller himself, Glenn Maxwell, Murali Vijay, Wriddhiman Saha, Mitchell Johnson, to name a few. Speaking about Johnson, who has run through some mighty line-ups during his career, Miller said that the Australian fast bowler is raring to go. “The fire is definitely there and the pace is there as well. We will see what happens tomorrow but I don’t see why he is not going to do well. He is bowling very quick, he is looking very refreshed and strong as well. He has been training really well for the last couple of weeks. So I am looking forward to what he brings to the team. He is a great asset to the team. He has played so many international games in his career. He has so much to add to the younger guys and to myself as well. He is swinging the ball as well and there have been a few swollen toes in the nets.” While the team is prepared to take the field they are being guided by the former India batsman, Virender Sehwag, who is wearing the mentor’s hat this season. Talking about the once destructive batsman’s role, Miller said, “Mentor, that is what he is exactly going to do. Viru bhai is very simple in what he does. He has been a legend for so many years and I think what I am getting out of it is because he has kept things really simple. He is very clear in what he wants and it’s good to have someone like that just to add the experience and listen to someone that’s actually been there and done that. It’s great to have someone like him with all his class and his experience in the squad.” As they kick start their campaign in Mohali in pursuit of the coveted trophy, KXIP will be hoping to get off to a winning start at home. The Miller-led team has 14 games to make it to the playoffs as they as they continue their hunt for their maiden IPL title.