The Rajasthan Royals, who have often been referred to as ‘underdogs’ and are often seen punching above their weights, will this time around sport a star-studded line-up, including players from the 2015 ICC World Cup winning team. Leading the way will be captain Shane Watson, besides James Faulkner and Steven Smith. One of their key batsmen, Ajinkya Rahane has also earned immense respect on the international circuit. Amongst others, they have Tim Southee, who featured in the New Zealand side that finished runner-up in World Cup 2015. In his interaction with the media ahead of the Pepsi Indian Premier League 2015, the RR captain was asked if the rise in expectations from his team added to the pressure. “I don’t think it adds more pressure. I think it’s just very exciting. In the squad that we have got this IPL season, we have match-winners all the way, more than in the past. We have world-class match-winners as well,” he explained. “The most important thing in the IPL is to get off to a good start and we know we have to hit the ground running. But we know we have the players capable of doing that.” The RR captain explained that the team was bustling with energy and all geared for the season. “We have players from the team that won the World Cup here. After enjoying the week that we spent at home celebrating (the success in the World Cup), we are all ready and fresh to go at the IPL,” he mentioned. Speaking about the team’s line-up, mentor Rahul Dravid said, “We have a good team. It is well balanced. We have batsmen batting as low as No. 7 and 8. We have all-rounders in the line-up like James Faulkner, Shane Watson. We also have Dhawal Kulkarni in the team. So we have a balanced team but at the same time I will say that all eight teams are good. There are one or two areas that all can improve on or are critical areas, but all teams are good. But even if you have a good team you have to play well as well. They are high-pressure, high-intensity games and the team that does well in those close situations wins more matches in this tournament. We are very happy with our team but we do know that whoever we play against will also be a good team.” When asked about the team’s batting order, Watson maintained the team’s plans close to his chest. “It’s something I will sit and talk with everyone, the coaching staff and the group and do what works well for us. I have my own thoughts and (I would like to) let the other guys share theirs as well. We will try and get the best results. We are incredibly lucky to have some of the best batsmen in our squad.” RR will be playing their home matches in Ahmedabad and Mumbai (Brabourne Stadium) unlike previous years where the Sawai Mansingh Stadium was their fortress. Speaking about it, Dravid said, “We are playing in Ahmedabad and Mumbai which is home now. Obviously, we miss (playing in Jaipur). At a certain level Jaipur was a place where we did very well and it was a ground we were very familiar with. I think the fact that we played in Ahmedabad last year should really help us. Last year a lot of us went in to Ahmedabad quite cold. Part of the tournament was played in UAE as well. So it felt like we were playing all the 14 games away from home.” “This year it’s a bit different. We have had a small camp in Ahmedabad; we have been there last year. We are more used to the conditions there and at the CCI as well. It (Brabourne Stadium) is a terrific ground to play cricket. It’s a great venue and we are looking forward to playing here,” he said speaking about the preparations. Ajinkya Rahane, who has played cricket at the CCI during his formative years said, “I have played here (at the CCI). I have idea of conditions but at the start of the match, everyone begins from zero. But I will do what I always do and play according to the situation,” he explained that his familiarity of the venue didn’t count for too much of an advantage. The captain sounded very excited and optimistic about Rahane’s form. “Ajinkya batted extremely well during the summer in Australia. Like every player, as you go ahead you become a better player, a more experienced player. Even though we played against each other during the Test series and ODIs, it was very exciting

(to watch him bat). Batting as incredibly as he is at this moment, it is (going to be) incredible to watch (yet again). He has got so much time and has got such a range of shots – even in Australian conditions where there was bounce. I am very excited about Ajinkya and how he is going to perform in this IPL because he is a crucial batsman in our batting line-up so. It should be a great season for him.” Like most teams RR will be looking forward to getting off to a winning start. Speaking about the team’s readiness to do so, Dravid said, “We are lucky in the sense that we have retained most of our core and key players. It’s not the first year that they are coming into the franchise. They are coming in here having spent at least a season and some even more. So they are familiar with the coaching system. We haven’t really changed our system or coaching staff. The management is the same, so there is familiarity. I don’t think it should take long to get into the groove and get settled in. In fact that’s why we encouraged our players to come in a bit later (and refreshed).” A few of the players will have to make quick adjustments to the conditions and formats after playing other tournaments coming into the IPL. Speaking about the transition from 50-over to T20, Steven Smith said, “I don’t think it will be all that difficult. It is part and parcel of the game. You go from one format to the next and the next so often. I think all the boys are used to it. And for us the way Jimmy (Faulkner), Watson and even Jinks (Ajinkya) played in Australia over a period of time, it is just about getting used to the conditions here again quickly and we will do that over the next couple of days and be ready to go for the first game.” “Adapting to the wicket is the main thing, hope it doesn’t take too long,” he added later. While interacting with the media, Dravid and his wards expressed their enthusiasm and excitement as they look forward to re-claiming the trophy. “IPL is a truly exciting tournament. It’s a tournament that everyone looks forward to playing irrespective of nationality. People are excited to come here and play. It is an exciting brand of cricket, great intensity. Even when they come off long tournaments, you will see the passion and commitment,” Dravid said about the tournament.