Trust the Spiceman to have an instant impact. Playing his first game of the season, he was impressive with his measured knock at the top of the order. Here he is, speaking at the post-match press conference. Excerpts.. 

On making it to the first Qualifier 

Any team in that position would be pumped and raring to go. Everything has been great. Everyone has been gelling really well. As we say, this is the MIE Family. Every single person feels at home and it is for us to continue that momentum. The job isn’t done yet. We just want to make sure we get into the final and lift that trophy. 

Impact of MIE’s spinners

They have been really good. It is something that we talk about a lot in team meetings. I believe what’s working for them is that they aren’t trying anything. They give the wicket time to do what it can do. It’s about them putting balls in the right areas. Once they do that, we know how deadly they can be. 

On wining five games in a row 

I don’t want to think too far ahead, but our performance has been great. It is just about taking one game at a time. We have the first Qualifier. I would love for us to play just two games, the Qualifier and the Final. Just want to continue doing the basics as long as possible. As long as we back our abilities, I don’t see any team beating us. 

Thoughts on his own batting 

The wicket is pretty good. The ball was coming on nicely for the fast bowlers. Once you give yourself time to apply, the runs are there. We know for a  fact that the ball does a bit for the first three overs, and then it gets a bit easier. As a batter, it is just about trying to maneuver the first two-three overs, and hopefully I can carry on and give a good start to my team.