Oman\u2019s preparation for the Asia Cup has seen them host training sessions in Abu Dhabi and play two games against Hong Kong, both of which they won. \u201cFor us, it's a historic moment to play the Asia Cup for the very first time. It is great to share the field with the Asian giants and just test ourselves and see where we stand in the world of cricket.\u201d <\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cSo, it is an honour and blessing to play the Asia Cup. Personally, the tournament itself has a huge value for us in our careers because as we started playing cricket, we always dreamt of playing against these big giants in cricketing world,\u201d said Jatinder in a select virtual group interaction organised by Sportcell.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Placed in Group A, Oman will face Pakistan in Dubai on September 12 before taking on the UAE on September 15 and India on September 19 in Abu Dhabi. Right-arm medium pacer Sufyan Mehmood believes Oman have it in them to ensure they won\u2019t be easily brushed away by both India and Pakistan.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cEvery moment in this match will be historical for us. In terms of preparation, when you go to such matches, you have to be fearless because you have nothing to lose. To showcase your talent, you have to remove the fear factor. Hopefully, we can give both the sides a tough time.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cHopefully, it won't be an easy cakewalk for them. You never know, if you play good cricket, and the way we are playing right now, I am really positive that we can upset one of the sides. I think it's a huge statement. But yes, I think if we keep playing well, we can create an impact in this tournament. So, we are positive about it,\u201d he said.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Both Jatinder and Sufyan have seen Oman rise from a little-known team to a side which has played T20 World Cups and is now set to play an Asia Cup for the first time. With many Indian-origin players in the Oman team, it's understandable that the clash against the Suryakumar Yadav-led side will be a game which will serve crucial learnings for them.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cIn fact, we had a practice 2-3 days ago, where I met Abhishek paaji, Tilak paaji, Arshdeep paaji, Shubman Gill paaji. So, I know Abhishek and Tilak bhai ji very well. Really excited and looking forward to it.\u201d <\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cShubman and Abhishek are top-order batters. Obviously, in top-order, the style of playing is different compared to the middle-order. So, I would definitely be looking forward to have a chat with these guys and understand their game, mindset, how they prepare, and execute their plans,\u201d added Jatinder.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Asked on the impact of deputy head coach Sulakshan Kulkarni in the Oman set-up, Jatinder said, \u201cOur training regime has changed a lot since he joined. It is more of match scenarios now and we are playing more of situational cricket. We are backing each other and do more of fielding, bowling, and batting, which is very much close to the requirements of being match-ready.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cSo, we are training as per the requirements in the game and that training pattern Sulakshan sir has brought into the system. So, boys are really benefiting out of it. We have played two matches from Hong Kong, which went very well as we won both games and that was part of the preparation.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Sufyan, too, echoed the same optimistic vibes coming from Kulkarni\u2019s arrival in the setup. \u201cI would like to add one more thing - the winning mindset is the biggest thing that we got from him. He says that whatever tournament and match we play, we have to keep ourselves at our top gear. So, that mindset has always been there, but the way he prepares us for that thing, he tells us about it again and again.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cThe way we are working in nets for that, it\u2019s very different. As Jatinder said, the training pattern has changed a little. So, that has given the boys more confidence in their skills and that is one thing that has made a big difference to the players.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cI am sure he is going to bring a lot of things with which we can improve ourselves. For now, I would say that the mindset, he has revised it in our minds. So, we are training accordingly and preparing ourselves as per that, which has helped us a lot,\u201d he elaborated.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cThe way we are working in nets for that, it\u2019s very different. As Jatinder said, the training pattern has changed a little. So, that has given the boys more confidence in their skills and that is one thing that has made a big difference to the players.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Sufyan, too, said in the same vein. \u201cThis is the time where you have to help each other and stay together, and keep yourself strong because this will also pass. Hopefully, things will get alright.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n