Speaking about the campaign opener, head coach Ricky Ponting expressed confidence in a stronger, more evolved squad heading into the new season.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Ponting emphasised that while last season\u2019s top-of-the-table finish was encouraging, the team is approaching the new campaign with a fresh mindset.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cIt\u2019s nice to reflect on what was a great season for the franchise, but that doesn\u2019t mean anything going into a new year. It\u2019s nil-nil now for everybody. We\u2019ve got to start that all over again,\u201d he said.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The coach also pointed to improved squad depth and flexibility as a major strength this season, with multiple options available across roles.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cWe've got the players that we want in certain roles, but we've also got a back-up player for most of those players right the way down to our 25th player. I just think overall, we should be stronger,\u201d the head coach said.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
He further added, \u201cI just think there's been natural growth in a lot of our players and if we can bring the best out of them over the next two months, starting tomorrow, there's no reason why our performances can't be better than last year.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
With the season opener set to be played on a surface expected to favour batting, Ponting acknowledged the importance of adapting quickly to conditions while finalising the playing XI.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
He said, \u201cWe have got 25 players to pick from, with a nice balance of overseas players and Indian talent. First and foremost, we have to understand the conditions before we pick the team. It's just started raining now, so all the covers have gone down outside, so we haven't actually seen the playing surface for the last couple of days.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cSo hopefully before the end of the session tonight, we can have a really good look at the wicket that we're going to use tomorrow, and then we can start thinking about different combinations and impact players and what we might want to do with our line-up,\u201d he further added.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
He said, \u201cWe have got 25 players to pick from, with a nice balance of overseas players and Indian talent. First and foremost, we have to understand the conditions before we pick the team. It's just started raining now, so all the covers have gone down outside, so we haven't actually seen the playing surface for the last couple of days.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cWe need to start well tomorrow, we need to play well at our home ground, but I honestly feel that we've got a better squad than we had last year. Our younger players are more experienced now and the overseas players that we've brought in this year are better than the squad that we had last year. So overall, I'm really excited to get the season underway,\u201d he concluded.<\/p>\r\n\r\n