For a number of reasons, including his cost, his position at bat, and most importantly, his captaincy, Rishabh Pant has been the buzz of the IPL. Mitchell Marsh (33), who has played in more over 200 international matches in a variety of formats, has praised Pant’s leadership.
“He is a good leader,” adds the Australian all-rounder, who has also played for the Delhi Capitals under Pant.
“Look, he’s still quite young and I think he’s really developing into a role, but he is a terrific leader. Indeed, his condition is improving steadily. Marsh, a former captain of his country’s national team, is presently in Mumbai with the Lucknow Super Giants and responded to a few questions before their game against the Mumbai Indians. “I’m looking forward to hopefully playing under him for a while,” Marsh said.
Although Marsh has amassed 344 runs at a remarkable average of 43 in eight games, the team management has only used him as an Impact Player and he has only contributed as a hitter thus far, particularly as an opener. But according to Marsh, he might also help with the ball.
“Going only as a batter is definitely a different experience. Marsh says, “I feel like a baseball player.” “I’ve had a great time. And sure, I’m willing to play whenever they need me on the pitch or when my bowling returns. Thus, the dream will come to an end. In the IPL, Marsh has taken 37 wickets at an economy rate of 8.52 and an average of 21.49. In fact, during his nine IPL seasons, he has bowled more than 90 overs in 50 games. In those 204 games, he has also claimed 125 international wickets.
Before joining LSG this season, Marsh played for six different teams across nine IPL seasons: the Deccan Chargers, Pune Warriors, Rising Pune Supergiant, Sunrisers Hyderabad, and Delhi Capitals. He claims to be liking the ambiance at the franchise, which is owned by Sanjiv Goenka.
“So far, I think I’ve really enjoyed it. I just try to help out where I can on this new team with these new folks. And it’s clear that we’re in a good position right now—sixth place with 10 points from nine games. It’s a really tough and even competition. Although we know we need a few more victories to make a serious run for the semifinals (playoffs), every game is difficult to win.
“Every time you play for a different team, you meet new people and have fresh experiences. The team is managed in a unique way. However, this is a very close-knit group of people, and we have some amazing people here, which is more important to me than cricket. So, yes, it has been a true pleasure to be involved, and I hope we can continue to win.”
Additionally, he believes that playing in the IPL is similar to playing international cricket because both include a variety of challenges due to the various playing circumstances. “I believe that playing international cricket is always difficult and something we go through. You constantly play under different situations, in different places, and on different wickets. Thus, it’s simply about being as prepared as you can be, adapting to the circumstances, and helping to win,” he concludes.