ICC T20 WORLD CUP 2022

October 17, 2022

Robin Singh

Kardinia Park

UAE

Pre Match Media Conference

Q. Obviously, at this point in night last night, what are you going to say to players? How can you raise them before a big game tomorrow? How can you raise the team ahead of tomorrow's game?

ROBIN SINGH: Yeah, I think we don't really have a choice. These are games that we look forward to playing. It's the first time we're playing Sri Lanka probably after a long time.

I think in these tournaments you have to see the opportunity. Of course, UAE has played in World Cups before, but I think this is a fresh tournament, different conditions, different positions, different environments. It's one of those games where we need to win, just like Sri Lanka.

I think we have to understand that it's just another game. They have been beaten by Namibia, and they can be beaten.

Q. In terms of the batting, what was the sort of slowness and the disappointing batting, what was it down to? Was it nerves? Was it just bowling? Was it wicket or what?

ROBIN SINGH: I think it's a combination of many things. I think we have collapsed quite a lot in the recent past. We really didn't get a great start.

We were in a solid position that we wanted to be after 10-overs, and we were actually looking at a 140 score. That was probably a target to get, considering that I think we placed ourselves in a good position to actually get there.

Unfortunately, I think the guys in there didn't really step up. We had enough wickets in the end to do that, and unfortunately, it didn't happen.

If you look at the previous games as well, it's not that easy to come in there and just hit top-class bowling. It happened to Sri Lanka. It happened to the Holland team as well. The moment you bowl well, it's quite difficult to get to actually plan.

You have to remember that most of the teams are playing on these tracks for the first time. Nobody knows what to expect, what not to expect.

I think the dew factor was a little bit in their favor because there was a lot of dew in the end for them. Unfortunately, it sort of restricted our bowling a little bit.

Q. Just, obviously, Sri Lanka lost yesterday against a team that you have had a lot of cricket against. Does that give you encouragement or perhaps not encouragement but perhaps areas where you think you can attack them?

ROBIN SINGH: Yeah, of course. Any opposition that we play, you will try to attack their we can weaknesses or whatever.

At the end of today it's not just about them losing the game. I think for us it's about us going and playing a really good game of cricket. We have to play a solid game of cricket to beat Sri Lanka. They're a top side who just won Asia Cup.

But saying that they're -- they're in a situation where probably they're expected to win. In our case we are expected to go out there and give them a fight, but for us it's about winning as well.

Q. Just first time I've had a chance to ask you this, but obviously a few months ago you made a big decision to change Ahmed as captain and bring in CP. Can you explain the reasoning behind that?

ROBIN SINGH: I think we first need to see who can make the team. So I don't think this is the right forum for that in my opinion.

Saying that, I think it's important to understand that when we change a captain, we change for a reason, and it's a bold decision that has been taken. We wanted someone who we think can actually be starting a starter in the game.

Q. How challenging is Sri Lanka for tomorrow's game?

ROBIN SINGH: Sri Lanka is a top side. As you know, they play a brand of cricket that is suited to this format. We've seen that in Asia Cup. They are a team that's quite an exciting team.

If you look at the last World Cup, they were actually a team that was growing in stature, and they proved that in Asia Cup as well.

These are conditions that sort of gives everyone a chance in my opinion, and anyone who can do well, and you can have an exceptional day as a bowler or batsman on these tracks. I think you have an equal chance to beat them.

We have to go into the game thinking we can win the game. There's no reason point in giving it to a Sri Lankan team that's a Test-playing nation. They are also in the same boat.

Q. Any plan for Hasaranga and Teekshana?

ROBIN SINGH: Yeah, we have a few plans. I know most of the bowlers pretty well because they have played in IPL. I've have been involved with some of them. Some of our players have played against them and with them.

I think most of the players have a fairly good idea of what they can do. It's not about what you can do. I think it's about executing on the day.