Head Coach James Foster believes that the Desert Vipers strategy for season four of the DP World ILT20 has all the ingredients to build a successful campaign.
Speaking to the Vipers Voices podcast, Foster said that although the complete squad will only be announced following October’s inaugural auction for the tournament, he was optimistic about the existing strategy and preparations.
He said: “I am confident in our franchise and our team, given our considerable success over the first three seasons. Yes we did not get over the line (in season three, losing in the final to the Dubai Capitals), but I believe that if we keep doing the simple things well with the type of cricketers that we currently have and the type of cricketers that I believe we will get (via the auction), and the style of players that we will be looking to go for in the auction, we will have a formidable side.
“In theory, we will have all the ingredients to go and play really well this campaign. We have got every confidence in the players that we will have because – it is not just about numbers for us, it is also the personality and what they are going to bring to the group and what they will add to the environment. And that is an important part.
“Tanish Suri is a very exciting young player. He has got a lot of skill. He is very determined, wants to grow and wants to get better”
“So with our planning, we believe we will acquire those types of players and characters who are going to give us a great chance to be successful this season.”
The Desert Vipers will open the DP World ILT20 season four against defending champions Dubai Capitals on December 2. Unlike last season, all their group matches are evening games, and they will have two sets of back-to-back fixtures.
Head Coach James Foster is unconcerned about any negative impact from this schedule: “It is always nice not to have back-to-back games, because of the little bit of travel involved and the late finishes. But it is par for the course. We have had it in the past. Players have it in other leagues as well. So, it is quite normal. It will not shock people. And that is the schedule that we have, and we will be planning accordingly.”
Speaking about the impact on players of playing during Christmas time and the holiday season, Foster added he expected it to be very enjoyable: “We really believe in creating a positive environment for the team.
“It gives players a great opportunity to spend time with their families during playing one of the best competitions around the world. To have family around during Christmas is gold dust. But it is also an opportunity for us as a team to bond that little bit closer.”
Looking back at the Desert Vipers’ performance in the ILT20 Development Tournament Foster said he, along with Director of Cricket Tom Moody and team CEO Phil Oliver, had watched the competition closely via the streaming service. He was especially impressed with the team’s only retained UAE player Khuzaima Bin Tanveer as well as wicketkeeper-batter Tanish Suri, who led the side.
Foster told Vipers Voices: “I was delighted with how the team operated in really tough conditions. I think one of the standout things was not just the way that we played as a development side but also the fact that the quality of the cricket on show in the UAE was of the highest class.
“Also bear in mind the UAE national team were playing at the time (because of a Twenty20 International tri-series with Afghanistan and Pakistan). So there were fifteen or sixteen of their best players in theory, not there. So that is really a good sign for UAE cricket.
“We were super impressed with the way that Khuzaima Bin Tanveer drove the standards. As a quality player, and someone who knows he is going to come back into ILT20 team with the Desert Vipers, a show of character was key.
“It would have been easy potentially for him to go ‘I am just going to sit back and just chill and just go through the motions.’ But he drove it, which is a great sign for us and a great sign for Khuzaima. I mean, what a player he is.
“Tanish Suri is also a very exciting young player. He has got a lot of skill. He is very determined, wants to grow and wants to get better. And it was a really nice opportunity for him, not just to showcase his skills, but also his leadership within the Development Tournament.
“You forget that he is so young. And he is eager, he is hungry, he wants to grow, wants to learn, which are some great attributes to have.”
