James Foster on Sherfane Rutherford and Wanindu Hasaranga being named in ICC ODI Team of the Year

This is a special episode because we’re joined by head coach James Foster to celebrate the inclusion of two Vipers players – batter Sherfane Rutherford and spin-bowling all-rounder Wanindu Hasaranga – in the ICC Men’s One-Day International Team of the Year.

"Foster said the team was aspiring for excellence and the success the team has enjoyed so far was a collective effort both on and off the field.“We have got a really good group. Our squad of players are obviously very talented, super talented, but they are also a team of individuals who give to the team. And that is the ideal scenario when coaching a group of players in a franchise team that is together for around about a month.“But with this franchise, it is not just about the players and the coaching staff. It is about the bigger picture and everything that the franchise do.“People can say, ‘Oh, you are sitting here with a microphone and you are talking about a franchise that you work for so you are bound to say some positive things.’ But it really is a brilliant franchise. They (the management) are so detailed. They are really thoughtful. It is a really slick operation.”

It’s a huge achievement by both players and a source of pride for the Vipers as both men have been part of the franchise since the start of the DP World ILT20 so everyone connected with the team has been able to follow their upward trajectories with a feeling of immense pleasure.

In addition to discussing Sherfane and Wanindu, James also talks to us about the season so far and how there’ll be no complacency despite the fact the team has won five of its first six matches of the campaign.

Incidentally, if you want tickets for any Vipers match this year then you can purchase them using the link below the podcast description for this episode or at the DP World ILT20’s own website.