Patience pays for Moeen Ali

BENGALURU: Until May 7, English all-rounder Moeen Ali showcased his football skills during warm-up sessions more than his cricketing acumen. It was on that day - almost six weeks after he landed here for IPL - that he got a look in for an away match against Sunrisers Hyderabad. As he sat out nine matches he spent his time away from the action well. For he had come to India with a plan: to become a better player.
Gary Kirsten, the franchise's batting coach and mentor had pointed to the work ethic and attitude of the 30-year-old early in the season."I always say to players, come here and make sure that even if you are not playing, you go away a better cricketer. They have to be motivated to want to do it. Some players are good, others aren't. Some want to learn and grow. Take someone like Moeen Ali. I can see what his goal is. Whether he plays or not, he wants to make sure he goes away from here a better cricketer. I love that attitude," the South African told TOI recently.
The 30-year-old Ali complemented AB de Villiers with his crucial 34-ball-65 during RCB's win against Sunrisers Hyderabad on Thursday night and later said Kirsten and Trent Woodhill, the batting talent development coach, have shaped his skills. "Gary and Trent have worked the most with my batting. I have been trying to hit more balls and be consistent in hitting the boundaries. I have worked on my game. In future, for RCB and for England, hopefully it will help me become a better one-day player."
Coming to India after a lacklustre series in New Zealand, Ali felt the knock, which helped Virat Kohli and his men keep their playoff hopes alive, was a crucial for him as well. "I feel like I have been playing well in the nets and practice. It was almost nice to have a break (from playing when dropped). I wasn't in great form coming here. It is just nice to go out and express myself in the last (home) game. Hopefully we can keep going and I can keep this form going as well."
For a team which has leaned heavily on skipper Virat Kohli and AB de Villiers for big scores, other players, especially the foreigners like Colin Grandhomme, Tim Southee and now Ali, have contributed well to the team's fortunes and guided it to three back-to-back wins.
Said Ali: "We are going to have to contribute for us to go further and potentially get through. You can't always rely on two amazing players. They will do their bit but we will also have to chip in in games and win games for the team as well."