CHENNAI: Kings XI Punjab's
Shaun Marsh belongs to select band of players who have represented a single franchise in all 10 seasons of the
Indian Premier League (
IPL). The left-hander caught the attention of all in the very first edition when he led the batting charts with 616 runs from 11 outings, and has since been a vital cog in Punjab's wheel.
"There have been a lot of memories for me and it's surely been a fantastic run. It surely has been 'a home away from home' for me," Shaun told TOI, on the eve of Punjab's encounter against Royal Challengers Bangalore.
Over the years, Shaun has built a close bond with the owners, players and support staff. But, if there is one person whom Shaun can't stop raving about, it will have to be
Virender Sehwag - the team's director of cricket operations.
"I have played alongside him, against him and now I see him in a different role - but Sehwag remains the same. His approach towards his cricket and life is simple - just give your best and always back your game. Sehwag knows how to keep the team's spirits high. He is a great man-manager who allows our players the freedom to play their natural game," said Shaun.
The camaraderie the two shared was evident when Sehwag - in his inimitable style - tweeted Shaun being ruled out due to a back injury last season. "Sad to see @shaunmarsh9 ruled out and leave us due to injury. Feel like singing "Pardesi-Pardesi Jaana nahi, hame chhodke, hame chhodke," Sehwag had tweeted in 2016.
Shaun felt the Sehwag's biggest contribution to the game has been his self-belief. "As a player he always backed his game and didn't tinker with it much. That's the aspect which every player needs to imbibe," said Shaun.
Another player whom Shaun admires is
Hashim Amla. "Hashim brings a sense of calm to the dressing room and that's an important aspect of the game," said Shaun. With the business-end of the competition not far away, the 33-year-old feels Punjab has enough fuel in the tank to last the distance. "We have a well-balanced side which will definitely make a mark," he said.
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