Mitchell Johnson may not play for KXIP in CLT20 2014

[JUGRAJ SINGH]

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Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) pace spearhead, Mitchell Johnson, who is recovering from an injury, is yet to receive clearance from Cricket Australia to take part in the Champions League T20, 2014 (CLT20).

When asked about the injury, KXIP chief coach Sanjay Bangar said: "As of now, we are still waiting for clearance from Cricket Australia. We cannot really take a call as of now as we are still waiting for his clearance."

Bangar said KXIP will be able to cope with Johnson's absence in case he does not get the clearance. "Whether he is available or not, we still have a group of individuals who are capable of executing the role that is being given to them. It will be good if he is available, but we are ready to cope with the eventuality of his non-availablity."

About Virender Sehwag's role, Bangar said it would not be any different from the Indian Premier League (IPL). "He plays cricket the way only he can play. We have given him a lot of freedom even in the past season and this season is going to be no different. Obviously, he has been giving us a good start."

Bangar also said playing IPL is beneficial for the young players as they can gain from the professionals who play at the highest level. "Words of wisdom from these players certainly do help the younger players and they benefit from their knowledge," he said.

Runners-up in this year's IPL, KXIP are looking forward to the CLT20 challenge with skipper George Bailey mentioning that the side is focused and well prepared for the games ahead.

When asked if the CLT20 tournament would be a fresh start for the team after it put up its best ever performance in the IPL by reaching the finals in the 2014 edition, Bailey, said, "It is a new start, we take the good things out of IPL, what we learnt as a team and hopefully how much we grew, but I think we focus on the games ahead, it is very much a fresh start."

KXIP will be hoping to break the jinx of not winning a single title so far and Bailey said, "It was a good IPL, but it wasn't the IPL that we wanted (not winning the title), so there's still a plenty of room for improvement."

While mentioning that he was in good form, Bailey said he was looking forward to the games in Mohali before the home crowd.

"The form is nice, I am feeling good, had some runs in the practice the other day. It is nice to be settled in one place and we get good support from the crowds. That makes a big difference, it gives you a good feeling as a playing group."
 
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