{image-indian cricket league_19042008.jpg news.oneindia.in}Tiruchirapalli, Apr 19: Indian Cricket League (ICL) India XI captain R Sathish today exuded confidence that his team will play well and establish its supremacy in the ICL league matches.

Addressing a press conference here, he said he felt honoured to captain the ICL India XI and hoped that he would get a chance in the Indian cricket team in due course. To achieve this goal, he would continue to work hard, he added. He said he was happy to note that cricket was gaining popularity by the day among school students and it was the duty of the authorities concerned to select good players at the school level and train them in a proper way.

Sathish, who ICL led India XI to victory at the inaugural ICL World Series recently, came out with some useful tips that would transform the budding cricketers into professionals. ''Small things like being at the practice nets on time, having good relationships with team mates and obeying the orders of the coach will help you in the long run. These qualities matter the most when playing at higher levels,'' he said.

He urged the aspirants to set short-term goals and work hard to achieve them. ''There is no substitute to hard work. To achieve, one needs to practice relentlessly and never lose heart even if success eludes,'' he emphasised.

To a question, he said he cherished every moment of captaincy and leading the team in no way affected his game. ''Setting the field for legendary players like Inzamam-ul-Haq and Chris Cairns is a great experience. Defeating the World XI team was no mean achievement.''



UNI