IPL scheduling just after WC not an issue: Gilchrist

Sabi Hussain

New Delhi, Feb 6 (PTI) The Indian Premier League (IPL)starts just six days after the World Cup but Kings XI Punjabcaptain Adam Gilchrist has no complaints and feels thescheduling will only help the foreign players betteracclimatise with Indian conditions.

"IPL starts right on the back of the cricket World Cup.

But I don''t think there is an issue with the scheduling. Manyinternational players who are participating in the IPL wouldbe involved in the World Cup. They will be playing in Indiaand will be well acclimatised with the conditions aheadof the T20 tournament," said Gilchrist.

"IPL has got a shorter format and I believe franchiseswill give some time to players to relax. But as I said theywill come to know about the Indian conditions," said theskipper, who was bought by the Punjab outfit for USD 900,000on the first day of the auction held in Bangalore last month.

Apart from Gilchrist, Kings XI have got another stumperin Dinesh Karthik but the Australian hinted that he would keepwickets in the forthcoming Twenty20 league.

"It''s all about team management''s decision and may bethey would like to benefit from his fielding services. Dineshis a very good wicketkeeper and at the same time his battingis also solid. He is an asset to the team. Another thing isDinesh is an excellent fielder and we hope to benefit from hisfielding services.

"But as of now there are no plans that who will keep thewickets," said Gilchrist, who led Deccan Chargers to thetrophy in IPL 2.

Gilchrist, a veteran of 96 Tests and 287 ODIs, said he islooking ahead to sharing the dressing room with formerteammate and current KXI coach Michael Bevan, who wasappointed to the post four days before the players auction.

"To me working with Darren Lehman (coach of DeccanChargers) was a great experience. He is a wonderful man. Bevanis also a wonderful person. He is a very good judge and takesresult-oriented cricketing decisions. He has got greatcricketing mind. I am looking ahead to work with him," saidthe 39-year-old player.

Gilchrist has played alongside Bevan in the 1999 and 2003World Cup winning sides.

Former Australia vice-captain Gilchrist, who retired fromall forms of cricket in 2008, said he is enjoying his stintwith the IPL.

"Given the amount of cricket played these days, I am okwith the two months scheduling of the IPL. Last three editionsof the IPL, I enjoyed very much. I am enjoying my time outhere," he said.