Shaun Marsh is the only player to have been with Kings XI Punjab since the inception of the Indian Premier League in 2008. Speaking about his relationship with the franchise from Mohali, the top-order batsman said, “It has been an amazing journey really to be able to play for one franchise (throughout). It is my ninth year now and it is something I am very proud of. I have got a great relationship with the Kings XI franchise and I am really proud to be here and be a Kings XI player the whole time.”

As Kings XI Punjab begin their Vivo IPL 2016 campaign in pursuit of their maiden title, Marsh reflects on the past when the team came close to winning the title, and the 2015 season when they finished at the bottom of the points table. “There have been ups and downs. Last year we came last and the year before that (2014) we reached the final. We have got a really good squad (this season) and the boys are feeling confident. We are looking forward to this season,” he told iplt20.com.

As a senior player in the David Miller-led team, the Australian batsman will have a vital role to play. With a line-up of some young and some explosive batsmen, Marsh’s contribution would go beyond anchoring the innings with the bat. “I am looking forward to getting out there and helping the boys. I have played a lot of T20 cricket now. There are a lot of younger guys coming through and they have a calming influence out there which is good.”

Speaking about his approach and role while batting, the batsman said, “It depends on what the situation is when you are out there in the middle. (Generally) With your partner you try and build a partnership which is the key in T20. Building partnerships early on puts pressure on the opposition when they bowl. Being a top-order batsman it is important to get the team off to a good start and try and minimise (the fall of) wickets in the first six overs. Thereafter, you try to set the team up for the backend of the innings.”

Discussing the evolution of batting in Twenty20 cricket, he said, “It hasn’t changed so much. I have pretty much the same game plan. I try and keep things simple out there and play good cricketing shots and try and adjust to situations out in the middle. T20 is about being calm out there, not panicking too much and just assessing the conditions really quickly.”

“The game has obviously changed from when we first started. The batsmen have got better and I think bowlers have a got a lot better. They have worked their game out over four or five years and come out with lot of different deliveries to try and combat the batsmen. It has been fantastic to be part of it and we look forward to the tournament starting for us,” he added.

While he has grown with the game and with KXIP, Marsh has played under and alongside some of the best players to have played the game, namely Adam Gilchrist, David Hussey and Virender Sehwag in the team. Speaking about their influence, he said, “I have been really lucky to play under some really good players. Playing under Gilly (Gilchrist) was fantastic! He was one of the best captains that I have played under.

Playing with Viru (Sehwag) for the last couple of years, one of the best players to ever play the game and to be able pick his brain and learn from him was fantastic. There are some good players that have led this team and I am fortunate to have been able to play with them.”

Asked what he has learnt from watching and interacting with Sehwag, who is now the mentor of the team, Marsh said, “He has got a wealth of experience. He has been a world-class player for a number of years. So to be able to talk to him about batting and understand how he thinks about the game and what worked for him in his career has been invaluable advise. I consider myself lucky to have someone like him around the group and helping us out.”

Looking ahead to his team’s season opener against the Gujarat Lions, Marsh said, “We are really excited. We have got some new players coming in and David Miller is leading the side this year. They bring fresh ideas to the team and we are looking forward to getting out there on Monday night and to showcase our skills and getting off to a really good start.”