Wayamba Captain Jehan Mubarak spoke about his team's preparations for the Airtel Champions League T20.

The ubiquitous Jehan Mubarak, bet you never thought you'd hear that. Suddenly, Mubarak’s everywhere – from media conferences to net sessions. One of the most graceful left-handers to emerge from the island nation, the Wayamba Elevens skipper is eyeing glory at the Champions League Twenty20 tournament.

The Sri Lanka side who crashed out of the league stage last year are better prepared this time.

In an exclusive interview to clt20.com, Jehan spoke about his side’s preparation for the Twenty20 extravaganza and also declared that Mahela Jayawardene will be opening the innings for Wayamba Elevens.

On his team’s preparation

We have been training for the past three months. Although we have not had the opportunity to train as a team, some of us have been regular. Mahela [Jayawardene] and others were with the national team.  Some of the guys were with the ‘A’ team. It is just that we have got together here in South Africa. So I think the next couple of days will be important for us.

I think we are well prepared. Most of the guys in our team have played a full season of competitive cricket. A lot of my boys played in the ICC World Twenty20. So on the preparation front we are very much ready for Champions League T20.  

On the change in the tournament’s format

Yes, I think one thing which stands out is the change in the format of the game. This time we have four matches in the league stage unlike the last time where we played two – [we] won one and lost the second only to be out on Net Run Rate. So we are looking forward [to the new format] and believe that we have a fair chance.

On the ‘favourites’ and ‘underdog’ tags

There are no favourites in the Twenty20 format. We have a nice, balanced side and the format will give us a fair chance to play to our full potential.

On having former Sri Lanka skipper Mahela Jayawardene in his team

Mahela’s presence in the side is a definite boost for us. His experience lifts the confidence of the players and having a player like him is always helpful in more than one way.

Have Your Say: Here and Now