Kings’ XI Punjab co-owner Preity Zinta is pretty optimistic about her team’s chances in the IPL this season.

By Rajarshi Gupta

After getting off to a roaring start in the opening edition of the IPL two years back, the men from Punjab struggled to find their footing in South Africa in 2009.

However, their boss, Bollywood star Preity Zinta is not too distraught. She, her dimples in place, believes her squad is still the best in the business despite some injury setbacks.

"We were without seven of our top players in 2009 and that obviously hurt us after a successful first year, when we reached the semi-finals.

"Yes, we might have to deal with a few injury scares this year as well (Brett Lee and Shaun Marsh) but the domestic players have the biggest impact on the IPL.

"All teams have top of the line international players but the depth of local talent in your team puts you in a different league altogether."

The actress is confident Sri Lankan skipper Kumar Sangakkara's appointment as captain instead of Yuvraj Singh will pay rich dividends.

"Sanga is wise beyond his young years. He has done a fabulous job as captain for his national team and we are sure he will help our team reach the next level."

What about Yuvraj's local fan base? Was it a good business decision?

"The decision was solely on cricketing needs. Some other teams have international skippers too and that has not affected their fan base. It's not about any individual, it's about the team.

"Yuvi has been and will continue to be one of our most important players. We are confident of a good show. A change in captaincy should not be a factor for the boys."

There is optimism in Zinta's smile as it is in Sang's gait. How much of that translates into a path-breaking year for the team remains to be seen.