In his column for the Hindu wrote that it was their ‘intense’ preparations in South Africa before the tournament began that helped them reduce the defending champions for 58 all out: "Let me make it clear that this is a different group and we have set out to achieve something and I daresay the result of our opening match is ample evidence of my claim... I would be the first to admit that a few things were missing last year. But this time our preparation hasn't just been intense but also spot on. Spending nearly two weeks in Johannesburg and playing as many as five practice matches - two against the local Lions and three among ourselves - gave us a good feel of the local conditions."

He also believes, that opposed to popular belief that Twenty20 cricket it a young man’s game, it was the veterans of the game that helped make it a big day for the Royal Challengers. While saying that he refers not only to his own incredible figures of 5 for 5, but to Rahul Dravid’s innings of 66 in 48 balls - which came in circumstances which weren’t exactly simple - that powered Bangalore to that spectacular victory; and to Sachin Tendulkar’s unbeaten 59 in the opener against Chennai (a match which the Mumbai Indians went on to win). He wrote: "The Twenty20 game may not be for the oldies but as Sachin and Rahul also showed, we can have our days too."

"I am also glad to see Rahul among the runs because that means that if any two other batsmen among the likes of Jesse, Ross [Taylor], Kevin and Robin [Uthappa] click; we are looking at setting a serious target. And with our fast bowling looking twice as good while bowling in South Africa, as compared to India, we are on our way."

As for his own performance, Kumble modestly explained that he was intrigued by it. "I am coming off a long break and may have retired but the moment I am back on the cricket field, ball in hand, the feeling is the same as always. And in any format, a five-wicket haul sure makes one feel one is in the thick of things."  

Seems the Bangalore is ready and up for any challenges that come their way.  

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3.25 Copyright (C) 2007 Alain Georgette / Copyright (C) 2006 Frantisek Hliva. All rights reserved."

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