Players were overwhelmed but have learned from that experience: Haynes

Gujarat Giants (GG) have managed to win just one of their four matches so far, but head coach Rachael Haynes believes that their team has their fate in their own hands. She also admits that her players were overwhelmed in the first game but have ever since drawn from that experience and believes that it will help them become better players.

“The first match was really a big occasion for our group and perhaps for a lot of young players. They might have been overwhelmed in the beginning but they have learned from that experience and accumulation from all that will help make them better players," Haynes said, according to a media release from the franchise.

"We have switched our focus quite well after our first game. We have seen throughout the tournament that every team will go through ups and lows, which is the nature of the T20 cricket.”

“The good news is that we are going back to the CCI Stadium where we have won. The players will take all that into confidence and play their best game. The reality is that our future is still in our hands. We have to be focused and if we can win our next games, we can also be part of the final too. 

"I have learned heaps and it’s been really nice for me as the head coach. I see the game now in a different perspective. As the head coach, you have to keep the players motivated. The group that I have got here, are extremely positive and it has made my job enjoyable and a bit relaxed,” she added.

GG have also suffered setbacks with injuries, none bigger than their skipper Beth Mooney, being ruled out after the team's very first game. Mithali Raj, the team's mentor however believes that the team have to make due of whatever they have at their disposal.

“Honestly, winning one game in the first leg is clearly not the way we wanted to go. But the tournament is still wide open and we have a chance to get into the top three. We look to put our best game going forward," Mithali said.

"Understanding that we have some injuries in the camp, we will try and make the best use of the resources we have with the games remaining.”

Mithali also says that he has a lot of faith in the young players from the squad. 

“We have a lot of talented U-19 players in our squad like Ashwani [Kumari], Dayalan [Hemalatha] and others. It is just a matter of working on their mental strength, giving them, a platform and I am sure that in a couple of seasons, they will be ready," the former India added.

GG will look to win just their second game of the season - when they take on Mumbai Indians (MI) on Tuesday (March 14).