Former Proteas star and new Rajputs coach, Herschelle Gibbs, could be excused for feeling a little intimidated by his captain in the upcoming T10 League.
But the rookie coach says he is looking forward to working with the legendary New Zealand batsman Brendon McCullum, in the second year of the new format that begins in Sharjah on November 23.
“He’s obviously got years of experience, I obviously played against him,” said Gibbs at the T10 players draft in Dubai on Monday night, “and ultimately he will obviously have a say on the final XI.”
“But I think from our (squad) selection we are more or less on the same page so that’s a good place to start in relation for the coach and captain. It’s a relationship.
“He’s also very much a forthcoming individual and says it the way it is – and I’m that way inclined as well. We don’t hold any punches and I think it’s a great relationship to have.”
My first draft been so enjoyable! #t10 #dubai #rajputs #cricket #coach https://t.co/XyghWu7O3Z
— Herschelle Gibbs (@hershybru) September 24, 2018
Gibbs, whose Round 1 pick on the night was England left-armer Tymal Mills, was looking forward to his first taste of T10 cricket.
“I think it’s the fans that make it,” he said of the growing popularity of the new league.
“When T20 started years ago, years ago – I don’t think anybody realized how big it was going to be today There’s a lot of it, there’s plenty of it – but it’s the fans that make it.
“And yes the T10 is a very new format, it only started last year, but its already grown over a year and if that’s the sign of things to come then there will probably be more of these T10 leagues around the world.”
Other notable selections for Gibbs’ side was West Indies T20 captain Carlos Brathwiate, who he chose in Round 2, and Pakistan left hand bat Shan Masood.
