Marcus Stoinis: Being an all-rounder should be encouraged, not sidelined

Marcus Stoinis, one of the top all-rounders of the game, is not only known for his skills on the field-he is also oblivious to speak his mind. A month after the declaration of his retirement from ODI cricket, the 35 -year -old has completely shifted his attention to T20S. As a member of the Punjab Kings in this IPL season, he is firm to help the franchise secure his first title.

Encouraged to reunite with Ricky Ponting and Shreyas Iyer, Stoinis also supported the BCCI’s decision to introduce the second new ball in the second innings of the night game, called it ‘Smart Chal’.

In a conversation SportstarHe reflects when he moves away from Odis and shares his views why he is not a fan of the IPL’s impact player.

You were one of the major purchases for the Punjab kings in the auction. A new season begins, what are you looking next?

We are here to win. This is a new cycle, and a lot of changes have taken place in the competition, many teams have changed their squads.

This is a new franchise for me – although I was part of the team in 2016 when it was known as Kings XI Punjab. It is a franchise that has not yet tasted success, but we believe we have a strong squad on paper. Our aim is to make something meaningful in the next three years and to establish constant success for the team.

You worked closely with Ponting and Shres in Delhi capitals. Now that they are leading the Punjab kings, how much is the benefit for you?

This is definitely an advantage for me, but I also believe that it is no coincidence – it is by designed by big man, Rick (Ponting). He is a great fan of Shreyas and has worked with him for years.

We all spent time together in the capitals of Delhi, and I was with Shreyas in my first IPL season. I have also worked with Rick for a long time in Australia.

The fact is that many of us shared that experience is a big plus for the team. But in a long tournament like IPL, it is important to land for a strong start.

Your retirement came as a surprise from ODI cricket just before the Champions Trophy. Was this a hasty decision?

From the outside, it could seem to be the last-minute, but it was something I discussed with our Australian coach, Andrew McDonald for a while. There is still some way with the next ODI World Cup (in 2027), I felt the right time for new players to step.

A hamstring swallow during the SA20 may have ended the decision, especially with the IPL soon. T20 cricket suits my skill set and align with how I want to manage my career for longevity.

I have spent years to balance Australia, franchise circuit and T20 for one day cricket. At this stage, my focus is on the highest level as long as possible – possibly in my 40s, like FAF du Plessis. He provokes me.

Finally, the decision was about increasing my career and playing in the best competitions, and it was made in collaboration with Andrew, because all my major decisions are.

With many senior players remembering the Champions Trophy, do you think there was a lack of experience in the crunch moments in Australia?

Of course, but the only way to get experience is to be in those situations. This was an exciting opportunity for others to handle and handle pressure.

While some players were certainly left, it is the beauty of cricket. Look at India – Young players are taking steps in every series, and different people are affecting almost every game. This type of depth is formed.

But are I ready to let this happen in T20 cricket? Not (laughing)

Best wishes to him in a day’s cricket, though!

In this IPL, the use of saliva on the ball is allowed. As an all -rounder, what do you have to take?

To be honest, in white ball cricket, the ball does not make much difference than saliva.

Should it return to international cricket? Personally, yes. We all understand why it was banned, but I think it is okay to bring it back.

Will it help the bowlers? I am not sure that it will have a lot of impact in white ball cricket. But the new rule allowing a change in one ball in the second innings is a good step – it can balance the competition between the first and second batting.

There has been a debate about the Impact Player Rule, which made all -rounders meaningless. What is your view?

I think they should move forward – until it will be introduced in international cricket. Otherwise, this is not a lot of purpose, especially for Indian cricket.

If the target is to develop all-rounders for the international phase, they require exposure at the highest level, and the IPL is that platform. Rules should be aligned with international cricket.

In the previous cycle, the teams planning around all -rounders were in a loss when the rule was introduced to the midway. It was not ideal.

Being an all -rounder is one of the great challenges of T20 cricket. You are included in all three aspects of the game, and it should be encouraged. The bowlers know that they will be targeted, but this role is exciting.

I will see the rule scattered. I really thought this would be this year – but clearly, it’s not (smile).

Impact player rules are not used in international cricket or some franchise league. How challenging is it to adapt in IPL for an all-rounder?

I do not beat it. I prepare as if I am going to bowl or bat, and when the opportunity comes – or not – this is just a part of the professional game.

This makes these competitions great. No complaint – you get ready, take responsibility whether things go well or not, and want to improve the next game.

This is the same challenge everywhere. But of course, I would prefer to know in advance and throw into the competition. This is what I enjoy the most about cricket.

With the 300-Plus score becoming a real possibility in T20 cricket, has the format bowed a lot in favor of the batsmen? Will the new ball-change rule help bowlers?

The decision to replace the ball through the second innings is a great step. Dew plays a big role, and it should help level the competition, making teams less dependent on the toss.

High scores are exciting, but they also highlight the quality of the bowlers. Best of all, such as (Jasprit) Bumrah, stand out because they continuously execute their skills, even on good batting tracks.

Last season’s IPL saw unusually high scores than other leagues. With the T20 World Cup in India, we can expect another high scoring tournament-for fans at home, for great entertainment.

Punjab Kings have gone 17 seasons without a title. What is the realistic goal of the team this year?

We have just come together, so those discussions will develop. But with a new cycle, new coaches and new players – many of which have worked together before – it looks like a new beginning. There is no goods since last season. From outside, history can do one thing, but within the team, we see it as a new chapter.

We have a chance to make something special in the next three years, with the leading of Rick and Shres, and a strong Australian party. The first year of a cycle is always the most exciting – it lays the foundation of continuous success.

Australia all -rounder Marcus Stoinis announced his immediate retirement from ODI cricket before this year’s Champions Trophy. , Photo Credit: AP

The squad has a good mix of youth and experience. As a senior player, what are your views on unaccounted Indian players?

Our squad has real talent, from which the selection is a difficult challenge. Right now, it seems that 18-20 players can make XI, which is a major problem.

For young players, the message is simple – play independently and return yourself. They are here for a reason, and this is their opportunity to shine.

The balance of youth and experience benefits everyone. Younges bring energy, while experienced players provide guidance in pressure conditions.

You have spoken excessively about Ponting. Is he one of the most difficult coaches working with you?

I have done a lot of work with Rick, and I would not call him a tough taskmaster, but he determines high standards. He gives importance to preparation, work moral and approach. If you get those rights, it is your biggest supporter.

One of his strength is his approach to communication. He has a filter – before speaking, he believes whether his words will help in improving or lifting your souls. If they do not, he catches back. This makes him an excellent teacher and patron.

Rick’s infectious attitude and the winning mentality align with me. I like to play hard work, discipline and win, which is why we work so well together.

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