Kolkata,10 May:Australian middle-order batsman Brad Hodge and a member of the Kolkata Knight Riders considers Twenty20 excitable and in particular, the first edition of the DLF Indian Premier League (IPL) as it is a new tournament with loads of action.Hodge feels that the tournament has been an enjoyable experience for players as well as the public.He finds the IPL very interesting since regular rivals from different countries find themselves sharing the same dressing room in the tournament.
"I think that is the element of surprise. You play with guys you normally play against like Akhtar… You usually play up against Hafeez or Ganguly but here you find yourself on the same side which is what makes it interesting," he says.He further indicates that tournaments like the IPL will do well for several countries since there are lots of friendships emerging in the Twenty20 extravaganza.
Talking about the variation of techniques a player needs to employ in different versions of the game, the right-hander says, "Obviously there is a difference. The shorter the game, the more you try to put in the game."He further mentioned that in the longer version of the game one needs to test one’s expertise and methods whereas in Twenty20, it is about aiming for the shots of maximum score.
"In Tests, you test your skills and techniques. In Twenty20, it is perhaps testing how many times you hit in the grand stands," he says maintaining that the principle of observing the ball and executing it perfectly remains the same for every version among other methods.
Playing for the Knight Riders, Hodge reckons that a few more wins on the board will do them only good indicating that the team’s absolute potential has not been discovered yet; once it is realized it will help them move ahead in the tourney.The Kolkata team, which had a good start initially, is currently occupying fifth spot in the League.