"More than anything else, it's their approach and preparation that is so amazing," says all-rounder B Akhil of the Royal Challengers. "I am not saying we don't prepare well, but they, especially the Aussies and the South Africans, are a cut above us. For example, if we are facing a particular opposition, we watch video footage of some bowlers and batsmen, and go into the middle with a vague idea of how to tackle a particular batsman or a bowler.

Creating situations

“These players create situations during practice sessions and go about their tasks so that when you actually confront that in a match situation, it is a lot easier to handle.”

R Vinay Kumar, an aspiring all-rounder, can't stop raving about Jacques Kallis. "I am very happy to be part of a dressing room with such big stars. It's a great learning opportunity for me.

As an aspiring all-rounder, I obviously look up to Kallis. I am learning to deal with pressure and also how to vary my pace and length in a format like this. I have realised that in T20, you get hit even off good balls because batsmen are in that state of mind. The trick is not to lose heart.

“That realisation is the biggest gain for me from this tournament," he remarks.

Having been part of a dressing room largely consisting of State players, do the local players feel overawed? "Initially, we felt a bit hesitant to approach them,” admits Akhil. "But after spending a few days, we got used to them and now we don't have any inhibitions in approaching them. At the same time, they too have been forthcoming with ideas and making us feel comfortable."

A late recruit, paceman NC Aiyappa too is relishing the opportunity. "It's a great feeling just to be alongside such players," he gushes.

"It's a totally new experience for us. Initially I was a bit apprehensive, but slowly we are getting used to their presence. We are gelling well as a unit now."

For these players, the IPL is a vehicle to make a big splash in their careers. "The internationals have nothing to prove here. But it's a great opportunity for some of us looking to make it big,” notes Akhil. “If you can lift yourself and stand out among such players, you are bound to get noticed, which is what we play for."