Royal Challengers Bangalore's Stuart Binny today said he is not vying for the all-rounder's spot in the IPL team with Shane Watson and added that it will be the Australian veteran who will be in competition with other foreign players.
"I don't think it is between me and Wato (Watson). He falls under foreign category. He will be vying with foreign players. I am not worried whether I will get into the playing XI from the very first match. My role is to get as much as practice right now," he told reporters after a practice match played under lights at Chinnaswamy Stadium.
Asked what he expects from his RCB team mates Chris Gayle and A B De Villiers, Binny said he is eager to share the dressing room with Gayle and De Villiers, having spent some time with Watson at Rajasthan Royals.
"I have played with Wato for five IPL seasons. So, I know exactly how Wato plays this brand of cricket, and the boldness he has when he comes out to play his cricket," he said.
"I will be looking forward to sharing dressing room with Gayle and De Villiers. I haven't played in the same team but have played against them," Binny added.
Binny said whatever the players pick up in the next few days will be valuable.
"This tournament is going to be crucial for us. We don't have too much time before we go into the first match. So, whatever we pick in the next two to three days will be important," he said.
Asked about RCB's chances, Binny said it all depends on how the team starts off the season.
"It all depends on how we start the tournament. If we start the tournament well, then our chances are as good as anybody's," he said.
"Your team looks strong on paper, but that doesn't work ... what works is how you do on that day," Binny added.
Asked about his chances of getting into the playing XI, Binny said no team is fixed, and players are picked depending upon the playing condition and other things.
Binny further said he is excited to play for RCB, a dream which he cherished right from the very first IPL season.
"I am excited. I always wanted to play for Bangalore since IPL started. When I knew I was playing for RCB I was jumping out of my seat. This is where everything started for me. I just want to go out and play," he said.
Binny said he does not know where he would be bating and how much he would be bowling.
Replying to a query, Binny said Rahul Dravid has been a driving force in his career.
"Dravid has been an instrument in building my career. While playing for Rajasthan Royals, I learnt good things about cricket," he said.
