The Indian Premier League starts today, and there are five Multiply Titans players who will be turning out for various franchises.
National captain Faf du Plessis has been retained by the Chennai Super Kings. Titans and Proteas AB de Villiers is a permanent fixture in the Royal Challengers Bangalore, and he will be joined by keeper Heinrich Klaasen in the star-studded franchise.
The in-form Quinton de Kock has shifted to the Mumbai Indians, where he will be expected to make a huge difference.
The final Titans star who will be a headline act in the tournament is Chris Morris, who is tasked with firing the newly-named Delhi Capitals all the way.
“The feeling never gets old, but I think the excitement is a bit more this year with Delhi changing their name and the change of ownership,” the lanky all-rounder said ahead of his trip to Delhi.
“It’s quite exciting to join a new brand. I mean the core values are the same, but the kit has changed and the names changed. So, yeah, it’s quite exciting to see what’s waiting for me in India.”
Morris leaves the Titans in a great position in the Momentum One-Day Cup, having played his role with bat and ball in the 50-over competition. Now, however, he will follow their fortunes in the final matches of the competition from afar.
“It’s bittersweet, you know. We’ve played some really good cricket, I’ve put in some really good performances that I’m proud of, but it’s never nice to leave the team, especially when they doing so well.”
Though there is a tinge of regret, Morris is adamant that the Sky Blues will step up, and others will step into the breach.
“Like I said, it’s bittersweet to leave them, but we’ve got some depth in the Titans side so we’ll be okay.”
As he turns his attentions to what he needs to do in Delhi, the no injury-free Morris is looking forward to making a proper impact this season
“I had quite a disappointing year last being injured,” he admitted.
“I know what I can do with my skills in India, so I obviously want to perform at the best of my ability and contribute, because we’ve gone so long with no trophies. So, hopefully this will be our year,” he added cheerfully.
Morris will miss the opening weekend due to international commitments. However, his Titans counterpart, Klaasen, has joined up with RCB and is relishing the prospect of his second IPL stint.
“I am much more excited about this one this year! I think there’s more personnel that I can learn from and hopefully I can crack a couple of games, but if not I’m happy to go and learn as much as possible.
“Obviously the conditions a lot more different but that’s made me realise how hard it actually is there (India) and the skill level is very high! So for me, not going in blind this year is going to help me. But, like I said hopefully I can crack a couple of games and improve my skill level there.”
