Indian Premier League: Was necessary to work towards a new Delhi Daredevils team, says Gary Kirsten

There has been a lot of talk about whether the decision of not retaining Virender Sehwag was justified, but Delhi Daredevils coach Gary Kirsten feels that irrespective of how it pans out in the Indian Premier League this season, that was the only way forward.

"At the auction we made a decision to select a new squad and not retain anyone from last year. We are looking towards working with a new squad. Don't know whether it's a right decision or not but that's what we have gone for," Kirsten explained while giving a defensive logic when asked whether it's easier that there are no baggages of last year's failure.

On the first day of Delhi Daredevils' practise with new captain Kevin Pietersen and a new bunch of players, Kirsten emphasised on team bonding more than anything else. (Also read: Pietersen eager to work with Kirsten | Karthik looking forward to being coached by Kirsten)

"Guys are looking forward to being together. Eight days before the match, it is an important time to connect. They have started connecting and are getting to know each other. They are also enjoying each other's company," the former India coach said after the session.

For Kirsten, coaching in the IPL will be completely different from what he has done with the Indian team in the past. (Also read: Kirsten says no to England coaching job)

"IPL requires a lot more intensity. It's a new challenge for me and I am looking forward to it. It's good to be back in India personally. I always knew that I was going to come back sometime. I love watching T20 cricket and haven't missed many matches," said the coach.

He gave two monosyllabic responses of a 'yes' and a 'no' to two different questions.

Asked if he would like to comment on the most common question on Yuvraj Singh, his response was a curt "No".

"I will only answer questions on DD," he said.

On whether he was happy with his pace bowling unit, he simply said, "Yes".