Inner Circle

Reality checks, shark diving and ocean walks

After what was probably an unrealistically easy start to the tournament, we have been given a reality check by losing two on the trot

Royal Challengers Bangalore came up two runs short against Mumbai  AFP

After what was probably an unrealistically easy start to the tournament, we have been given a reality check by losing two on the trot. The first was to the South Australian Redbacks, when we were simply outplayed in every department by a professional and determined team who wanted it more. We lost the second to the Mumbai Indians because we gave away far too many runs in the last five overs - something we did in our semi-final clash against them in the IPL in April. This, however, was a classic game of cricket, and although it's a bitter pill to swallow to lose by two runs, I am thrilled that I was able to be part of such an exciting contest. I mean a game that boasts names like Tendulkar, Pollard, Zaheer, Malinga, Dravid, Kallis, Taylor, Kumble, Uthappa is always going to be a classic.

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Enough from the cricketing side of things. While in Durban, I have been able to get the adrenaline flowing once again by going for a second skydive. I also did the world's highest 'swing' over the Moses Mabhida Stadium, which had hosted one of the semi-finals of the 2010 football World Cup. I have to say it was an amazing experience. A free-fall for 106 metres in a bungee, then swing a further 220 meters, to 20 feet above the pitch.

The day after the Redbacks game, the whole squad went to Shaka, which is a huge aquarium. We dived with the sharks there but from the safety of a cage! This was followed by an ocean walk. This was very amusing as our strength and conditioning coach Basu provided most of the entertainment with his hand signals! It was a nice day out with the boys and a good opportunity to bond. It's important in a short tournament like this to indulge in these sorts of activities away from the pitch to bring everybody closer.

I have some pictures, and will definitely upload them with the next entry.

We play on Tuesday next against the Highveld Lions in a must win game. Till then, take care.

Champions League Twenty20