The last franchise T20 game NMB Giants fast bowler Junior Dala played was for the Delhi Daredevils against Royal Challengers Bangalore.
Both AB de Villiers and Virat Kohli made 70s and Dala was one of the unfortunate opposing bowlers.
“What I did learn [in India] is that it’s tough cricket.
“I bowled four overs to AB and Virat. I doubt it gets harder than that,” he smiled.
But that aside, he learnt valuable lessons at the IPL.
“As a cricketer, when you have so many guys coming together from so many different backgrounds, if you don’t get that element of togetherness – especially when you’re losing – it could be a tough and long road.”
The point Dala was making is that new franchises take time to knit – and that the quicker the NMB Giants players adapt to each other, the better for the squad.
The Giants have had only this working week to prepare for their opening game in the Mzansi Super League T20 against the Jozi Stars in Johannesburg on Saturday.
Dala, 28, will be one of the national players doing his best to inspire his teammates at the Wanderers.
He made his T20 international debut against India in February, and impressed with his unique action and skiddy pace.
He was joint-highest wicket-taker in the three-match T20I series against India, claiming seven wickets.
That earned him a spot with the Daredevils after Giants teammate Chris Morris was ruled out through injury.
He was also noticed and picked up by the Trinbago Knight Riders in the Caribbean Premier League draft and is slowly establishing himself as a name player in the shortest format of the game.
But he admits his knowledge of St George’s Park conditions is not vast and that he is learning as a cricketer every day.
“For me, coming to PE is a very big learning curve. I’ve played pretty much all my cricket on the Highveld.
“I’ve been working with [captain] Jon-Jon [Smuts] and a couple of guys from the Warriors, learning how to bowl in these conditions and gaining experience that will stand me in good stead,” Dala said.
“I think it’s important to back your own strengths. You can work from there.
“That’s where plan B and C come into play. I need to trust my gut instinct and do what’s worked for me over the last few years.
“I’m sure [coach] Eric [Simons] will give us better ideas on how to bowl here.”
Dala believes SA cricket will benefit from the tournament in the long run even though short-term losses have been forecast.
“South Africa really needed this type of tournament.”