We are determined to make it to the semi-finals

It's been great to be back in Mumbai again this week and be reunited with team-mates old and new. The atmosphere has been great in the dressing room with everyone very focused on getting a good start to IPL
III.

After two disappointing years, considering the immense talent in our dressing room, we are determined to make it to the semi-finals this year. We know we have the talent so it's about
getting our strategy right and delivering when it matters most.

Our new coach Robin Singh and his assistant Paras Mhambrey have been working hard behind the scenes in the run-up to the tournament with
skipper Sachin Tendulkar and our new chief executive T.A. Sekar to make
sure we get it right this year. I'm confident we will.

There have been some new signings and the big buzz was obviously bagging Kieron Pollard at the player auction earlier this year. He gives us
some power in the middle- order and alongside Dwayne (Bravo) will also
give the team some Caribbean zest when they arrive.

However, the domestic signings are arguably of greater significance, giving us a really balanced squad. We've managed to recruit some good players
including the likes of R Sateesh, Rahul Shukla, Ishan Malhotra, Ali
Murtaza and Aditya Tare. They look to be in good form and are raring to
prove themselves on the IPL stage.

This is a big year for me, too, and I'm looking forward to the challenge. I've had great preparation with the Provincial T20 competition in Sri Lanka finishing
just last week and I'm feeling ready to give my best for the team,
hopefully with some big scores and some wickets with the ball.

Our batting was really below par in IPL II and the top order this year
needs to really click. One of the most important keys to winning
Twenty20 matches is the performance of the top four and getting off to
a solid start. The guys at the top need to take responsibility for that.