Kyle Mayers Interview: ‘Took me a while to understand the T10 format’

What’s the prototype for a perfect fit for a T10 format? 

Someone who doesn’t put a price on his wicket? 

Someone who can bowl with the new ball and get wickets? 

Someone who can run around at the boundary with some stellar catches? 

If those are your criteria, look no further than the 32-year-old West Indian all-rounder Kyle Mayers, who has not just lit up the 2024 Abu Dhabi T10 League but has been quite the asset for Team Abu Dhabi in the competition.

The left-handed batter has amassed 87 runs with the bat thus far in the competition, striking at 170.58, and has also picked up two vital wickets while bowling at different phases of the game. So, what’s the competition like? 

“It's free, but it's still a bit of pressure. It is only ten overs, so there's no room for error, so you need to be on it as fast as possible,” Mayers told Cricket.com from his stint at Abu Dhabi T10 with Team Abu Dhabi. 

“It took me a while to understand the first few games of my first year, but now I have understood: You need to be ready from ball one. There's no time, so you just need to be on it. You just need to be free, as you say, and execute as best as possible,” he added. 

Unlike last year, when the franchise had a bad season, winning just one game, the 2024 campaign has started with a bang, with three wins from their first six games. 

“Well, I'm thrilled to be back. This year, we started off way better than last year, with two wins in two games. Last year, we won one game out of all the competitions, so it's a great start, and I'm really enjoying it thus far," Mayers said.

Amongst all the teammates, who has impressed Mayers the most? 

“Yeah, it's the first time we're actually playing or seeing Adam Milne. Last night, his bowling was brilliant. He didn't get a wicket, but his energy and how he started gave the team that boost and that energy,” he said. 

“Then, obviously, Big Mark [Adair] coming up and taking four wickets. He's been special for us to play with him and play against him. He's a very underrated bowler, very skilful,” he added. 

Thus far in the competition, Ireland’s Mark Adair has breathed fire, picking eight wickets at an average of 16.0, including a four-wicket haul, a rare feat in such a tournament. 

“Most people don't see these associate team players as good players, but he stood out for me. I expected him to do well, though, obviously playing against him. So those two, for me, have been very good,” Mayers said. 

Apart from that, one of the biggest names for the franchise is Phil Salt, Team Abu Dhabi's skipper and one of the many marquee names in the tournament. Salt has decimated many bowling units in the competition, with 137 runs at a strike rate of 204.47.

“Obviously, Salty [Phil] is a class on his own. He's been in great touch for almost two years now. So, like, his form speaks for itself,” Mayers lauded Salt. 

After a disappointing last year, what does Mayers feel about Team Abu Dhabi’s chances in the tournament this time? 

“Yeah, for sure. I think we have the team to win the league. Obviously, it's a short tournament. Not much time to bond, but the team seems to be getting on well,” he added. 

“So, everyone has a role to play. It's a very good team, you know, full of class. So this team speaks for itself, you know. We've got players for different things and different times in the game. So, yeah, I don't see why we shouldn't go all the way.”

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