Mascarenhas plied his trade for Rajasthan Royals in the first three seasons before signing for Kings XI Punjab. After an Achilles heel injury forced him to skip the first season with Punjab, he was back with them last season. But the stint was nothing remarkable as he scored just nine runs and scalped seven wickets in four matches. Definitely, Mascarenhas is under pressure to pull up his socks this season.
Speaking to Mail Today, Mascarenhas confessed that the last season didn't go as per plan and he is looking to contribute as much as possible and help Punjab reach the knockout stages - something they have failed to do after their semi-final appearance in the inaugural season.
"Yes, the last season didn't go as per plan. I didn't do much either with the bat or ball. But this time round, I am looking to contribute much more, with both bat and ball. The first aim as far as the team is concerned is to do better than last year. And from there, we would look to enter the knockout stages, before looking to find a place in the final.
"We need to take it one game at a time," he said. "Yes, there is always that added pressure when you are an overseas player, but the team has bonded really well and last time when some of the overseas players failed to do much, the youngsters took up responsibility beautifully."
"Gilchrist is not only our captain, but also one of our best players. So it does get tough when the captain and best player in the team isn't getting runs. He takes a lot of pride in leading the team from the front, so it wasn't easy," he said. Not only is Mascarenhas an overseas player, but also a T20 expert. So for the Englishman, it is not only about playing, but also about guiding the youngsters in the team.
"Kings XI is a young team and there are many a talented youngsters. So I look to also share my experience with them and teach them the nuances of T20 cricket.
"I especially work with them when I am not playing. More than working on their skills, it is about helping them with the mental aspect.
"In T20 it is always about thinking the batsmen out. Bowlers need to keep working on the line and length to ensure that they can catch the batsmen on the wrong foot. This is where I have looked to work with them," the 35-year-old said.
While he is no longer in England's scheme of things, Mascarenhas has had enough practice, playing in the Australian and New Zealand leagues.
"I have not only played club cricket in Melbourne, but also played in the Big Bash in Australia. Also, I played in New Zealand. So I have had some cricket coming into the IPL," he signed off.
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