Q&A: 4th XI's Pryank Patel on building a strong and inclusive team culture

First let’s look back at last season, when Mill Hill Village 4th XI finished fifth in Division 12 East. As captain, how do you feel the team did in 2022?
The 4th XI team really improved in the strength and depth of their squad, especially in the batting, which allowed us to bat out 40 overs much more regularly. Playing without pressure allows us to play with freedom, enjoyment and excitement – we really enjoy our cricket, whether we win or lose. We missed out on some opportunities because we were unable to take wickets consistently, but that can happen in cricket and can be rectified.

What are your hopes for your team for the 2023 season, which starts on May 6?
If we can maintain our excellent batting from last season, and complement it with consistent bowling performances, I truly believe we can challenge for promotion from Division 11 East [the 4s find themselves in this division after a league restructure]. Getting promoted from the regional divisions is always tough – there are new teams who join the league and start at the bottom who are inevitably very strong, but the important thing is to start the season well and that builds momentum and confidence.

What will success look like for the 4s this year?
A captain will always want the team to challenge for promotion or the title, and I am no different in that respect; but ultimately I want us to enjoy our cricket. In the 4th XI team there is not the same pressure as the teams above, but we all want to win, otherwise there is no point playing. Enjoyment brings success, because we will always run that little bit faster between the wickets, jump that little bit harder for a catch and bowl that little bit quicker when our enjoyment is at its peak.

Having a strong and varied group of players to choose from will always help, as it means we have more time to work with each other and build a unit; in a team game the team is always stronger than the sum of its individual parts, and if we can cover all facets of the game with our playing XI we will always have a good chance of success on the day – attacking and obdurate batsmen, pace and spin bowlers, good fielders and good thinkers – all have a role to play.

What are your personal goals for the season?
I would like to score more runs and take more wickets! It’s a delicate balancing act for a captain – you want to lead from the front, but you also want to make sure everybody gets a game and the chance to play and contribute in the way they want, so sometimes the captain has to take a back-seat for the good of the team and the game. But my personal goals are the same as the team – to win as many games as possible and enjoy the game whatever the result.

Tell us about the journey you’ve been on as a captain. What have you learned about yourself?
That you cannot get every decision right, and you have to be prepared for criticism from your own players and others, but there is always something to learn from it to apply to the next game. I have also learnt to be more assertive and confident in my decision-making, even if I do not always get them right!

What are the most important attributes to being successful as a captain?
Trust yourself and your decisions – in a game, you do not want to second-guess yourself. Decide what type of captain you want to be: some captains have a plan, and do not waver from that plan; some captains have plans A, B and C … and some just jump in and react according to the situation.

All are valid, and have positives and negatives, but be sure in what type of captain you want to be. Regardless of which type you are, you also have to be calm. Clear decision-making in the middle of a match, whether to adjust the batting order or who to bring on to bowl in the next spell, requires clarity of thought. Do not let others rush your decision-making process – you are in control.

Is there anything you’d like to see change around the club or the Saracens Herts Cricket League this season, compared to last (or recent seasons?
The club is doing so much at the moment – we have funding for the installation of new nets, and an increasing membership brings strength in depth, as well as a great crop of young players beginning to play adult cricket.

I think the club has been growing and changing in the right direction, even though we have had to go through COVID, but we need more people to contribute to the day-to-day running of the club. The club relies on a very small group of people to do the majority of the work, and it is not always obvious how much work goes into running a club. If we can all contribute in our own way, bring our strengths into the running and admin of the club, it can make a massive difference and grow the club tremendously.

What’s your message for people reading this considering joining a club cricket team near them?
You won’t regret it! Cricket clubs are also social clubs, and there is something for everyone, for all ages and all levels.

What in your view makes MHVCC a special club?
It may be a cliché, but there really is a fun atmosphere at this club and that is from the wide variety of its members. Any new member will always find a group of people to relate to, no matter what their background, social status, lifestyle – and all these groups come together for the club. If you want to find a group to stay out for a late night, they are at the Village. If you want to find some people to golf with, they are at the Village. If you are a foodie, you will find foodies at the Village.

Any other thoughts?
I am looking forward to the season where the 3s and 4s are in the same division – through promotion of the 4s of course – so we will play each other in the league! At my previous club the 3s and 4s were in the same division, and it was the best – and spiciest – fixtures of the year!

MHVCC 4th XI start their campaign at home against the 3rd XI of local rivals Old Camdenians CC on May 6. More details about 2023 fixtures.