Monty Desai wore a big smile when he met with journalists during the training session of Kathmandu Gorkhas at Upper Mulpani Cricket Ground on Tuesday morning.

Desai, the former head coach of Nepal national cricket team, was standing at the same ground on which he helped the Rhinos qualify for the 2024 T20 World Cup after defeating the UAE by eight wickets in the semi-finals of the Asia Regional Qualifiers on November 3, 2023.

And when asked how he took his new responsibility, this time as the head coach of Kathmandu Gorkhas for the second season of the Nepal Premier League, and if his familiarity with TU conditions added more pressure, Desai said, “Pressure is privilege.”

“I don’t take pressure. I just enjoy life,” Desai continued with a laugh. “Yes, I have an understanding of the TU Cricket Ground, its pitch and the ball behaviour. We have planned accordingly.”

Karan KC, Kathmandu Gorkhas’ marquee, who recently joined the squad in training after returning from the ICC CWC League 2 tri-series in the UAE, said he was relieved to have Desai, his former mentor, join the Gorkhas.

“Coach Monty knows how to treat Nepali players, as our culture matches with India. He knows how to handle other players as well,” KC said. “Many players are used to playing under Monty sir, while new players have the chance to learn from him. Overall, we are happy to have him back.”

Meanwhile, both the coach and skipper of the Gorkhas argued that they were positive their foreign signings would help them achieve a better result than they did in the inaugural edition.

“We had sorted several players believing that the ICC restriction on Test player signing would be lifted,” Desai said. “But as it did not happen, we had to change our approach. But, in the end, we have brought in quality players as per our necessity.”

Desai hinted that he had high expectations from John Simpson, the wicketkeeper-batsman playing in England’s county cricket, and the experienced Sunny Patel.

Simpson, who was part of the Everest Premier League in 2018 for Chitwan Tigers, said that he was excited for a new challenge. “I believe we have a team that has the capabilities to win this tournament,” Simpson added. “We have young talents as well as experienced overseas players. So we are looking forward to the tournament.”

The Gorkhas had also played a practice match with Biratnagar Kings—who have Pubudu Dassanayake, another former head coach of Nepal, as the head coach—on Tuesday. Batting first, the Gorkhas posted 143/5 in the first inning. In turn, the Kings were bundled out at 43 runs in 14.1 overs.

The second season of the NPL begins on November 17 with the Gorkhas facing the defending champions Janakpur Bolts in the opener.