IPL 2017: Gautam Gambhir Lauds Team Effort Post Win Against Sunrisers Hyderabad
Dec 23, 2018 at 11:09 AM
Kolkata Knight Riders continued their winning run over Sunrisers Hyderabad at their home ground, as the Gautam Gambhir-led side defeated the orange army by a margin of 17 runs.
At the end of the day, it can be said it was an easy win for Kolkata as Sunrisers never really looked like chasing the target.
Both their openers were back in the pavilion before the election of 10 overs and the run rate was just 6.00. The slow start put the pressure on the middle order and they never looked like chasing the target.
Yuvraj though tried to generate hopes of a win when he seemed to be in touch with two back to back sixes but after his dismissal, it was crystal clear that Hyderabad will continue their losing run at Eden Gardens.
Robin Uthappa was the star of the day, as he finally got back in the form and played an innings of 68 off 39 to lift the team after the loss of first early wicket. Through this innings, he just did not help the team but also helped his cause, as well as their might, be a case when Uthappa will come back to his original batting position and open the inning for the team in the next game.
Kolkata Knight Riders climbed to the top position with this win with three wins in four games.
Here is what skipper Gautam Gambhir and Man of the Match Robin Uthappa said at the presentation ceremony –
Gautam Gambhir:
“Quality side would try and win in any situation whether it is bowling first or batting first. We were a good chasing side, but a win like this gives us so much confidence. We thought that it was the same wicket and it started gripping as well. Had it been a wicket which didn’t grip I wouldn’t have said that 170 is a par total. After we saw Rashid bowl, we knew that spinners would be effective and 170 was always going to be tough. If you want to do really well in a tournament, we have to click as a team and keep getting those points as well. If we can bowl well in the first six overs, we know that we can build pressure with 2 quality spinners. It is always a luxury when you have spinners like Kuldeep and Narine. Robbie, Manish and Yusuf have been hitting really well and we need to continue the momentum. A Lot of people regard us as a chasing side and I think we can take a lot of confidence especially after this win. Looking for the Delhi game, it’s a day game again and hopefully, we will do well.”
Robin Uthappa:
“I have been hitting the ball really well. Finally, after years of hard work, I feel settled with my new technique and really feeling comfortable. I had a complete overhaul that I had done a few years ago and I feel myself now. The team needs me there and I think it’s an important position to bat there (at number 3) and I’m glad I’m delivering for my team. I’m batting well and growing from strength to strength. Hopefully, it will be a very good year for me.”