RCB are a good side but they can make mistakes: Heath Streak
May 24, 2016 at 2:00 PM
Barring a few hiccups, Gujarat Lions’ journey in the group stage was quite a smooth one. But the debutants will have to play their best game if they want to defeat the in-form Royal Challengers Bangalore in the first qualifier on May 24. The last time these two teams met, there was a complete massacre as Virat Kohli and AB de Villiers thrashed the GL bowlers to post a huge total of 248. In reply, Gujarat could score only 104 and lost the match by a whopping 144 runs.
After registering four wins on the trot, RCB are in red-hot form but Gujarat Lions’ assistant coach Heath Streak has said that RCB are a good side but they’re human beings and can make mistakes.
The Lions’ players toiled hard on Monday evening under the watchful eyes of coaches – Brad Hodge, Sitanshu Kotak and Heath Streak.
Following a lengthy practice session, Streak revealed the plans to tackle the red-hot RCB.
Excerpts:
Last time a poor match here. How different is it now?
Both teams have played each other twice, we won one and they won one. It’s a new game. Obviously, it’s good for both teams that we’re in a situation where we have two cracks at the final. But yes, we’re under no illusions. They’re a good side but they’re human beings and can make mistakes.
Are you banking on one player?
That’s probably been the catalyst for us – everyone has contributed at some stage. That has been really good. We’re not reliant on just one or two players, everyone has the ability to play a match-winning innings or a spell. That’s a nice thing and hopefully, we can put a good team effort. We collectively have the best-combined team effort and that’s why we’ve ended where we have.
What about Suresh Raina’s captaincy?
It goes without saying – Suresh’s experience is unsurpassed in IPL history. His records speak for themselves. He’s well respected and very knowledgeable about the game. We’ve seen in the last two games – just having him back has gelled the side.
Have you made any specific plans for the big three or waiting for mistakes?
Of course, everyone has specific plans. That’s cricket. We had specific plans the last time, they worked well for a short time. We went well in the first 10 overs and then they had an outstanding last 10 overs, particularly the last five.
What about the bowling plans on this ground?
Being composed and resetting. Sometimes mishits can go for six, so it’s one of those things. Keeping your plans simple and executing your skills. The basics don’t change. We know the average score here is in the high 180s and you have to set your goals accordingly. We know it’s going to be a batsman-friendly ground.