Gautam Gambhir credits KKR's move to buy 'quality bowlers' in auctions for team's success in IPL 7
IPL 7 champions Kolkata Knight Riders boasted of the most consistent and varied bowling attack this season, and captain Gambhir on Monday credited the franchise’s strategy of buying quality bowlers instead of big names in batting department to their win this season.
KKR had retained Gambhir and West Indian mystery spinner Sunil Narine ahaed of the Auctions this year, and bought the likes of Piyush Chawla, Umesh Yadav, Vinay Kumar and Morne Morkel in the Auctions this February.
"When we went into the auction, we wanted a good bowling attack. A lot of teams might have thought of having a very good batting line-up in the T20 format. A strong bowling attack takes a lot of pressure off batting. But we have batted brilliantly as well," said Gambhir in the post-match press conference at Bengaluru.
This was KKR’s 2nd IPL title, and second under Gambhir, with their last win coming in 2012. When asked to compare their title wins, Gambhir said this year it was special because the team bounced back after critics didn’t give them a chance after the first 7 matches. KKR scripted history by winning 9 matches on the trot.
"Nine [wins] in a row says a lot about the character of the team and the individuals. Halfway through the tournament, we were sixth or seventh. So this is something very special, which will stay close to my heart," he added.
The skipper also praised the 24-year-old Pandey, who played a match-winning innings in the final. "When we picked Pandey, we had a lot of faith and trust in him. He has delivered when it mattered the most.
"It has been a roller coaster ride, but when you finish the season winning the IPL, you cannot complain. It is not about how you start the season, it is how you finish. The guys were desperate to turn it around after the first seven games and that is what strong individuals are all about.”