IPL 2017: We will qualify for the playoffs, says KKR's Manish Pandey
What’s the story?
Having lost back to back fixtures against Sunrisers Hyderabad and Rising Pune Supergiant, Kolkata Knight Riders are in a spot of bother and are yet to book a berth in the playoffs. KKR’s mainstay with the bat, Manish Pandey, though, was optimistic about his team getting back and gaining some sort of a momentum towards the fag end of the tournament.
“Obviously there are not many happy faces in the dressing room after losing two games in a row. But its part of the game and we have discussed it in the team meeting also. We had some plans thought after which obviously did not work for us,” responded Pandey.
“As of now, we are just focussing on our basics and taking one game at a time. It’s just a matter of posting one win and qualifying. We are looking forward to that. I’m pretty sure we are going to do that and finish in the top two,” said Pandey on the sidelines of a promotional event on Thursday.
In case you didn’t know...
After managing to win 7 of the first 9 matches in the league stage, KKR has now lost two on the trot, and with RPS in rampaging form, the Gambhir-led side has to get things going as quickly as possible.
The heart of the matter
Even after losing two consecutive matches, KKR are still second on the IPL table after a strong start to the season and in contention to qualify for the playoffs.
One of the biggest headaches for the team has been the form of batsman, Yusuf Pathan, and his poor showing with the bat has drawn flak.
Pathan has played consistently well for Kolkata Knight Riders since his inclusion in the franchise in 2011. Having been a match-winner and single-handedly pulling off matches for the team, Pandey has backed his teammate to come good and turn the tables going forward into the tournament.
What’s next?
KKR are likely to finish in the top two, and are currently with 14 points from 11 matches, only two points less than table toppers MI.
The return of Chris Lynn, who made a fantastic start to IPL 2017 but dislocated his left shoulder on April 9 against Mumbai Indians, could be the boost that KKR needs. Lynn is targeting a return before the playoffs, possibly against KXIP on May 9 or against MI on May 13.
KKR face RCB on May 7 in their next fixture.
Author’s Take
Uthappa’s absence from the 11 against RPS because of a niggle weakened KKR’s batting line-up considerably. He is expected to be back in the team for their next encounter against RCB. Gautam Gambhir has led this Kolkata franchise wonderfully over the past four years and they are a strong team capable of trumping any opposition.