Lost the game in middle overs against KKR: Sunrisers' Bhuvneshwar

Kolkata, May 22 (IANS) Sunrisers Hyderabad pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar feels the flurry of wickets in the middle overs led to his side's defeat by 22 runs against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in an Indian Premier League (IPL) encounter here on Sunday.

SRH lost three crucial wickets -- Yuvraj Singh (19), Deepak Hooda (2) and Kane Williamson (7) -- between the 13th and 17th overs which severely dented them. At one stage, they were set to cruise past KKR's total of 171/6.

"We got the start we wanted but in the middle overs we lost two-three quick wickets. We lost it there. Shikhar's (Dhawan) wicket was important," Bhuvneshwar said at the post-match media conference.

Asked if there was a problem with their middle order as they crumbled under pressure, Bhuvneshwar said: "In most matches, the top order has fired. So the middle order has got lesser chances to make runs.

"But you see the likes of Yuvraj Singh have chipped in when needed, if they get more time they will make runs."

The right-arm medium pacer also said they need to prepare well for the play-offs after losing two straight games.

"We wanted some momentum going into the playoffs, we did not get it. It should not affect us much as we are through quite convincingly," he said.

"Now we have to wait and see if we go to Bengaluru or Delhi. We need to switch off which is very necessary. We need to prepare well as we have lost the last two matches."

The 26-year-old is also hopeful of getting into the national squad for the upcoming tours of Zimbabwe and the West Indies.

"I am hopeful of being selected tomorrow. But I am presently concentrating on play-offs and how to do well in the last few matches. Selection is not in my hands but getting into the team will be great," he said.

Asked what he has picked up from team-mate and Bangladesh speedster Mustafizur Rahman, he said: "You can share a bit, learn a few tricks. But you cannot pick anything from him. His action is very different from others, so he is very effective.

"There is also a language problem. He shares little secrets. It has helped me and hopefully in the future it will help the Indian team while playing against Bangladesh."

--IANS

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