Skippers of Kolkata Knight Riders and Kings XI Punjab, Gautam Gambhir and George Bailey are focusing on their strengths rather than thinking about the opponents ahead of IPL final
George Bailey and Gautam Gambhir pose with the IPL trophy in Bangalore on Saturday. Pics/PTI
Bangalore: In what promises to be a high octane IPL final here today, skippers of Kings XI Punjab and Kolkata Knight Riders — George Bailey and Gautam Gambhir respectively — are focusing on their strengths instead of thinking much about each other's potential.
George Bailey and Gautam Gambhir pose with the IPL trophy in Bangalore on Saturday. Pics/PTI
"Kings XI are a very dangerous side. We have to perform very well in all the three departments to match their ability. What we need to do is to execute what we have planned. We don't discuss about opponents but focus on our strengths. We will keep this in mind going into the match tomorrow," Gambhir said on the eve of the match at the Chinnaswamy Stadium.
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Bailey also acknowledged Kolkata to be a consistent side in all departments, but his team is focusing on their strengths rather than on opposition's potential. "Kolkata has been very consistent right throughout in all departments. I agree that worrying too much about the opposition does not help. We will focus on what we have to do in the ground," said the Australian.
Hectic schedule
Replying to a question, Bailey said the team has made the final because of doing well in all three departments of the game. "I don't think we have made the finals on the back of one half of your team doing well.
KKR boss Shah Rukh Khan greets Preity Zinta after their clash against KXIP on Wednesday
You need everyone to contribute," he said. Gambhir concurred with Bailey's remarks, praising their final opponents. Asked about hectic travelling schedule, Bailey said it is natural for any side to get a bit tired in such a long tournament, however, "the boys are itching to go out and perform in the summit clash".
Asked about the pressure playing at a neutral venue, Bailey said both will be under pressure, but would like to get their basics right. "Both teams will face pressure. We are not going with brand new tactics. Just go out and do same things and do our basics," he said.
Robin Uthappa heads the ball during a practice session in Bangalore on Saturday
On Sunil Narine's decision to play for Kolkata instead of West Indies, Gambhir said the star spinner has taken a right decision as no player wishes to quit before the final. "He has taken a right decision to continue playing for KKR because the team has reached the finals and one game away. No player would like to skip that. If I was there in his position, I would have done the same," he added.
9.03
Kings XI Punjab's run-rate in IPL-7 compared to Kolkata Knight Riders' 8.10
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