Again, it's that type of a situation where we have no choice but to win all the matches we have left. They are must win situations. Kolkata hasn't had much success recently, so it's important to ensure that we get a win here. Plus we really want t
o --- after all, the last time we played them, McCullum's blistering innings just totally took the game away.Our problem really is that we haven't been batting consistently well, so it's important that we try and change that around. And with Jaffer ruled out, there is a clear opportunity for somebody else to step in and step up, it could be Arunkumar or Chipli in the top order.
I think against Mohali, if we'd managed another 25 runs, we could've won the game. We need to start well and haven't done that at all. At the end of the day, T20 cricket is a batsman's game.
Of the 25-26 games so far, in only one game has a bowler really dominated to the extent that he's won the game straight off --- Sohail Tanvir getting his six-wicket haul. Otherwise, while we've seen a couple of bowlers do well, pick up vital wickets here and there, at the end of the day, it's been about the batting.
So we'd like to bat first and get a good score, without that, it'll be incredibly tough on the bowlers because it's really hard to keep defending the type of score we're getting, 150s, 140s, 125-130 etc.
We're looking at the next game as the beginning of a three match away tour, as all our next three games now are away from home. The importance of the Kolkata game lies in the fact that they too will be somewhat tentative and desperate to win because while they are a good side, they haven't done too well recently. From their perspective, like ours, any chance we have of climbing up the ladder needs to begin now.
What I think we also need to do now is to look at this as a seven-match tournament, a winner takes all kind of event to get into the semifinals. It's quite late already --- we're halfway through the event --- but hopefully, it's not too late and we'll pull I off from hereon.
What I think we also need to do now is to look at this as a seven-match tournament, a winner takes all kind of event to get into the semifinals. It's quite late already --- we're halfway through the event --- but hopefully, it's not too late and we'll pull I off from hereon.
In addition to the batting coming good of course, our bowling needs to keep up the momentum. Personally, it's also important I get going. I haven't been able to get into a rhythm and contribute, it's obvious maybe that the groin is not a 100 per cent, but that's something I have to deal with.
Talking of momentum, this is a very different situation from having your backs to the wall in a longer version competition or series. In a Twenty20 game, it's just a matter of one over, things can change dramatically, that one over can give you match-changing momentum or conversely, take it all away. So it's essential to keep up that intensity from Ball One. To strike early, be positive throughout and show that intent from the start. We have no choice here either.
We've also been watching the other games with interest. It's really been an unpredictable event. The Deccan Chargers beating Chennai was something. Chennai, who began really well, seem to have had some skids put on them and will be looking to come back. The Royals seem to be in good nick, very consistent and looking tough and ready at the moment. We'll be coming up against them later in the week and that should be a good fight.
Happily for us, the mood in the camp is still pretty good. What I'm hoping will help now is that we're away from the home environment for 10 days at a stretch. I'm sure there'll now be a lot more time to mix around with each other, discuss stuff, and ensure that we pull this off together.
Hawkeye/Chivach Sport