Gambhir praises bowlers for Kolkata victory
Chennai restricted to 155 after a flourishing start.
Robin Uthappa scored a heroic 39-ball 67 to help Kolkata grab an eight-wicket win over Chennai. PHOTO: BCCI
Captain of the Kolkata Knight Riders Gautam Gambhir is a relieved man after his team recorded their fifth consecutive win against Chennai Super Kings by eight wickets in the on-going Indian Premier League (IPL). Buoyed by a roaring crowd at their home ground Eden Gardens, the hosts cantered home with two overs to spare.
The Knight Riders batted superbly to easily overhaul the 155-run target and Gambhir felt that his bowlers did a commendable job by restricting Chennai to a below par total.
“I think we were pretty professional with the bat and ball — bowlers restricting CSK to 154 was exceptional. Hopefully we can turn up in a couple of days and do what we did today. We have quality spinners in the ranks, and irrespective of the pitch they perform.”
The man-of-the-match was awarded to Knight Rider’s opening batsman Robin Uthappa who has been delivering consistently at the top of the innings and scored 67 off 39 balls.
“I’ve enjoyed batting here on this ground,” said a visibly pleased Uthappa. “The crowd is fantastic. I have always done well here, sort of a lucky ground for me. The ball was coming on well and the dew factor also helped it. I just wanted to play to the merit of the ball and not lose shape in the first six overs.”
Published in The Express Tribune, May 22nd, 2014.