Bengaluru: With a win in the last match under their belt, Kings XI Punjab batsman Martin Guptill today said the team would be looking to continue the new-found momentum when they clash with Royal Challengers Bangalore tomorrow.
KXIP, placed fifth with 8 points from 9 games, would be keen to post a comprehensive win against RCB if they want to stay relevant till the business end of the IPL-10.
“We started off very well but unfortunately lost some matches in the middle. That can happen in cricket. We lost a few games, which cost us. We have played a couple of good games recently. We are looking to put up a good performance and get another victory,” he told reporters here.
Asked how tough it would be to face a team like RCB, who are playing to salvage pride, Guptill said: “They are a dangerous side. If you look through their lineup, the whole way down, they have got match winners everywhere.
“Yeah, we have to play extremely well tomorrow and put our plans in place to negate their tag of being match winners. It is going to be tough game and we have to be on our toes to take them down,” he said.
The New Zealander said that the team would assess the condition and look to adapt quickly, especially in the wake of low-scoring games played here this year.
“There has been low-scoring games. We have to take this into account. Once we go out in the middle tomorrow, we will assess what is happening with bat and bowl and hopefully, adapt quickly,” he said.
Guptill said KXIP have “full squad to choose from” as no one is injured.
Asked if the under-performing bowlers got any special pep talk, Guptill said: “They are professionals and know what needs to be done. The training here could put them in good stead and help them putting a good performance tomorrow.”
He said frequently playing with international players like Hashim Amla, David Miller and Shaun Marsh makes it easier to fit into the scheme of things of any team.
“We play with so many different people around the world these days and you get to know those guys. When we get to know people around the world, it makes it lot easier for players from different countries to get fit into the scheme of things,” he said.
Guptill feels it has been awesome to bat with a calm- headed Amla.
“Hashim obviously is a world-class player and a bit of a legend. It is pretty awesome batting with him. He is chilled out, just goes about doing his thing, a trait which rubs on when you are in the middle with him,” he said.
Source: Zee News