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This article was first published 10 years ago

'Kolkata still has a chance of reaching the play-offs'

Last updated on: May 12, 2013 00:10 IST

Image: Gautam Gambhir
Photographs: BCCI

His team is virtually out of the play-offs race having lost eight of their 13 matches, but an optimistic Kolkata Knight Riders skipper Gautam Gambhir has said they still have a "fair chance" of making the cut in the ongoing Indian Premier League. 

"At the moment, the competition is pretty open. We still have a fair chance of reaching the play-offs. 

"For me what matters is the remaining three games and we face RCB on Sunday, which is a must-win game for us. Hopefully, we can try and deliver," Gambhir told reporters on the eve of the match.

'Ranchi track can benefit Sunil Narine'

Image: KKR players celebrate
Photographs: BCCI

The Virat Kohli-led RCB are coming off a win against Delhi Daredevils and asked how KKR plan to counter the likes of Chris Gayle, Kohli and AB de Villiers, Gambhir said, "We do not strategise against individuals. 

"We do not discuss individuals; we will only look to do what we do best and stick to our strength." 

The KKR captain is also pinning his hopes on Sunil Narine to counter the strong RCB. 

"We have played on this track, a spinning one and can benefit Sunil Narine," he said. 

'KKR is not dependent only on its spin bowlers'

Image: Kolkate players celebrate Balaji's wicket
Photographs: BCCI

Talking about his side's bowling attack, he said, "KKR is not dependent only on its spin bowlers. 

"If you see in the tournament, Jacques Kallis and L Balaji too have done well for us, which are great signs for us. 

"Spinners have been successful for us, they have been different, and they have not been conventional spinners. Our bowling unit on the whole has been good." 

'We are looking forward to win all the three matches'

Image: KKR players
Photographs: BCCI

Gambhir said his team would look to win its remaining three matches. Kolkata have to their credit 10 points from thirteen games.

"We are looking forward to win all the three matches. Be it any situation, we as a team enter the ground thinking about a victory. 

"We do not play to participate. We will look to play some good cricket and get a win." 

The city will also host the KKR versus Pune Warriors match on May 15.

Tags: KKR , Gambhir , Kolkata
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