IPL 2018 | Every game is a ‘final’ from here on, says Jacques Kallis
Jacques Kallis, who has been quite impressed by the collective character of the team, has insisted that seniors must lead the way for Kolkata Knight Riders and play every match as a ‘final’. KKR must win their last game against Sunrisers Hyderabad to ensure qualification in the playoffs.
After Sunrisers Hyderabad and Chennai Super Kings already qualified for the knockout stages, Kolkata Knight Riders are in the best position to qualify as the third team. With all the eight teams set to play their last game during the weekend’s double-headers, the league phase of the tournament has almost reached its conclusion. Given that the two spots of the knockouts are still vacant with as many as seven teams still in the race this would be the season’s most crucial weekend.
With wins in their last two matches against KXIP and Rajasthan Royals, KKR coach Jacques Kallis has been pleased with the performance of his team and would hope that their winning form continues in the upcoming matches.
“Naturally I am pleased with the way the last two games have gone. I wouldn’t say that two victories constitute a winning ‘streak’, but who knows – perhaps it might be the start of one,” Kallis wrote in his column for Saturday’s TOI.
With 14 points to their credit, KKR must win their last league match against Sunrisers to qualify for the knockouts without depending on other results. A defeat would severely hurt their chances though as four teams remain at 12 points each, with one game to go. Kallis also revealed that their plan would be to stay calm and execute their plans ruthlessly. He also insisted that KKR would play every game as a ‘final’ from here on.
“The plan for the next game — and hopefully a few more after that — is for more of the same. More calm, clear thinking and more ruthless execution. I’ve heard all the permutations about who can reach the playoffs and net run rate and so on. All that bothers me is that we can still miss out if we lose against Sunrisers, and we definitely make the eliminator if we win. So that’s what we aim for. Play it like a final. Every game is a ‘final’ from here on. It’s now time for the seniors to lead the way.”
KKR
“Individual performances from some great players are part and parcel of every team and the tournament as a whole but it’s when the whole team has its collective character tested – and passes the test – that impresses me
“I have especially enjoyed those moments this season – like when the Rajasthan openers were 59-0 after four overs. It would be easy and even understandable for a bit of panic to set in but that wasn’t the case with our guys. They stayed calm and focussed, and fought back by keeping things simple and backing their ability. It was also great to see the Eden Gardens pitch offering some generous turn. We have some of the best spinners in the world, never mind the IPL, so it makes sense to give them a bit of assistance.”
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