Gambhir should play without fear of failure

Author Image: 

sanjay 6.JPG [1]

The Knight Riders will be disappointed with their performance of Saturday but they have the time and opportunity to make it up in this tournament .It was a similar start to their IPL campaign this year which they went on to win and coincidentally, against the same side at home.

They can take inspiration from that. They must also accept that they have lost to a side who were better on the day and that too by a long way. The Daredevils’ pace attack was outstanding and Morne Morkel showed once again why he is rated as an outstanding fast bowler. His steep bounce on that Centurion pitch, not only stopped the batsmen from scoring quick runs but also dealt them body blows.
Jacques Kallis was a prime example and his injury could be a worry to the KKR think-tank for he provides so much balance and quality to the side. His technique will be invaluable in these conditions and KKR would want him back as soon as possible. His bowling adds on to the pace department as this attack, after Brett Lee, looks a little short on pace.
The reason for KKR’s success in the IPL had a lot to do with the quality of spin in their squad, but looking at the seaming South African pitches, their role in this competition could be minimal, though Sunil Narine was again at his very best. He is a huge threat to any side in this format and bowled superbly.
KKR will play the Auckland Aces next, a side who on paper are not as strong as Kolkata. But they will need to perform better. Although teams from the sub-continent get better with every outing in these conditions, the Knight Riders have to do it in a day and their captain will have to take a lead role .
His form off late has not been very good and he needs to rediscover it as quickly as possible. From the outside, it’s not Gambhir’s technique but his mental application and determination have been found wanting at times and this is a problem that can be solved in quick time. He needs to get the fear of failure out of his head and get bull-headed as they say in sports. Gambhir’s captaincy has been impressive right through but he needs to perform with the bat.
(360 Corporate Relations)