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Regular-article-logo Wednesday, 08 May 2024

Kolkata Knight Riders keep eye on top 3

KKR’s main target will be to dismiss the Royals early since the side has notched up 200-plus scores in both its matches so far

Our Bureau Calcutta Published 30.09.20, 03:15 AM
Eoin Morgan

Eoin Morgan Picture courtesy: KKR

Eoin Morgan is wary of the threat posed by Rajasthan Royals’ top three — Steve Smith, Jos Buttler and Sanju Samson — during their match in Dubai on Wednesday.

Kolkata Knight Riders’ main target would be to dismiss them early since the Royals have notched up 200-plus scores in both their matches so far, Morgan — England’s World Cup-winning captain — said on the eve of their key clash.

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“The honest answer is that they are good players and you have to get them out. If they bat for 20 overs, you’re probably going to lose the game, particularly Buttler and Samson,” Morgan said.

“They obviously have a very well-drilled and experienced side. I suppose the challenges from our point of view, is to try and focus on our own game to start with.

“If we can produce a performance and improve on the game, I think that will allow us to execute strategies and plans for Smith, Buttler and Samson to try and make inroads.

“Steve Smith obviously is in fine form. They’ve had some good success in the limited games that they’ve played.

“Hopefully, we can build on our game, and produce our first win in Dubai,” he said.

Morgan was all praise for Shubman Gill, who saw the team through against Sunrisers Hyderabad with an unbeaten 70 last Saturday.

“It’s the first time I’ve seen him bat in person. An impressive young man with a lot of potential... And I think a lot of hype probably comes with it.

“It was a joy watching him play against a very experienced Sunrisers attack. Hopefully, that’s a start for him, kicking on and contributing more and more in our campaign this year,” Morgan said.

He also gave credit to their bowlers.

“From the team’s perspective, I thought the bowlers bounced back beautifully from the first game. With ebb and flow throughout the tournament, I don’t think any side is going to go on unbeaten.

“Given the challenges across the three grounds — that no team has control over their own wickets — I think it’s going to be challenging for everybody,” he said.

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