Royal Challengers vs Mumbai Indians: Semifinal: Mumbai: April 21

RC Chief Blogger

On the eve of the big ticket game, Team Royal Challengers skipper was focussed to turn the tide. The loss to Mumbai Indians in the last game at Bangalore rubbed the team at the wrong areas, but that’s history.

It’s a different day today and it’s the semi-final of the IPL. A candid Anil Kumble believes that the home team would be under lot of pressure to perform. The team that can handle the pressure in the big night will be winner of the semi-finals.

Royal Challengers vs Mumbai Indians: Semifinal: Mumbai: April 21

RC Chief Blogger

On the eve of the big ticket game, Team Royal Challengers skipper was focussed to turn the tide. The loss to Mumbai Indians in the last game at Bangalore rubbed the team at the wrong areas, but that’s history.

It’s a different day today and it’s the semi-final of the IPL. A candid Anil Kumble believes that the home team would be under lot of pressure to perform. The team that can handle the pressure in the big night will be winner of the semi-finals.

Lets hope RC be on the right side today.

Excerpts from Kumble’s interview:


On the semifinal being a big occasion for a young player like Manish Pandey

The semifinal is a huge occasion for all of us, not just the young players. At the beginning of the tournament, our first goal was reach the knock-out stage and we're happy to have achieved that.

On the match fixing allegations around the IPL

I cannot comment much on that because as cricketers, our job is to go out and give the best on the field and make sure we play to our potential.

On the overseas players in RCB being happy with security and whether he had to speak to them to make sure they came to Bombay

No, I didn't have to speak to them separately and they are happy with the security provided. It was disappointing that the semifinal got shifted out of Bangalore because the home advantage would have been great.

On whether he thinks the scores in the knock-out stages would be lesser than the league games

Well, we've played one before and can only speak from that experience. It's nice to be part of the semifinals because it's not easy to be consistent over 6 weeks and ensuring you're doing well. It's natural to be circumspect in some areas in a big game but we like to express ourselves on the pitch and will hope to give our best.

On whether there is too little time to think in a 20 over game

In a 20 over game, what happens on the field is important. Whatever plans you make have to be executed because in this format, one batsman, one bowler, one over can change the game.

On whether Mumbai Indians is not under pressure after having played well in the league

They didn't expect the semifinals to be at home so the pressure will be on them. We'd like to take confidence from our first game against Mumbai Indians this season and we will concentrate on executing our skills.

On Sachin's form in the IPL

He's a big player in any team he plays in. The opposition always need to look at getting Sachin out early and we're aware of that. It's important to be on top for 40 overs and dominate the game and not focus on individuals only.

On the pitch being an advantage

Bangalore had one of the most sporting wickets in the competition. This is a fresh track and only two games have been played here and it should be a good wicket. There seems like there will be bounce and spin, and it'll be a good game of cricket

On the difficulty of taking a bowler off when he's doing well

It's in the nature of the game. In the game against Deccan Chargers, for instance, we gave a third over to Steyn thinking it might get a wicket. It didn't. So you have to go in with your gut feel and the entire bowling line needs to fire. You can't depend on one bowler.

On the boost to the team with KP's return to form

We are lucky to have high quality international players and it's nice that KP's coming into nick because he controls the innings from No.3.

On why not T20 World Cup

My international career is over. That phase is done and I'm happy playing the IPL.