Kumble lauds Kallis for Bangalore''s good run

Published Mon, Mar 22 10 07:24 PM

Bangalore, Mar 22 (PTI) Royal Challengers Bangalore skipper Anil Kumble today lauded in-form all-rounder Jacques Kallis for the team''s fine run in the third edition of the Indian Premier League. "We wanted Kallis to bat for the 20 overs and he has been doing that. He has been anchoring one end and when required he has been taking on the bowlers," said Kumble who has lead RCB to three wins out of four games so far. "He is great player and with his ability to bowl, he is a great asset. We hope that this continues with his form," said Kumble, on the eve of the night encounter against an injury-ridden Chennai Super Kings at the M Chinnaswamy stadium. Kumble said execution would have to be spot on to tame CSK. "There has been no particular strategy. Even if we have a strategy, it is important to execute it. Chennai have players like (Matthew) Hayden and (Suresh) Raina who are quality batsmen. So we will have to perform as an unit to win," said Kumble, adding "In a Twenty20 game it all depends on who plays well on that particular day." Kumble, meanwhile, felt CSK will miss their regular skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni tomorrow. "Dhoni''s injury is a setback for them as he can contribute in all three departments. Also, (Justin) Kemp with his ability with bat and ball will be missed even though it depends whether Kemp will be available for the game," said Kumble. The former India captain didn''t read much into the mongoose bat used by Matthew Hayden. "The bat does not make a difference. We do not plan for a bat, but for batsman," he said. Kumble said that there would opportunities for players like Abhimanyu Mithun in the tournament. "At some point or the other, Mithun will figure in our game plan. The advantage with Vinay Kumar is that he can bat too. Vinay bowled really well in the last game. But in future Mithun will come in to the picture." Asked if he worried about teams had failed to qualify for the semifinals after a great start in the tournament, Kumble said, "I don''t like to look far ahead. Even when we were at number eight last season, I did not look at the points table even though so much was said about our performance. For me, performing well and winning the next match is always important. Once you do that the results will take care of the points and standings." PTI JH AY

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