KKR can beat Sunrisers Hyderabad to clinch playoff berth: Simon Katich - Hindustan Times
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KKR can beat Sunrisers Hyderabad to clinch playoff berth: Simon Katich

PTI | By, Kolkata
May 22, 2016 02:33 PM IST

Two consecutive losses have put Kolkata Knight Riders staring at elimination but their assistant coach Simon Katich said on Sunday that his side can pull off a win over table toppers Sunrisers Hyderabad in their last league match and qualify for the IPL play-offs.

Two consecutive losses have put Kolkata Knight Riders staring at elimination but their assistant coach Simon Katich said on Sunday that his side can pull off a win over table toppers Sunrisers Hyderabad in their last league match and qualify for the IPL play-offs.

KKR Captain Gautam Gambhir celebrate with others during IPL against RPS at Eden Gardens.(PTI Photo)
KKR Captain Gautam Gambhir celebrate with others during IPL against RPS at Eden Gardens.(PTI Photo)

Two-time champions KKR were at the top of the table midway in the season but back-to-back losses towards the business end of the league have suddenly put them in a make-or-break situation in their last game against Sunrisers.

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“Ultimately we know that if we win, we get through. This is basically like a final. We will be going into tomorrow’s match thinking about how we are going to win this game,” Katich told reporters on the eve of the match today.

“Having a good run-rate helps and that is due to some good wins this season. I think we will be going into this game not worrying about the result,” Katich said referring to KKR’s good net run rate.

Five teams can finish with 16 points and the net run-rate may determine the final four.

Katich said that his side’s meek surrender to Gujarat Lions in Kanpur does not make KKR a bad team and they can bounce back against the Sunrisers.

“Everyone was disappointed with the result in Kanpur the other night. A loss like that does not mean we are a bad team. The fact is that we have to regroup and start again. That is the nature of this format,” Katich said.

The former Australia batsman said they’re looking forward to the home advantage against Sunrisers.

“We are playing at home and Sunrisers have had a good tournament but we feel confident given how we played against them previously but it does not count for much tomorrow. What has happened in the past is in the past and that will be put aside and we start again fresh tomorrow,” he said.

“It was not long ago that we played beautifully against Rising Pune Supergiants. It is something that you have to deal with in this format of game. You cannot let the disappointment linger too much,” he added.

“It is important to move on and have a positive mindset for next game. If you are worried about what just happened, then it affects you leading into the next game.”

Due to overcast conditions prevailing over last two days under the influence of cyclone, the ground remained under covers and KKR were denied practice.

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