I can play a huge role

Nicky Boje

Our loss against Delhi Giants in the last match once again highlighted the importance of a good start. We were chasing a modest target of 137 but once we lost early wickets the target just kept growing on us and we succumbed to pressure.

That loss has hurt us a lot since we were cruising till then, winning three matches on the trot after the loss to Lahore Badshahs and would have been assured of a semifinal spot by now. But we faltered and now need to win at least one of the two remaining games to make it to the last four.

It’s not a bad situation to be in, given the strength of all the other teams, but we would have definitely liked to get the semifinal target off our mind as soon as possible and then work on ironing out the other problems and even have a look at other players on the bench. But all that can wait as we concentrate on winning our next game against Chandigarh Lions on Saturday in Hyderabad.

We have enjoyed playing at the Shastri stadium, which is in the heart of the city, as the crowd here is fantastic. All of them troupe in to support us as their home team. The team has not let them down so far. We are playing attractive cricket and I am happy the way I have shaped up in the tournament.

We needed to win our second game against Chennai Superstars and I was delighted to score a half-century to aid team’s cause. From here on I strongly believe that I can play a huge role in guiding the team to the title with my left-arm spin. In the shorter version where every batsman wants to plunder the ball all round the park, taking off the pace goes a long way in stemming the run-flow.