Won't focus only on Kohli, AB: Gurney

Kolkata: Kolkata Knight Riders are not too concerned about the presence of Virat Kohli and AB de Villiers in Royal Challengers Bangalore’s ranks as they are focusing more on getting their IPL campaign back on track after a hat-trick of losses, left-arm seamer Harry Gurney said Wednesday.

“In IPL whoever you play against, there are several world class players. RCB are no different. Kohli and de Villiers are obviously two of the best in the world. It’s important not to underestimate the rest of the batting lineup,” Gurney told reporters.

“We will not rest on our laurels if we do get those two out early, because their lineup is full of very good players. So we won’t focus only on them (Kohli and de Villiers), we will focus on all the batsmen,” the left-arm seamer from Nottingham said.

On tackling Kohli and AB, he said: “We will assess them in the same way that we do any opposition really. We got access to world class analysis at KKR. We will come up with our plans and hopefully try and restrict them as much as possible.”

After a dazzling start to their campaign, the two-time champions KKR lost twice to Chennai Super Kings and Delhi Capitals to slip down the points table.

The last time KKR lost three in a row was under Gautam Gambhir in 2014, a season they went on to win the title after starting rather poorly.

Gurney said in any T20 competition, the important bit is always the second-half of the group stage.

“Actually, it’s amazing how often you see the teams that run away with it in the group stages don’t end up going on to win a trophy. We’re not too down in the dumps about things. We know we’re a good side and we’re excited about the next few games,” Gurney said.

On Friday, they take on the Kohli-led RCB who are placed at the bottom of the table and face a do-or-die situation, having lost seven of their eight matches.

“We won’t be underestimating them. It’s a big game for us whether they can qualify or not qualify. I think we’re not overly interested in that. It’s more about KKR and what we need to do. We go into the second half still with our destiny in our own hands.”

Asked why their bowling unit has not fired collectively, he said: “I think with bat and ball, you’re always striving for your perfect game. We got close to that probably against Rajasthan and we think we’re capable of as a group.
“For the last six games of the season, if we can turn up and pull it all together with bat and ball… and probably spinners, batters and in the field, then we’re going to be a tough to team to beat,” Gurney said.

Skipper Dinesh Karthik is not among runs, while spinner Kuldeep Yadav is also struggling to get wickets.

“So far they both have been very focused on KKR. Now that they’ve been selected for the World Cup and that their weight is off their shoulders it will hopefully free them up and enable them to continue to perform well for KKR,” he signed off.