IPL 2018: If We Continue to Play Fearless Cricket, We Would be Fine - Ravichandran Ashwin

Kings XI Punjab skipper, Ravichandran Ashwin believes if the team is successful in playing the same brand of cricket that they have played, then Punjab are going to do fine. The skipper also added they fought well in the match.

Meanwhile, Mumbai Indians were able to keep themselves breathing in Indian Premier League (IPL 2018), as they beat Kings XI Punjab by six wickets. It was a must-win contest for the defending champions, and they were able to come up roses.

However, it wasn’t an ideal result for the hosts, Kings XI Punjab.

Ravichandran Ashwin said in the post-match presentation,

“We bowled pretty well, but this wasn’t our night. Not really (if the week’s break cost them the momentum), it’s just a perception, the week off didn’t hurt us. This tournament isn’t all that easy, it’s not easy to knock off 16 points, if we play like this for the next 3-4 games, we should be good enough to qualify for the knockouts”.

Meanwhile, Men in Blue were able to continue the legacy of winning while chasing at Holkar Stadium in Indore. Every team has won in Indore while chasing the target.

Ashwin further added they were not able to get enough runs on the board. However, Marcus Stoinis had propelled Punjab to 174 after he scored a quickfire 29 off just 15 balls.

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Punjab captain added,

“I thought the wicket was a bit sticky, said the same during the toss. We played pretty well but didn’t get enough runs in the end. If not for Stoinis, we wouldn’t have got 174. We fought well; if a few things had gone our way, we might have ended as winners”.

It is the first time that Ashwin is leading in the IPL. Subsequently, the off-spinner has done a good job, as the leader of the side. Ashwin added captaincy brings a lot of responsibility.

“Captaincy brings a lot of responsibility, so far so good. Six games to go, it’s not about getting three wins, if we play the brand of cricket that we are playing, we should do good.”

Punjab franchise is at the fourth place in the points table. However, they have played one match less than the top three teams.

Kings XI Punjab will now take on Rajasthan Royals on May 6 at the same Holkar Stadium of Indore. Ravichandran Ashwin-led team will like to get back to winning ways in the next match.

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