IPL 2018: Manish Pandey Aims Big Against Kolkata Knight Riders

Sunrisers Hyderabad’s (SRH) middle-order batsman Manish Pandey is desperate to hit the right note against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) after having a dull season so far in this eleventh edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL).

Meanwhile, Hyderabad roped in the second-most expensive player of 2018 in whopping INR 11 crore – to beef-up their middle-order. The Karnataka batsman has failed to live up to the expectations as Hyderabad has struggled owing to their batting.

However, Pandey showed some hint of form in the last match, albeit in a losing cause, with his 38-ball-62.

Meanwhile, Pandey feels he is peaking at the right time.

“Everybody was waiting for this, a special knock I think. Bengaluru is pretty close to me. I thought this was one of the chances I may get to bat with some balls in hand. I was preparing myself to play accordingly. It has been okay for me until now, if not as much as I expected. But it was high time now. I know we have qualified but even if I peak now and win games for my team, I will be happy by the end of the season,” Pandey assessed as he was quoted by ToI.

Pandey’s return to form will be crucial to Hyderabad going into the business end of the league.

Pandey backs struggling Thampi:

The middle-order batsman Pandey came in rescue of struggling Basil Thampi. The seamer went for 70 runs in four overs, however, Pandey believes that overall bowling in the death overs cost them the match.

“Cannot really point out that (Thampi’s bowling). Overall, I think 215-220 was a lot on this wicket. We gave around 70 runs in the last five. We should probably work as a bowling team together, and not just look at one bowler in particular,” he added.

In conclusion, Pandey also lauded skipper Kane Williamson.

Manish Pandey added that he has done a remarkable job with the side. He also hoped that Williamson continues this brilliant run in the remaining games.

Meanwhile, Hyderabad faces Kolkata Knight Riders next at home on May 19 (Saturday).

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