IPL 2020: Sheldon Cottrell Supports KL Rahul's Move Of Giving Krishnappa Gowtham The 20th Over Against Mumbai Indians

Kings XI Punjab left-arm seamer Sheldon Cottrell’s stellar spell of bowling against Mumbai Indians was not enough to prevent them from reaching 191 in 20 overs in Abu Dhabi on Thursday. Sheldon Cottrell claimed the wicket of Quinton De Kock in four overs, conceding 20 overs and earning a maiden. The West Indian seamer also backed KL Rahul, whose decision to give Krishnappa Gowtham the 20th over cost them 25 runs.

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Mumbai Indians stuttered at the start as De Kock and Suryakumar Yadav perished cheaply. After beginning slowly, their captain Rohit Sharma found his stride to play a knock of 70 off 45 deliveries. KXIP’s inconsistent death bowling cost them 89 runs in the final five overs. The likes of Hardik Pandya and Kieron Pollard shared an unbeaten stand of 67 off only 23 deliveries, smashing quick-fire runs.

Sheldon Cottrell supported the decision of KL Rahul to hand the ball to Krishnappa Gowtham for the 20th over. Cottrell reckoned that the decision was in the best interests of the team even though it did not pay off. It would have worked on any other day. In pursuit of 192, Punjab managed only 143 and suffered their second consecutive defeat and third overall.

“Honestly, I back my skipper 110%. Whatever his decision is, I’m gonna back it. It was a decision he felt was best for the team. It didn’t work today, unfortunately, but on another day I’m sure it will work,” Cottrell stated as quoted by India Today.

“I wouldn’t say worrying, it’s just a matter of time for us” : Sheldon Cottrell

The Jamaican highlighted that they are working hard on their death bowling by learning from their mistakes and practising on training grounds. Cottrell remains confident that they will rectify their mistakes soon and brushed it aside as a significant concern.

“I have been working hard on death bowling, and so have my bowling partners. We’re getting there and we’ve been learning from our mistakes and practicing it on the training grounds. I’m sure we’re going to pull it off very soon. I wouldn’t say worrying, it’s just a matter of time for us,” the 31-year old claimed.

Sheldon Cottrell, who conceded 30 runs against Rahul Tewatia in Sharjah that turned the game on its head, regrets not helping Punjab get over the line. After bouncing back well against KXIP, he feels pleased with his performance against Mumbai Indians and underlines his excellence on the comeback.

“My comeback was excellent from my part. My confidence was always there. But I wish my bowling effort could have helped Kings XI cross the line. I’m feeling pleased about my performance,” he added further.

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