Kolkata Knight Riders’ defence is the reason they have done so well in IPL-5: Dean Jones

Defence has been Kolkata Knight Riders strength, writes Dean Jones in The Times Of India. “The evening clash between Pune and Kolkata is an interesting one. It was a good sign for Kolkata that they managed to win the last game without much effort from Gautam Gambhir.  Kolkata’s defence is the reason they have done so well. I have been repeatedly saying that it is ultimately defence, and not offence that wins you games generally. Kolkata have scored the least number of runs this season this IPL season but the bowlers have conceded the least number of runs too,” writes Deano, adding that Sunil Narine has been simply sublime with 21 wickets.

“Everybody wonders how he releases the ball but they should concentrate on the rotation of the seam. I wouldn’t be worried which way he is spinning, but what length he is bowling. Either play him on the full or play him on the backfoot,” writes Deano adding that he was amazed at Adam Gilchrist’s performance in the last match against CSK.

“He did mention that it was a late decision to play, and how he played considering that he has not one but two sore hamstrings. Mandeep is getting more impressive day by day. Their bowling quartet of Harris, Kumar, Awana and Hussey has also done very well.”

Meanwhile Sourav Ganguly writes in Hindustan Times that The IPL is more or less over for the Super Kings. “Though possibilities are been talked about, I have a feeling that the holders are done with this time. Delhi and Kolkata seem set for the final go but the race for the remaining two playoff spots is between quite a few teams,” writes Ganguly, adding that Chennai seemed to lack the consistency they displayed in the last few years and the biggest reason has been that the Indian players have not clicked at one go.

“They were patchy, and Dhoni not coming to the party was a major drawback. He lifts the team with his power-packed performance but this time he didn't hit the purple patch. He did come out at No 4 in Dharamsala against the Kings XI, when his colleagues were finding it difficult to break the shackles, but didn't come good. A few years back, Dhoni had single-handedly won the game here for Chennai when defeat seemed inevitable. Also, Raina was not in his elements in a format he enjoys,” writes Ganguly.

According to a report in The DNA, Punjab have eight wins from 15 outings and need to win Saturday’s clash against Delhi Daredevils to stay alive in the tournament. “It was skipper Adam Gilchrist who shepherded them to that morale-boosting win over CSK. Delhi had missed the services of skipper Virender Sehwag and pace spearhead Morne Morkel against RCB. Their possible return would surely bolster the side which is happy that Ross Taylor has found form.

“Ross hitting form is good,” Mahela Jaya¬wardene said.