Gambhir a knock away from striking form - Raman

Gambhir a knock away from striking form - Raman
Gautam Gambhir hasn't had a memorable start with the bat in IPL 2014 with two ducks in as many games, but the Kolkata Knight Riders captain has the backing of coach WV Raman, who says he is just one innings away from striking form. Gambhir made an eight-ball duck in the opening game against Mumbai Indians and in the second game against Delhi Daredevils, he lasted only half those balls before he was caught at short fine leg.

"Gautam Gambhir is just one knock away from striking form," Raman was quoted in iplt20.com. "He is too good a player to allow this to happen for too long. Hopefully, he will get going sooner rather than later and once he gets going, you know what he is capable of. You know what has happened as far as results are concerned for KKR when he has got going. We are hoping that he will find his rhythm quickly."

Knight Riders began with a convincing win against Mumbai but went down in the last over to Delhi Daredevils in defence of 166. Raman said the biggest takeaway from the Daredevils game was the way the middle order covered the slack after the openers fell for ducks. "We were in a tight situation in that game while batting, but we got out of it and posted a good score," he said. "The good thing about the team is that the guys are there to put their hands up and be counted."

We have done well without Gayle - Parthiv
Royal Challengers Bangalore's wicket-keeper batsman Parthiv Patel has said the team has managed well without their star overseas player Chris Gayle, who sat out both games due to a sore back. Parthiv, however, wasn't certain if Gayle would return for their next game against Kolkata Knight Riders on Thursday.

"We have done well without Gayle, which shows how strong our batting is," Parthiv told iplt20.com. "Once Chris comes, obviously, it will be a great boost for the team and I am sure he will be a very big threat. Having said that, our bowlers have done really well to restrict the opponents, which has helped us chase down targets."

Parthiv has been in good form as an opener, scoring 37 against Delhi Daredevils and an unbeaten 57 against Mumbai Indians, helping his side to victory after a wobbly 17 for 3. Parthiv's form has been crucial for Royal Challengers in Gayle's absence, given that his replacement Nic Maddinson hasn't fired. "I have started well in the tournament and I would like to just go out there and play myself in and get as many runs as possible for the team," Parthiv said. "I have my own strengths and have made myself a bit of a T20 cricketer. I know my limitations."