Internet Desk: Royal Challengers Bangalore might be coming here with a lot of confidence after their record win in their previous match but Kolkata Knight Riders batsman Yusuf Pathan today said his side would start as favourites when the two sides clash in an IPL match tomorrow.
“It will be a different wicket, different conditions and an away match (for RCB). They have to settle down here. We have the home advantage as we know the conditions well here,” Yusuf said at a promotional event here.
Captain Virat Kohli and team-mate AB de Villiers hit centuries and stitched a record partnership as Bangalore thrashed Gujarat by 144 runs yesterday, the biggest ever victory in IPL.
Congratulating the duo, Yusuf said, “They played really well. It’s really commendable. Congratulations to them.”
It’s still a tough road ahead for Kohli’s team as they have to win their remaining three matches while the two-time former champions KKR require a win to seal a final four berth.
One of the positives for KKR this season has been the form of Yusuf who has been part of three IPL winning teams including one with Rajasthan Royals in the inaugural 2008 season.
Yusuf’s strike rate this season — 165.62 — is the second best among batsmen who have faced 100 or more balls and he averages an astounding 132.50.
The 33-year-old gave credit to the support staff for his success with the bat this season.
“I always have faith in my abilities. Many things contribute to your success, like the support you get from your coaching staff and teammates.
“I feel very comfortable. I’ve been getting all the help that’s needed. Support staff plays a major role in this. It’s not just my success but the credit goes to people who have worked with me in the last six years,” a modest Yusuf said.
“I’ve been batting well this season, feeling a lot more confident. I was just focusing on my game after two wickets were down (in three balls against Pune yesterday).
KKR has been strongly dependent on the spin attack this year, Regarding this, the dasher said,” Every team likes to utilise their home conditions according to their strength. Our strength is spin. Remember one thing, KKR is not only deppendent on Narine. We have Hogg, Shakib and Chawla as well in our ranks.”