Focus is to beat Mumbai Indians and top table, says Punjab Kings spin bowling coach Sunil Joshi
Jaipur: Notwithstanding the six-wicket defeat against Delhi Capitals on Saturday, Punjab Kings spin bowling coach
believed they can still finish in the top-two by beating
in their last league outing.
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"We look at only one game at a time. We need to play well for 40 overs. Then only we can win the game and head the table. That's what our focus is on," said Joshi in the post-match press conference on Saturday.
PBKS will lock horns with MI in a crucial tie at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium here on Monday. Both teams have already made it to the IPL play-offs but a win will take them to the top of the points tally.
The former Indian left-arm spinner felt his side needed consistency in the middle overs.
"Overall, we were a bit inconsistent in the middle overs. That is something which we need to go back to the drawing room (board) and address that we have been bowling really well in the middle overs, with high dot-ball percentage. That is something which we have done well. And, again, Harpreet Brar has come back very well," said Joshi.
Despite the narrow defeat against DC, Joshi is confident about putting up a solid show against the formidable MI with their best playing eleven.
"I'm sure there will be an opportunity for most of the players. We had injured players. It's finally off now and we have a full squad now so definitely there will be an opportunity for them. We don't believe in giving chances. We believe in winning the game," said the 54-year-old.
He admitted that there were a few lapses in the fielding against DC but not taking wickets in the middle overs hampered their chances.
"Fielding definitely matters in a short format of the game.
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But majority of the time, we look at the dot-ball percentage and take wickets in the middle overs. That will be the key," he said.
Joshi was the coach of the Uttar Pradesh cricket team last year and saw the progress of Sameer Rizvi, who played a major role in putting DC across the line.
"Rizvi really batted well. I have been watching Sameer Rizvi for the past two years. I was a UP coach, so I know his talent. He has done well," he said and added that leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal was rested as he has a small niggle.
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