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Pushing Surya up the order was a big gamble, says Gambhir
Kolkata Knight Riders skipper Gautam Gambhir said it was a big gamble to push Suryakumar Yadav up the order, but he is happy it paid off as they notched a thrilling two-wicket victory over Pune Supergiants in a hard-fought Indian Premier League encounter, in Pune, on Sunday night.
Yadav was asked to bat at number three after Manish Pandey, who is down with chicken pox, was left out of the playing eleven. The Maharashtra cricketer blasted a 49-ball 60 to guide Kolkata Knight Riders to their third successive victory.
"It is a very important win because me and Robin did not perform. Suryakumar, the way he batted... it was unbelievable," Gambhir said, after Umesh Yadav blasted a six in the last over to take Kolkata home. They finished with 162 for 8, and won with three balls to spare.
"Manish was a big blow, so to push someone like Surya was a big gamble. He gives us a lot of options."
Gambhir, however, said the team needs to improve in the bowling department.
"We didn't bowl really well. In the last 3-4 overs, we could be more professional. I thought they would end up getting 145. We need to pick up our bowling socks. Overall, more positives than the negatives," he added.
Yadav, who was adjudged Man of the Match, said, "I was told by my captain that I have to express myself.
"Carrying my form from the last game, I did not finish the game but happy that it came in a winning cause. First eight overs would have been crucial because later it was difficult for the batsmen to capitalise. Winning against this challenging side on such a wicket, it shows good signs."