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'We have set the benchmark, now we need to maintain it'

April 25, 2017 20:42 IST

'We have set the trend of intensity what you want to play with. Now the biggest challenge is how we can maintain it.'

IMAGE: Kolkata Knight Riders captain Gautam Gambhir, centre, speaks to his team. Photograph: BCCI

Kolkata Knight Riders skipper Gautam Gambhir said it will be a challenge to maintain the trend they had set in their last Indian Premier League outing by bowling out Royal Challengers Bangalore for a paltry 49 -- the lowest ever score in IPL history.

Chasing a modest target of 132, RCB's famed batting line-up comprising the likes of Virat Kohli, AB de Villiers, Chris Gayle and Kedar Jadhav collapsed in no time.

On the eve of their next match against Rising Pune Supergiant, Gambhir said it will be a difficult task to continue in the same vein.

"It's difficult to set the trend, but it's more difficult to maintain it," Gambhir said in Pune, on Tuesday.

"We have set the trend of intensity what you want to play with. Now the biggest challenge is how we can maintain it. That was one phase, now it is up to us.

"We have set the benchmark, now we need to maintain it. You know one game it's easy to do but now people will be expecting us to deliver again. I hope the guys realise that and what I expect from the team and myself as well. It has to start from me," he added.

RCB pacers Nathan Coulter-Nile, Chris Woakes and Colin de Grandhomme took three wickets each to bundle out the Bangalore outfit for a paltry score.

On the other hand, Pune have notched up three back-to-back wins on the back of contributions from each member of their team.

"If everyone is contributing, it's great for the team. In a T20 format, a team that has everyone chipping in is far better than ones who are dependent on one or two individuals," Gambhir said.

"If Pune is doing that, it's great. There is more surety of the team performing than one or two individuals doing it every time," he added.

Kolkata Knight Riders skipper Gautam Gambhir said it will be a challenge to maintain the trend they had set in their last Indian Premier League outing by bowling out Royal Challengers Bangalore for a record lowest 49.

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