Thaindian News

Mohali, April 1 (IANS) Kings XI Punjab are looking forward to break their losing streak when they take on Royal Challengers Bangalore in the Indian Premier League (IPL) match here Friday.
Skipper Kumar Sangakkara said Thursday that the team will fight for a win.

“Bangalore is a formidable side but they were beaten by Super Kings in the last game. Bangalore is beatable, we know that,” said Sangakkara at the Punjab Cricket Association (PCA) Stadium here.

Kings XI Punjab are lying at the bottom of the league with one win from six matches.

Sangakkara also said that there was no rift in the team.

“I read various stories about replacement of captaincy, Indian players, international players and coaches. We always see that most of the stories come out when the team is loosing and very few things come when team is winning,” he said.

“There is absolutely no such thing, no rift between the players. There is no anger or criticism. Both domestic and international players are working well together and that is the way cricket is. There stories are bound to happen but we are only concentrating on supporting each other and making sure that we win,” he said.

Sangakara said that he was sure that local boy Yuvraj Singh will strongly bounce back.

“Take any player; in some season he is in form and in some he is out of form. Unfortunately, Yuvi’s preparations for the IPL were also hampered by the injury,” said the Sangakara.

“Everyone knows that Yuvraj Singh is the best T20 batsman in the world. Sometimes we have big expectations when we have player of that stature. But the team’s performance does not depend on a single player. There are other batsmen also to share the responsibility and we all are collectively responsible for the results,” said Sangakara.

Sangakara also dropped hints on Friday’s possible eleven.

“There are changes to be made but they will be made looking at the wicket and looking at the Bangalore’s position. The idea is to have the best and balanced combination in the team,” said Sangakara.

About his personal form, Sangakara said: “There is some disappointment but I am making sure that I have to make runs. There are no excuses, when we go out in the middle we are totally accountable. To me, my approach is to work hard and to give my 100 per cent.”

Kings XI Punjab coach Tom Moody was also optimistic about the forthcoming games and said that they have strong bench strength.

“Yes, I do think that there is good bench strength as we have 23 players in the squad. There are players who have not got chance and they are ready to set up if given an opportunity. We will make decision after seeing Bangalore’s side and the overall conditions,” said Moody.

“We are not far away from good results. Players only need to trust in their ability and to show trust in the process. We are sure that positive results will certainly come up.”