IPL-2018: I perform well under pressure: Rana
Kolkata, April 17: In-form Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) batsman Nitish Rana, whose 59 helped the team drub Delhi Daredevils by 71 runs, feels he excels under pressure.
"I had said that the last time as well -- when there is pressure, I seem to do better. I was happy that there was pressure, I enjoy playing under pressure," Rana told reporters after the lopsided Indian Premier League (IPL) clash at the Eden Gardens on Monday.
Andre Russell blasted a 12-ball 41 along with Rana's 35-ball 59 to help KKR pile up a mammoth 200/9. In reply, Delhi were out for 129 as Sunil Narine (3/18) and Kuldeep Yadav (3/32) triggered a collapse.
"It was an important game for us since we had lost the last two in a row," said Rana who has scored 127 runs so far in four matches at an average of 31.75.
KKR got back to winning ways after slumping to two consecutive defeats against Chennai Super Kings and Sunrisers Hyderabad respectively.
In their tournament opener against Royal Challengers Bangalore, Rana had come good with bat and ball to guide his side to a victory.
Asked how big has been his contribution in both the triumphs, Rana played down his role to team effort.
"Everyone has made a contribution in today's game. Take for example, Kuldeep's two wickets - Rishabh Pant and Glenn Maxwell. We thought at that point in time, those wickets were very important.
"I don't think I had such a huge role, everyone's been assigned a certainly responsibility, I just had to fulfil my part, so did the others."
The 24-year-old Delhi boy added that the plan was to bat till the end. Rana got out in the 19th over to Chris Morris.
"The plan was to keep going till the very end. I was seeing the ball even in the first game, I knew I was batting well, even in the third match, unfortunately I got out in that early.
"I kept it in my mind that I am in good touch, I should hold one end and finish the job.
"I always knew if the spinners come in, it's very easy for my game. I was waiting for them, both of who turn the ball into me. Our plan was always to go till the end," he said.
Russell's blitzkrieg which took the game away from Delhi, did not overshadow Rana's innings, opined the southpaw.
"Our styles and roles are different. Our game plan is pretty much so that I take care of one end, and if there is Russell or the other big-hitting guys that we have, they will go for their shots."
KKR next take on Rajasthan Royals in Jaipur on Wednesday.
Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.
Ajit Pawar sparks controversy with "You're Not My Boss" remark in Baramati
Mumbai: Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar stirred controversy during a recent visit to Baramati with a remark addressing his voters. Speaking while receiving a memorandum, Pawar stated, “Just because you voted for me, it doesn’t mean you have become my boss or owner. Have you made me a farm labourer now?”
The statement has drawn widespread attention, coinciding with ongoing political discussions surrounding the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP). On January 3, the Ajit Pawar-led faction of the NCP dismissed any possibility of reuniting with Sharad Pawar’s group.
The NCP has reiterated its alliance with the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) at the Centre and the Mahayuti coalition in Maharashtra. Maharashtra NCP chief Sunil Tatkare confirmed that the party’s July 2023 decision to align with the BJP remains unchanged.
“Our party is firmly allied with the NDA at the Centre and MahaYuti in the state. Under Ajit Pawar’s leadership, the NCP has achieved significant electoral victories. There is no rethinking on this stand,” Tatkare said.
When questioned about the possibility of reuniting with the Sharad Pawar faction, Tatkare dismissed speculation, stating, “There are no ifs and buts in politics.”
Meanwhile, Ajit Pawar’s mother, Ashatai Pawar, has expressed her desire for reconciliation within the Pawar family. During a visit to the temple town of Pandharpur, she shared her hopes, saying, “I wish that the differences within the Pawar family end at the earliest. I hope Pandurang answers my prayers.”
Tatkare responded to her emotional appeal by distinguishing personal relationships from political decisions, asserting, “Family and politics are two different things.”
