I was guilty of not giving Samson enough opportunities when he was with KKR: Gautam Gambhir

Kolkata Knight Riders continued their dream run in the ongoing season of Vivo IPL 10 and won their 7^th match of the season by defeating Delhi Daredevils quite comprehensively. It was a thoroughly professional performance by KKR which helped them strengthen their position at the top of the points table. Captain Gautam Gambhir has looked in ominous touch and Robin Uthappa too has got back his golden touch in the last couple of games.

In his official column, the captain’s diary, Gambhir shared his insights on the match and said what needs to be done for their today’s clash against the Sunrisers Hyderabad. Gambhir began his column by mentioning his former teammate Zaheer Khan who recently got engaged with Chak de India acclaimed actress Sagarika Ghatge.

“In our last game on Friday, before I could notice changes in Delhi Daredevils line-up, the first change that hit me was Zaheer Khan’s official relationship status. One of the most genial cricketers you could ever meet was now ‘booked’ or as those happily bachelors like to term it ‘engaged’. I have played a lot of cricket with Zak and travelled with him too.

He was easily the most desirable bachelors of Indian cricket team that I played in. Throw in a Yuvraj Singh and women were spoilt for choice. Zaheer had those piercing eyes, an effervescent smile and presence. Yuvi stood out for attitude, gift of the gab and a lot of chivalry. In the heat and the pressure of an IPL game I was tempted to ask Zak if he was feeling any side-effects of engagement but decided against it,” Gambhir wrote in his official column in the Kolkata Knight Riders website.

He also expressed his guilt on not allowing Sanju Samson to play more matches when he was with Kolkata Knight Riders a few years ago. He felt that whenever Sanju scored runs against KKR, he was trying to prove a point. “Till about a few years back Sanju Samson was with KKR. I was guilty of not giving him an opportunity. Each time he scores against KKR, I feel he is trying to prove a point. My coach Sanjay Bharadwaj tells me that Sanju spent some time with him at Delhi’s LB Shastri Club. And by Sanjay sir’s assessment Sanju has rebooted his game,” added Gambhir.

“Sanju was smooth in his batting. We didn’t bowl well either. Later on, we tightened things up and bowled better lines. Top four Delhi batsmen falling to lbw is a testimony to that. Our best efforts came in the later half of DD’s innings where we were switched our bowling plans. From wicket-taking deliveries, we were looking to bowl dots and then go for the kill. Rishabh Pant and Chris Morris dismissals were more out of this strategy than aggression. Delhi were 130 odd for 2 in 15 overs and looking set for around 180 or more. I am proud the way our bowlers pulled it back,” Gambhir wrote.

They are set to meet Sunrisers Hyderabad in a few hours time and Gambhir conceded it will be a tough challenge on their hands given a terrific all-round unit Hyderabad possesses. “Sunrisers are a tough side to beat. I think with Shikhar Dhawan coming good and Kane Williamson fitting in the combination, they look a formidable unit. Besides, Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Rashid Khan present their own set of challenges in bowling. I think this is a game where we need more than a few ‘game-changers”, concluded Gambhir.