Even though he was won two man-of-the-match awards for his bowling performance, Rising Pune Supergiant all-rounder Ben Stokes expects better show with willow vs Kolkata Knight Riders today
Ben Stokes
Rising Pune Supergiants' Ben Stokes drives during IPL the match against Mumbai Indians in Mumbai on Monday. Pic/PTI
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Pune: "It seems to be going very good with the ball, mate," TV Commentator and former Kiwi pacer Simon Doull said to Ben Stokes at the post-match presentation in Mumbai on Monday. Doull was referring to Stokes' Man-of-the-Match performance for the Rising Pune Supergiant against Mumbai Indians at the Wankhede; the England all-rounder's second Man-of-the-Match award-winning bowling performance of IPL 2017.
What Doull obviously also meant was that it hasn't been going all that great for the season's most expensive player with the bat. Barring a 32-ball 50 against Kings XI Punjab at Indore in a losing cause, Stokes has failed to make an impact with the bat. "Yes, it's been a bit disappointing", Stokes admitted to Doull.
Crucial time for RPS
And, perhaps, Wednesday would be a crucial time to change that, as Rising Pune Supergiant take on a well rounded Kolkata Knight Riders' side at the MCA stadium here. The Knight Riders are fresh from their demolition of a strong Royal Challengers Bangalore unit couple of nights ago. Having bowled out Virat Kohli's men for 49, KKR bowling unit would be beaming with confidence. Such was the quality of their pacers at the Eden Gardens, the likes of Sunil Naraine and Kuldeep Yadav were not even required to bowl.
Strength of big three
And that's one reason why the Supergiant need their big hitters in form. Their real strength lies in the big three—Steve Smith, MS Dhoni, Stokes; in that order. These three usually bat from No. 3 to 5 and their contributions would be crucial against KKR. Ajinkya Rahane and Rahul Tripathi have often given team the starts, but it's about the acceleration, where Smith's boys have lacked in the recent games.
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