IPL 7: Picking quality bowlers in auction paid off, says Gautam Gambhir

KKR skipper Gautam Gambhir said that the 'master move' of picking quality bowlers, instead of buying big batting names during the auction helped the team to pocket its second IPL title

Bangalore: Kolkata Knight Riders skipper Gautam Gambhir said yesterday that the 'master move' of picking quality bowlers, instead of buying big batting names during February auction helped the team to pocket its second Indian Premier League title.

View Pictures: King Khan and his Knights party after IPL triumph

Also Read: IPL 7: Saha, Pandey should have been joint Man-of-Match, says Saha's coach


Gautam Gambhir 

"When we went into the auction, we wanted a good bowling attack. A lot of teams might have thought of having a very good batting line-up in the T20 format. A strong bowling attack takes a lot of pressure off batting. But we have batted brilliantly as well," said Gambhir in the post-match presser.

Also Read: IPL 7: Yusuf Pathan credits SRK, Juhi and hubby Jai Mehta for backing

'This was a special win'
Asked to choose between the title wins of 2012 and this season, Gambhir said this was a very special one because after the first seven games people had written them off. But nine wins on the trot mirrored the strong character of the team and the players.

"It is difficult to compare the two wins, but I feel especially after the first seven games a lot of people may not have given us a chance of playing the finals," he said.


KKR pacer Umesh Yadav celebrates the wicket of Virender Sehwag during the tie against Kings XI Punjab on Sunday. Pic/PTI 

On Manish Pandey, who single-handedly won the finals with his 94 against Kings XI Punjab, Gambhir said a player's worth is realised when he performs in crunch situations and that is the reason why he backed him.

"When we picked Pandey, we had a lot of faith and trust in him. He has delivered when it mattered the most.

"Not many franchises would have continued with him because he had struggled with his form. But we always felt he had the talent and fearlessness to go out and play this kind of an innings," he said.

"Exciting news! Mid-day is now on WhatsApp Channels Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!