For MI game, ‘fearless’ RCB hoping for a fit Mitchell Starc

Sammy admitted that Gayle is an important player but said everybody’s role is as important. (Source: BCCI)

Mumbai Indians might be low in confidence after their four successive defeats but RCB all-rounder Darren Sammy on Saturday said they are not going to take their rivals lightly and will look to play fearless cricket when they clash in an IPL-8 match in Bangalore on Sunday. (Full Coverage| Fixtures|Points Table)

Mumbai is the only team, which has not opened its account on the points table after back-to-back defeats to defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders, Kings XI Punjab, Rajasthan Royals and Chennai Super Kings.

However, Sammy said they can’t take Mumbai for granted.

“In T20, both teams stand good chance. Mumbai has got some match winners. Yeah we can’t take them for granted. We need to go out and execute what we have been talking about,” he told reporters at the pre-match presser.

“Whether Mumbai, Chennai, Delhi Daredevils, we still got to give them respect. It is about going on to the field and executing.

“Over the years when I have played against them (RCB), I have watched them, the more fearlessly they play the better they perform. That is something that the captain (Virat Kohli) has been preaching – go out and play fearless cricket and we are going to do that tomorrow (Sunday),” he added.

On Australia’s inform Mitchell Starc playing Sunday’s match, Sammy said it would be a good addition to the squad if he is available as he has been the most consistent bowler this year in one dayers.

The former West Indies captain further said having Starc in the side and leading the bowling attack would be massive morale booster for the side.

“Yes we are expecting him (Starc) to be in the team on Sunday or as soon as possible. He is decent, and is in good form which always is a plus point. He has had a good year, especially in white ball cricket. So, to have him here to lead the attack would be massive. If he is available tomorrow (Sunday) he would be a good addition to the squad,” he said.

Sammy admitted that Gayle is an important player but said everybody’s role is as important as any big player in the side.

“Any side Gayle plays he automatically becomes an important figure. However, if we want to win, it requires an entire team performance. In the first match, this lad (Harshal Patel) came out and smashed a six of Sunil Narine that became an important shot of the match. Therefore, everybody’s role is equally important. The main thing is how you execute at that time. Yeah everybody is important,” Sammy said.

On his role as an allrounder, Sammy said he understands his responsibility and is keen on improving his performance especially after failing in the last two games.

“I understand my role obviously but I haven’t impressed in first two games but I am a confident player and I back my ability. I am here to make an impact to the team, and help RCB win matches. No better time to start than tomorrow (Sunday). We have two games coming very very quickly at home,” he said.

On off-field fun with Gayle, Virat Kohli and AB De Villiers, Sammy said the relaxed atmosphere in the team helps players to forget about the pressure and it leads to team’s success.

“Here, it is a relaxed atmosphere. We look out for each other. When we play we try to play hard. Whatever we do we try to do as a team. In an atmosphere like that it tends to bring success. The mind is clear about your role and obliterates pressure and life becomes much easier,” he said.

Asked about the differences between RCB and his previous team Sunrisers Hyderabad, Sammy said the latter always had their back to the walls but the current team have many stars who are capable of doing the job even if others failed.

“For two years I played for Sunrisers, it was a team which always had their back against the wall. We were second favourites to win, but here (RCB) people expect you to win matches and it is a massive and big franchise and there are so many stars.

“If you are not focussed you tend to think that these guys are going to get the job done. For me, I have a very important part to play in helping the team win and that’s what I focus,” he said.

Source:: Indian Express