Not thinking about playoffs, taking one game at a time: De Kock

Mumbai Indians (MI) find themselves in pole position to make it to the playoffs after a thumping eight-wicket win over Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). MI wicketkeeper-batsman Quinton de Kock, who starred in the game with an unbeaten 44-ball 78 says that his team are not thinking about the playoffs and are more keen on taking it one game at a time. 

"We did not plan much before this game, we know what our strengths [are], it is a matter of doing what we have been doing, in our team we have a lot of experience and it is a matter of just doing the things on the field," said de Kock during the post-match press conference. 

"The preparations for playoffs have not started yet, it is about taking one game at a time, whatever happens, we have to keep it simple and we need to play to our strengths. Whether we qualify for the playoffs or not, that is not in our hands but playing good cricket is something we can control," he added.

MI now have 12 points from eight games, knowing that a couple more wins would assure them of a place in the top four. MI finished the game against KKR with 19 balls to spare, signaling that they are firm contenders for the title this time around as well. 

"We like to play simple cricket, we have a great bunch of players, guys understand that they do not think too far ahead. To be honest, we do not really talk about the wicket, we like to assess things and rather be proactive and deal with what we have in front of ourselves," de Kock further asserted. 

MI take on bottom-placed Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) next on October 18, while KKR on the same day will take on Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH).

(Image courtesy: BCCI)