Follow UsPunjab Kings are all set to face Chennai Super Kings on April 30 in Chennai. Speaking at the pre-match press conference, PBKS fast bowling coach James Hopes underlined the team’s strategy as they prepare to face the Super Kings and remarked on how it will be wise to take one match at a time, and not get complacent.
"I think the biggest thing for us is we know what can happen in a few weeks if we play well in the next two or three weeks,” Hopes said, indicating the possibility of PBKS lifting the trophy.
“But our focus has to be on the first ball of tomorrow night and getting through this game. All the teams in this competition are so dangerous that on their night they can beat anyone. So it would be foolish of us to look too far ahead. We've just got to look at the game tomorrow night, play our best game of cricket tomorrow night, and then worry about what happens after that."
Hopes also addressed the concern around the team’s middle order, as it’s the top order that has done the heavy lifting this season.
Reinforcing his belief in the middle order, Hopes said, “They are training very well, and I'm not going to say I wish the middle order would do more because that means our top order is not doing well. I think I'll take our top order doing what they're doing and trust that people like Nehal, Glenn, Josh, and Shashank will have their moments when required."
The fast bowling coach also reflected on the performances of Indian youngsters in the tournament, including the 14-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi's century last night.
Lauding the young cricketing talent harboured by India, the former Australian cricketer said, “These kids in general, not just last night, they just play a different game. They come up against the Kohlis of the world, the Dhonis of the world, and there's just no fear anymore. I think Indian cricket is very well placed, especially in the shorter format of the game, to put a few teams that would compete with the top few teams in the world on the park right now.”
The match between CSK and PBKS will begin at the M. A. Chidambaram Stadium by 7:30 pm.