‘Keen to build on momentum like in 2014’

Kolkata: For Wriddhiman Saha, momentum is a wonderful word now. In the middle of a good run as India Test wicket-keeper who is also a handy bat, he is also part of a Kings XI Punjab team that ended up last in IPL 2016, but is one win away from notching up a hattrick in the 10th edition.

That could come against twotime champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) on Thursday at the Eden Gardens, a venue Saha also calls home.

“In Dubai (IPL 2014) in the initial three-four matches, we didn’t do much of individual planning and won. That momentum took us to the final. We are trying to retain the initial momentum,” said Saha, 32, speaking after nets on a scorching afternoon on Wednesday.

THE 2014 RUN

He was referring to KXIP winning their first five games in the 2014 edition, part of which was held in the UAE because of general elections.

In the final, Saha made a gallant 115 not out in 55 balls with 10 fours and eight sixes but KXIP’s total of 199 was overhauled by KKR. Maybe that’s why while looking back Saha was being selective.

He spoke of having ‘forgotten’ his Man of the Match performance against New Zealand last year. “Past is always past.”

“Every match is a new one for us here. We will have to forget that we won two matches. Yes, at the back of our mind we will have the confidence that comes from winning two games,” said Saha.

IMPORTANCE OF FLEXIBILITY

KXIP, said Saha, have kept things flexible this term. “There is no batting order,” he said of the two games they have won comfortably, against Rising Pune Supergiant and Royal Challengers Bangalore. There is, however, a lot of aggression, courtesy Maxwell, who made 43 off 22 balls in the win against RCB.