IPL 7: 5-point mantra to success for Kolkata Knight Riders

#4 Show some intent in the first over

This is a common mistake that most teams make, especially while batting first. During the telecast of the recently concluded World T20, the commentators continually touched upon the fact that the first over of a T20 innings, on average, is the least productive over, from the batting side’s perspective.

Hence, more often than not, it has been observed that the fielding team’s skipper uses this opportunity to sneak in an over of a part-timer. Gautam Gambhir and his opening partner must ensure that they get on top of such bowlers. Taking the aerial route isn’t the worst option given the fielding restrictions in place.

Showing intent early on is critical in a T20 scenario, as it goes without saying that fortunes fluctuate speedily in this format. At the same time, gifting their wickets to part-timers won’t do them any good. So they better retain some sense while throwing their willows around.