We showed what we are capable of: McCullum
Kolkata Knight Riders captain Brendon McCullum finally had something to cheer about.
Here are excerpts from his media briefing after a rare win
On whether the win has sunk in: I guess. The irony is it was our worst fielding and bowling performance we have put in for the whole tournament. The feeling in the change room at the moment is fantastic. I am so pleased for the guys. It's been a hell of a ride, the last three or four weeks. We have got ourselves into situations where we thought we couldn't lose games. And we managed to come up short. I am so pleased for the change room and for all the guys that they have continually got off the camp after every time.... after every hard loss. They continued to give their absolute all for the team. It's nice to get some reward like we did tonight.
On the factors behind the win: I guess them scoring 190 almost allowed us to play freely that we couldn't stop. I think that is part and parcel of a good start. Try and get our run-rate up so that we could try and keep things in check as we headed into the last five or six overs. And as it worked out it was near to a perfect run chase. Even when six off six were needed there were parts of me which were thinking that once again we might fall short of the line. I thought Brad Hodge was outstanding today. He has been great for us throughout the tournament. To hold the nerve in the manner in which he did today and to get us across the line. Same with Saha. He was great too. I am so pleased for all the guys who have gone through such a time over the last three or four weeks and to come out of the other side of it against a very, very good side in a tough situation is pretty pleasing.
On what they did different: We batted second for a start. We have had some pretty good totals to try and defend over the last couple of games. We haven't probably executed with the ball as much as we should have. We have dropped a few catches which have let us down. I guess with the bat in hand today was a different proposition for us. Quite refreshing, as well, knowing well that the destiny of the game was within our bats rather than being on the field and having a ball in hand. So it was quite a nice change. and I think it certainly worked for us.
On his message to fans: I guess the same message that we are telling one another within the camp. We have given it everything that we possibly could over these last three weeks. Things haven't always gone our way. We have faced some pretty tough times as a group. But hopefully this is just a small sort of payback for all the hard work and all the dedication... not only the players... but the people within the group and from outside the group, fans, everyone. Hopefully, they enjoyed it tonight. I guess what it did show was what we are capable of as a team. And I guess the emotion as well that we saw at the end from the guys is something that we are looking to try and re-capture next year. So hopefully we have managed to continue to keep ourselves pleased and keep our supporters proud with the way we have continually stepped up and managed to overcome adversity right throughout the tournament. And hopefully people have seen that. We have still got a fantastic fan base. And guys have been great, we have got messages from all over the world. With messages of support does show that a lot of people care about this team.
On whether Shah Rukh Khan spoke with the team: Not so far but no doubt he will be in contact tonight. He has been in contact after pretty much every game. He lives and breathes the team more than anyone else. I am sure he will be sitting at home quietly pleased with the way how this game unfolded.
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