Kolkata, April 27 (IANS) Kings XI Punjab batsman Gurkeerat Singh says he has learned a great deal from the seniors in the team.
"Experienced players tell us how to tackle tough situations better and I believe we have been doing well in that aspect which has helped us not just in the IPL but also while playing domestic cricket," Gurkeerat told IPLT20.com.
"We will prove ourselves in the opportunities we get. Experienced players like Adam Gilchrist, David Hussey and Azhar Mahmood give us a lot of confidence. We all have done well in domestic cricket and we know how to tackle situations."
The young player smashed 29 runs off just 12 balls in a thrilling run chase for Punjab against the Deccan Chargers in the IPL last year. He is also known for his fielding abilities which came into the limelight when he took an outstanding catch at fine leg to dismiss Ross Taylor in IPL-6.
Friday, he made 28 off 15 balls, which helped Kings XI get to a respectable 149 against the Kolkata Knight Riders.
"I came to bat when there were just five overs left. I started the innings trying to get my eye in. But once I got my eye in, there was no looking back. In the last over as well, you have no option but to hit out. I had confidence in me to go for my shots and I was sure they would come off well," he said of the match Punjab lost.
Talking about defending their target he said: "We had discussed before entering the field that we will not relax for one moment may it be 60 for no loss or 20 for 3, we decided that we will not let go off the game at any time of the game. We had them under pressure by taking two quick wickets in the run chase. But Bisla, Kallis and Morgan played well to take KKR home."
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While discussing his game, Gurkeerat said he takes some time to settle down before going on the offensive.
"I always try to get my eye in first, try to work my innings by taking singles and doubles in the initial stages of my batting. Once my eye is set, I just go for the kill and try to score as freely as possible."
He credits Yuvraj Singh for his success.
"He speaks a lot to me about my game. In the last game too, he told me what areas to work on and how to go about my batting in different situations. He gave me a bat in the last game and Friday, I played with his bat. Thankfully I kept the reputation of hitting sixes with that."