Morkel believes in CSK's qualification
7 May 2012 6:48 PM GMT
Despite their inconsistent performance in the Indian Premier League so far, Chennai Super Kings allrounder Albie Morkel believes that the defending champions can still qualify for the playoffs if they sort out their problem of finishing the close games.
'The finishing is not upto the mark. It is not something we are used to. It is just the closing of the games, whether batting or bowling. It is just one bowl at the crucial time. If we get the small basics at the right time, it would make the difference,' Morkel told PTI at the sidelines of a promotional event.
Admitting that they have an uphill task in their remaining matches, Morkel said, 'It is a massive challenge but we like challenges. I wouldn't be surprised if we make the top four. It is going to be difficult but we are a champion team and we know how to win trophies. We have done it before and have in situations like this. So I think everyone is going to be up for it.'
The winners of the last two editions of the IPL, the Super Kings are currently placed fourth in the table, having won five of their 12 matches they have played so far.
The South African allrounder said the three-day rest now will help the players rejuvenate.
'The strategy is simple. We need to win four out of four. We have to bounce back and we have to do that because we have four games left and we want to qualify for the semifinals. Luckily, we have three days off where we can regroup, train again and recover a bit. We have tough back-to-back games but we will be up for it,' Morkel insisted.
A key player in the Chennai outfit, Morkel admitted that the team's performance has been lacklustre this season but cautioned the opponents against taking his side lightly.
'It is always tough to come into a tournament as favourites. We have played great cricket for the last four seasons and this season has probably been the worst. But we are still in the fourth position at the table, which shows that even though we play bad cricket, we still can compete. In the last four games we need to get some momentum going. All the teams need to be a bit wary of us,' he said.
Morkel added that the lady luck has deserted them and they would need it back if they want to make it the hat-trick of titles.
'To win a tournament like this, you need a bit of luck. We had all the luck last year and no luck this year. Close games are a fifty-fifty situations. Last year we won 80 per cent of the close games and this year we haven't won even one close game. I think we need the luck element and we will be all right,' he said. .
'The finishing is not upto the mark. It is not something we are used to. It is just the closing of the games, whether batting or bowling. It is just one bowl at the crucial time. If we get the small basics at the right time, it would make the difference,' Morkel told PTI at the sidelines of a promotional event.
Admitting that they have an uphill task in their remaining matches, Morkel said, 'It is a massive challenge but we like challenges. I wouldn't be surprised if we make the top four. It is going to be difficult but we are a champion team and we know how to win trophies. We have done it before and have in situations like this. So I think everyone is going to be up for it.'
The winners of the last two editions of the IPL, the Super Kings are currently placed fourth in the table, having won five of their 12 matches they have played so far.
The South African allrounder said the three-day rest now will help the players rejuvenate.
'The strategy is simple. We need to win four out of four. We have to bounce back and we have to do that because we have four games left and we want to qualify for the semifinals. Luckily, we have three days off where we can regroup, train again and recover a bit. We have tough back-to-back games but we will be up for it,' Morkel insisted.
A key player in the Chennai outfit, Morkel admitted that the team's performance has been lacklustre this season but cautioned the opponents against taking his side lightly.
'It is always tough to come into a tournament as favourites. We have played great cricket for the last four seasons and this season has probably been the worst. But we are still in the fourth position at the table, which shows that even though we play bad cricket, we still can compete. In the last four games we need to get some momentum going. All the teams need to be a bit wary of us,' he said.
Morkel added that the lady luck has deserted them and they would need it back if they want to make it the hat-trick of titles.
'To win a tournament like this, you need a bit of luck. We had all the luck last year and no luck this year. Close games are a fifty-fifty situations. Last year we won 80 per cent of the close games and this year we haven't won even one close game. I think we need the luck element and we will be all right,' he said. .
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