Although the last league match of the VIVO Indian Premier League 2017 between the Royal Challengers Bangalore and Delhi Daredevils will have no bearing on the race to the playoffs, both sides would be keen to finish the season on a winning note. While the Zaheer Khan-led Delhi Daredevils have won six games, Virat Kohli’s side have only two wins under their belt and are at the bottom of the table.

While speaking to the media ahead of the match, Pawan Negi, who is the second highest wicket -taker for RCB this season, said as much. “The season obviously didn’t go well but if we can win the last game (and finish on a winning note) it will be good for the next year,” he said. “The team that plays well on the day will win. We hope to have a good game,” he added.

While Yuzvendra Chahal claimed 14 wickets through the season for RCB, Negi too contributed with 13 wickets for the side. Asked about his display in the tournament he said, “The season so far has been good for me (personally) and I will try and do my best in this last game as well. I hope to finish the IPL season on a good note.”

The experience of bowling alongside Chahal and being coached by Daniel Vettori has helped the left-arm spinner. Negi credits the two individuals for sharing their knowledge on spin bowling when he says, “I learnt a lot from them. Since Daniel Vettori is himself a left-arm spinner, he has been guiding me in the nets about what to do, what line to bowl, etc. Those kind of tips have helped me a lot.”

“Once Vettori joined us for the camp (ahead of the season) I got the opportunity to speak to him. When I started playing matches and even during the practice games he would keep talking to me and tell me what to do, how to do, etc. Then as the matches started, he has also been guiding me about bowling according to the wicket. I was working on that aspect as well which has helped,” he elaborated.

Speaking about playing under Virat Kohli, Negi mentioned that he enjoyed the experience while adding, “He is very supportive on the field and off it as well. If you want ask him something you can do that freely without hesitating.”

As they play their last game of the season, Negi will be playing at the Feroz Shah Kotla, his home ground in the context of domestic cricket. “I am quite excited to play here. Performing on my home ground will help my confidence as well and I will be striving towards that,” he concluded.