While the Kings XI Punjab batsmen looked to unleash themselves in Mohali, Royal Challengers Bangalore had the task of restricting them to an attainable total after Wriddhiman Saha set the tone of the hosts’ innings with an early onslaught. David Weise and Harshal Patel reined in the KXIP top-order, while Yuzvendra Chahal applied the brakes on David Miller even as the explosive batsman hit two sixes and threatened to cruise on. The spinner also sent back KXIP skipper George Bailey to keep the flow of runs in check later in the innings. However, the effort wasn’t good enough as the hosts registered a convincing 22-run win.

Speaking to iplt20.com, Chahal spoke about his efforts while bowling to the dangerous middle-order batsmen in the KXIP lineup and elaborated on his role in the RCB lineup.

Excerpts:

On the team’s approach to the match

We knew that it was a ten-overs a side game and that the batsman would attack every ball. So we had to plan accordingly. I think we gave away 10-15 runs more than we should have as a bowling side on this wicket.

On how he had planned to draw David Miller out after the batsman had smashed a couple of sixes earlier in the over

I hadn’t thought that he would step out off the first ball itself and attempt to hit a six. The second six was a mistimed one. I realised that it was difficult to stand and hit on this wicket, so I was expecting him to come out of his crease and attempt the big hit again. So I pitched the ball way outside the off stump (and got him stumped).

On the wickets of Miller and George Bailey

Miller’s wicket was more crucial at that point because everyone knows how dangerous he is. I think we could have stopped 10 odd runs upfront.

On Harshal Patel’s double strike that helped pull back KXIP after Wriddhiman Saha’s early blitz

He bowled well and as a result we could hold them back to maybe ten runs less than what they looked set to score.

On becoming an integral part of the RCB lineup

This is my second year for RCB and I am enjoying it. I think I can do better than what I did today. I am disappointed with myself. I finished with two for 25 whereas I think I could have instead conceded maybe 17-18 runs in my two overs.

On learning from coaches like Anil Kumble

I have worked a lot with him and also with Maninder Sir, who was with me when I was in Mumbai. Here too Dan sir (Daniel Vettori) and B Arun sir help me a lot.

Dan sir and Arun sir’s inputs have helped me a lot. There are times that you can’t flight the ball, you have to make a lot of adjustments, like vary the ball’s length and delivery. So in that aspect, Dan sir’s advice has helped me.