25 May,2011 06:33 AM IST | | Sai Mohan
Manoj Tiwary believes Kolkata have a psychological edge over Mumbai Indians in today's eliminator having dominated the proceedings against them in their last meeting at Eden gardens on Sunday
Kolkata Knight Riders' star batsman Manoj Tiwary believes his side holds a psychological advantage against Mumbai Indians in today's Indian Premier League (IPL) Eliminator.u00a0 Tiwary said that Kolkata controlled proceedings during the thrilling finish at Eden Gardens on Sunday, and that Mumbai will feel the pressure in front of their home fans.
Manoj Tiwary. pic/afp
"We have the psychological advantage going into the game because we controlled the game on Sunday despite the fact that they won. Sure, they got over the line, but James Franklin got lucky because two yorkers in the last over hit the toe of his bat and flew to the fine-leg boundary. Those things happen in
cricket, Mumbai know that we should have won the game. This is the perfect rematch, the stakes are a lot higher. I am desperate to win it for KKR," he told MiD DAY.
Tiwary, who has a healthy tally of 355 runs from 13 innings this season, said that Gautam Gambhir (captain) and Shah Rukh Khan (team owner) have formed a strong partnership: "After that loss to Mumbai, we were shattered. Our skipper and owner came to the dressing room and consoled us. The crowd was stunned... emotions were running high at Eden. It was important to cheer up since the rematch was in a few days. We want to win this IPL for them, especially for Shah Rukh, who has been incredibly supportive. There are positive vibes in the dressing room, and Gambhir is leading brilliantly."
"They made some gambles at the auction and they are paying off now. I enjoyed my time at Delhi, but playing for KKR has given me a new lease of life. I am enjoying my batting form and am confident of winning this IPL for KKR. That would hopefully draw me closer to a India recall," added Tiwary.
During the game against Pune Warriors last week, Sourav Ganguly was at the non-striker's end when Tiwary had an altercation with Jesse Ryder.
"It felt really weird because when that incident occurred, Dada was overlooking from the other end. For a second, it was difficult to guess what he was thinking. That's the beauty of IPL, I never thought I'd be standing opposite of my Dada," said Tiwary, who is affectionately referred to as 'Chota Dada' in his native Kolkata.
