RP Singh on Pietersen's trail

Chargers' pacer hopes for an encore of his success against Pietersen during 2007 Test series

Chargers' pacer hopes for an encore of his success against Pietersen during 2007 Test series

The pressure is on Royal Challengers Bangalore when they play Deccan Chargers in the Indian Premier League game at Newlands here today. Skipper Kevin Pietersen has to lift his Bangalore team after the demoralising defeat against Chennai Super Kings on Monday.

Deccan Chargers' Rudra Pratap Singh (second from left) celebrates one of his four dismissals against Kolkata Knight Riders on Sunday. pic/afp

Pietersen is yet to set the ground afire with the willow, getting out to a duck in the last game. That he is the most expensive player in the tournament has increased the weight of expectations on him that much more.

Tough task
It won't be any easy against Deccan too. Providing the challenge for him will be left-arm seamer RP Singh. The Indian swing bowler can claim to have a psychological edge on the Bangalore skipper after getting his measure quite a few times during India's Test series in England in 2007.

RP said he cannot wait for the contest against KP.

"As far as KP goes, we all know what a class act he is. I have had some success against him during the 2007 tour where I managed to get him out three or four times. I just hope the magic continues," said RP, who had claimed KP's wicket in both the innings of the second Test at Trent Bridge, a match which resulted in India's first series win in England in 21 years.

"We cannot take them (Bangalore) lightly. They are a balanced side and it should be a close match," added the left-arm bowler.

RP is confident after a fine bowling performance in the first game against Kolkata Knight Riders. He is enjoying the bowler-friendly conditions in South Africa.

"A lot of hard thinking has gone into our plans for each batsman. The light wind and overnight rains helped in movement through the air.

"A swing bowler cannot be asking for more. I am happy we struck to the right length with the new ball. In T20 even one bad over can change the complexion of a game," said RP.

Fond memories
He has good memories of playing in South Africa during the 2007 World Twenty20. He said he and teammate Rohit Sharma can derive confidence from it.

"Rohit and I had a good T20 World Cup here and we can take a lot out of that and use it to our advantage," said RP.

"We have had a great start to our campaign and it is crucial we continue in the same mode."