Chris Gayle sounded out a warning to Pune as Bangalore prepared to play their last of three consecutive home games at the M Chinnsawamy Stadium.
While the hosts are placed on second spot, Pune are languishing in the bottom half, and hurting after a crushing defeat to Punjab despite the batting finally coming good.
However, Gayle said Bangalore would not take things lightly and ensure that they take maximum points before embarking on a long phase of away games.
"The match against Pune on Tuesday marks the last of three consecutive home games for us before we head on the road for six straight away games. For this reason in particular, it's crucial for us to take maximum points," Gayle wrote in his column.
"Pune visit us after a tough loss against Punjab. But they know they will get no sympathy from us," Gayle said.
Bangalore's successful season so far is a tribute to their team spirit and some consistent performances by key players. Skipper Virat Kohli holds the Orange Cap (for most runs) while Vinay Kumar has held on to the Purple Cap (for most wickets). Gayle, who held the batting honours last year said he was happy for his teammates, but warned the team against complacency with a lot of cricket to be played in the tournament.
"It's pleasing to see that in addition to Bangalore being top of the league standings, Virat and Vinay also hold the Orange and Purple caps respectively which is a testimony to our good all-round cricket.
"We know only too well that it would be foolhardy to dwell on the present when there's still so much left to play for in the tournament.
"All our hard work is paying off, but we need to continue pulling our weight together and avoid dropping our guard if we are to secure our first objective of an early playoff spot," Gayle wrote.
Gayle was also pleased to see another West Indian great, Vivian Richards making his 'mark' in the Indian T20 League. Richards, roped in by Delhi as adviser seemed to have inspired the struggling side to a nine-wicket victory over Mumbai. Virender Sehwag roared back to form with an unbeaten 95 while Mahela Jayawardene found his touch and scored his second fifty this season.
"Meanwhile, I'm happy to see that the Indian T20 League has been enriched by the arrival of the legendary Sir Viv Richards who has joined Delhi in an advisory role. I don't think it was a coincidence that in the first game Delhi played post his appointment, they have produced their best batting display of the tournament so far.
"I'm sure his words would have inspired the Delhi players as a motivational speech from him is guaranteed to get the best out of any player," Gayle said.
While the hosts are placed on second spot, Pune are languishing in the bottom half, and hurting after a crushing defeat to Punjab despite the batting finally coming good.
However, Gayle said Bangalore would not take things lightly and ensure that they take maximum points before embarking on a long phase of away games.
"The match against Pune on Tuesday marks the last of three consecutive home games for us before we head on the road for six straight away games. For this reason in particular, it's crucial for us to take maximum points," Gayle wrote in his column.
"Pune visit us after a tough loss against Punjab. But they know they will get no sympathy from us," Gayle said.
Bangalore's successful season so far is a tribute to their team spirit and some consistent performances by key players. Skipper Virat Kohli holds the Orange Cap (for most runs) while Vinay Kumar has held on to the Purple Cap (for most wickets). Gayle, who held the batting honours last year said he was happy for his teammates, but warned the team against complacency with a lot of cricket to be played in the tournament.
"It's pleasing to see that in addition to Bangalore being top of the league standings, Virat and Vinay also hold the Orange and Purple caps respectively which is a testimony to our good all-round cricket.
"We know only too well that it would be foolhardy to dwell on the present when there's still so much left to play for in the tournament.
"All our hard work is paying off, but we need to continue pulling our weight together and avoid dropping our guard if we are to secure our first objective of an early playoff spot," Gayle wrote.
Gayle was also pleased to see another West Indian great, Vivian Richards making his 'mark' in the Indian T20 League. Richards, roped in by Delhi as adviser seemed to have inspired the struggling side to a nine-wicket victory over Mumbai. Virender Sehwag roared back to form with an unbeaten 95 while Mahela Jayawardene found his touch and scored his second fifty this season.
"Meanwhile, I'm happy to see that the Indian T20 League has been enriched by the arrival of the legendary Sir Viv Richards who has joined Delhi in an advisory role. I don't think it was a coincidence that in the first game Delhi played post his appointment, they have produced their best batting display of the tournament so far.
"I'm sure his words would have inspired the Delhi players as a motivational speech from him is guaranteed to get the best out of any player," Gayle said.
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