IPL 2017: KXIP taking inspiration from best ever 2014 campaign, says Saha

Indian wicket-keeper batsman Wriddhiman Saha scored a century in the final of IPL 2014 and he now wants to relive that edition when Kings XI Punjab came closest to the title. It was also an edition when IPL's first half was moved tothe UAE and Kings XI Punjab won all their matches.     

"When we played in Dubai, we played with a free mind inthe initial five matches. We could carry that momentum tillthe final. We are trying to do that this year as well,"Wriddhiman told reporters on the eve of their match against KKR.     

The India Test specialist said that both skipper Glenn Maxwell and Head of Cricket Operations Virender Sehwag have told them to play without inhibitions.     

"Maxwell and Virubhai have told us to play freely andwithout thinking much. If your role is to score 20 off 10, then just go and express yourself," Saha said.     

The best part about both KXIP wins has been their total dominance. "That's a big plus point and something that was on full display in the last two matches. We have won in 15-16 overs. Abig plus for the side."     

Saha said that the team management has told them that batting positions in Kings XI Punjab is a flexible one where anyone can bat at any position.     

"In our set-up we have been told that anyone can bat anywhere. I can go early if there's a collapse. It depends on how the opponent's bowlers are doing," Saha said.     

Saha then provided a peek into their strategy. "It depends on the pattern. Axar Patel went early with left-arm spinners bowling in tandem. Left-arm spinners find itdifficult against left-handers."     

The last time when Saha appeared in India whites at his home ground, he walked away with the Man of the match awardfor his twin half-centuries against a very potent New Zealandattack in seaming conditions.     

"I have played here since my younger days -- be it a tstate-level, Ranji Trophy or IPL. I am aware of the conditions but so are others who have played a lot of matches. Only familiarity won't help as a lot of things keep changing. I am playing for Kings XI Punjab and our ultimate goal is to winthe match," he said.