Lynn's batting can take off pressure from team: Gambhir

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) captain Gautam Gambhir said if Chris Lynn can keep batting the way he did on Friday against Gujarat Lions, it will take the pressure off other batsmen in the team.

Lynn smacked 93 off just 41 balls at a strike rate of 226.82. The Australian's innings was laced with eight sixes and six fours as KKR marauded to a 10-wicket win over the Lions in the latter's own backyard chasing 184 for victory.

Gambhir scored 76 off 48 deliveries as the duo's heroics became IPL's highest opening run stand.

"We know what he (Chris Lynn) can do when he is on song," Gambhir said at the post match presentation ceremony.

"We have to give him a longer run. If this is the way he bats, it takes a lot of pressure off the batting line up. Hopefully he can continue his form like this and keep smacking it."

"Lynn can take on any fast bowler in the world right now. Hopefully rest of us can play around him," Gambhir said.

The skipper lauded his bowlers too for restricting a top-heavy Lions batting line up to 183/4 on a pitch that offered little to the bowlers.

"I would like to give a lot of credit to the bowlers. This was a 200 wicket, so restricting a batting line up like Gujarat to 183 is commendable."

Lynn said he would like to continue the momentum, adding he likes the opening slot as the ball comes on to the bat.

"If I can continue this momentum, it will be good for the team. I like the ball coming on (to the bat) and I am used to that. So I am happy," he said.

Losing skipper Suresh Raina, who played well for his unbeaten knock of 68, underlined they have to improve their bowling which lacked teeth on the night to say the least, adding Ravindra Jadeja was sorely missed.

"We need to get better in our bowling department. They played really good cricket shots. We need to learn from here. We missed Jadeja and (Dwayne) Bravo. He (Jadeja) is in form and the No 1 in the world (Tests). Our lack of experience showed especially when you are bowling at the death," Raina said.

--IANS

dm/sku/