Colin de Grandhomme optimistic of KKR executing their plans against Stokes to perfection

English all-rounder Ben Stokes proved his worth in RPS’s previous game against the Gujarat Lions as the southpaw smashed an unbeaten century which ensured Pune clinched a nail-biting thriller in the final over. After winning 3 games on a trot, they are set to lock horns against the Kolkata Knight Riders and a win will definitely secure them a place in the playoffs.

KKR all-rounder Colin de Grandhomme who has been a part of the playing XI in 7 matches is optimistic about the fact that they will be able to execute their strategy to stop a Stokes onslaught during their clash against RPS today at the Eden Gardens. Stokes has been a match winner with his all-round skills and after helping RPS to a win against MI with the ball, Stokes proved his worth with the bat against Gujarat.

“I think we just got to execute our plans and hit our areas and try bowl to areas where he is not as strong and hopefully get him out early,” Grandhomme was quoted as saying by the Times of India. In the 7 matches, Grandhomme has featured for KKR, he has failed to make a lasting impact especially with the bat. He has an exceptional strike rate in T20’s but has failed to live up to his reputation. His figures of 3/4 against RCB has been his best bowling effort this season so far.

Speaking on his batting de Grandhomme said, “Definitely, trying as hard as I can with the bat. Keep trying as hard as I can. I think the more opportunity the lower order gets, the better they will get. The batsmen have been doing their jobs which are a good thing. Like every game, you have got to get up and try to win as many as you can.”

Grandhomme who was roped in as a replacement of the banned Andre Russell is enjoying his time in India and is happy being part of such a big scale and glamorous tournament like IPL. “It is a big thing to be playing the IPL, against the best players in the world, it is a big thing. You definitely learn a lot, under best coaches best players, you obviously learn a lot,” the all-rounder signed off.