KKR pacer Shivam Mavi confident of making it to the playoffs, targeting to win next 4-5 matches

After playing 8 games in the 11th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL), Dinesh Karthik-led Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) are positioned at number 4 in the points table. On Thursday, the side will meet the table-toppers, MS Dhoni-led Chennai Super Kings.

Ahead of the encounter, 19-year-old Shivam Mavi is confident of making it into the playoff of the tournament. Mavi suggested that the team is targeting to win the next 4-5 games of the remaining 6 which makes them a strong contender to enter the playoffs.

Targeting to win 4-5 matches to qualify

Mavi was speaking to the reporters on the eve of the game and felt that Kolkata Knight Riders are playing good cricket. “We have been playing some good cricket. We have six matches to go. Our target would be to win the remaining four-five matches from here on,” said the India U19 pacer who played a major role in the team’s World Cup win earlier in the year.

Following his success in the U19 World Cup, Mavi who consistently clocks 145+ mph with the ball fetched Rs 3 crore in the IPL 2018 auction.

KKR had beaten Virat Kohli-led Royal Challengers Bangalore in their previous encounter on the back of terrific innings from Chris Lynn and Robin Uthappa. Mavi was economical in his 3 overs, giving away just 21 runs.

Talking about their next challenge in the form of Chennai Super Kings, the youngster feels that the CSK side is pretty experienced but KKR will try to exploit their weaknesses.

“They are experienced. But we have been doing well. We will focus on their weakness. Yes we are a bit short on experience but if we focus on their weakness, we will win,” said the young Uttar Pradesh-born player.

However, it will not be an easy task for them to beat the Dhoni-led team that is on a roll at the moment, winning 6 out of their last 8 matches. It will be interesting to see how the young brigade of KKR fares against CSK when they meet the Eden Gardens later in the day.

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