Ganguly credits youngsters for win

Kolkata:

Kolkata Knight Riders skipper Sourav Ganguly on Sunday attributed his team's dramatic turnaround in the third Indian Premier League to the useful contributions of the youngsters.

Bottom-placed in the last season, Kolkata Knight Riders have notched up successive wins in the first two ties in IPL III and Ganguly said it is important that everyday someone chips in for the team.

"I don't know the secret of our success. We are playing well in this format of the game that's important for us. It's important that somebody stands out in the game, that's been happening," Ganguly told reporters after their seven-wicket win over last season's runners up Royal Challengers Bangalore.

"Angelo (Mathews) played brilliantly in the last game and today it was Manoj (Tiwary), (Brad) Hodge and Angelo again ... Somebody is delivering for the team which is very good. Most importantly, we bowled really well today," he said.

Ganguly praised his team and said it's everyone, the staff, the mindset that is contributing to their success.

"It's everyone ... It's the staff, the mindset, the atmosphere ... everybody makes a difference in the team. That's how cricket team goes. It's building an atmosphere. The game is about playing freely. You don't have time, you just got to keep playing shots. That's what we are doing," he said.

Ganguly pointed out Tiwary, who earned the Man of the Match for his 29-ball 50, for especial praise.

"He (Manoj Tiwary) has got talent. I have always said players like (Cheteshwar) Pujara, (Manoj) Tiwary and (Wriddhiman) Saha are talented. It's a question of giving them opportunities.

"In this format, the best place is to bat is opening. He played freely, he played big shots and he set the game for us. I am so happy for him. Hopefully, he does well right throughout the tournament which will be good for him and good for us as well," Ganguly said.

Tiwary, a middle-order batsman, has been doing the duty of an opener in absence of Brendon McCullum and Chris Gayle.

Asked how will be select the team when McCullum, Shane Bond, David Hussey and Gayle joins the squad, Ganguly said, "I pick according to form. Four of them are top class international stars whether it's (Brendon) McCullum, (Chris) Gayle or (David) Hussey or (Shane) Bond. We are winning and we will see when they arrive."

Ganguly said Wasim Akram has also contributed in his role of a mentor and hoped the boys would learn from him.

"He is working on the bowlers. The time is very short. We don't get much practice time because we are travelling and playing. But he speaks to them and hopefully he will be a part of this franchisee for many years," Ganguly said.

"Young boys like Ishant, Dinda and Langeveldt will get a lot of help as far as bowling is concerned," he added.

Asked on the restrained celebration from team owner Shah Rukh Khan, Ganguly quipped: "First year we had lot of celebration. The hangover is still there. Hopefully, we will get some more win and we will celebrate."