IPL 7: Swashbuckling Corey Anderson Still Not Comfortable With T20 format

Swashbuckling New Zealand all-rounder Corey Anderson, who played a blistering knock to flatten Rajasthan Royals last Sunday and help holders Mumbai Indians qualify for the IPL playoffs, said that the T20 format has troubled him a bit.

 

"I think T20 is the one format where I have struggled the most out of all the formats. The more I start playing, the more I am starting to learn," said Anderson today at the Brabourne Stadium ahead of tomorrow's IPL Eliminator against two-time champions Chennai Super Kings. (Mumbai Take on Chennai in Eliminator)

The defending champions produced an improbable run chase against the Royals and Anderson starred with a brilliant, unbeaten 44-ball 95 as his side overhauled the target of 190 in 14.4 overs. (Anderson Aiming for Glory)

The left-handed batsman, who holds the record for scoring the fastest ODI century in 36 balls against West Indies, said if Mumbai can maintain a fearless attitude then they could be a force to reckon with.

"We were fearless in the way we played the last game and if we can continue that and the momentum that we have got, then we can have a real shot at winning this (match). If we keep that fearless nature about us, then I am sure we could be a force to reckon with," said the 23-year-old cricketer from Christchurch.

"A lot of people had written us off coming into that (Rajasthan Royals) game and to pull off what people thought was impossible is a pretty good feeling. It is almost a sense of relief that now we are in the play-offs and everyone starts on an even playing field again.

"The play-offs are different as everyone is on an even playing field ," he said.

"Things don't always happen the way you want them to but luckily enough it did the other day. Once Rajasthan had put 189 on the board, all the boys in the changing room - myself included - thought that is a lot of runs to get. We still stayed optimistic," he explained.

Asked about tomorrow's game against formidable Super Kings, Anderson said: "They have always been up there with every IPL. Their strength is in their batting line-up but their bowlers have stepped up as well. There is obviously a lot of luck involved but at the same time if we can put those techniques into place then hopefully we can get the right result."

The hard-hitting Kiwi batsman said it was good to get compliments from New Zealand skipper Brendon McCullum but wished the Chennai opener wouldn't score runs against his team on Wednesday.

"From a New Zealander to a New Zealander it is nice but I will be hoping the same thing. He has obviously had a good tournament as well. He is a dangerous player and if we can nullify him and minimise his damage in the game then it is going to be a massive part of the positive we have tomorrow," Anderson said.

The Brabourne Stadium will be hosting the first match in this IPL and asked about the venue, he said: "I guess it is a foreign venue for me, as it would be for a few other guys as well. We have to train now and adapt to the conditions.

"Regardless of the boundary size, we still have to play well and adapt to the wicket and come up with a rough idea of what we can score in our innings early on. If Chennai bat first then we will know what we have to chase down."

He complimented the crowd for supporting the team.

"The crowd has been 100 per cent behind us the whole time even when we have been near the bottom of the table. To have that confidence that they are going to back us whatever happens is a good feeling. It is nice to be in Mumbai and have a home base and hopefully the juggernaut that we have created for the last few weeks will keep rolling," he added.