The key is to take wickets in first six overs, says Jordan

Chris Jordan comes with a reputation as death-bowling “specialist” and a potential panacea for Royal Challengers Bangalore’s never-ending struggles with the ball. The all-rounder, however, tried to play down the expectations around him.

“I don’t really look at it in that sense,” he said when asked about expectations, here on the eve of their IPL-9 match against Pune Supergiants. “What people think from the outside is not really my concern, more like how my teammates and the coaches see me. I’m just going to try and go out there and do what I normally do, which is to give my best and hope I can give my 100 per cent,” he remarked on Friday afternoon.

Jordan is one of the rare Englishmen to play in the Indian Premier League, and the Sussex player said he was “overwhelmed” to be part of the league.

“It’s been pretty overwhelming,” he said. “Everyone has made me settle in very quickly and made me feel welcome off the field. They’re a great bunch of guys with great experience. I only got here on Sunday and the guys have welcomed me with open arms. That helped me settle quickly off the field. All I have to do is concentrate on the matches. Hopefully if I get a go tomorrow, I can show what I can do and put up a good performance for the team.”

Jordan hoped RCB bowling will pick itself up again soon. “I have watched quite a few games,” he began. “As far as the bowling is concerned, it’s not really for me to say. The guys are working really hard at training and obviously have great skill level. The things may not be going right for the team now, (but) that’s life. We just need to keep looking forward to the next game and game after that and hopefully, RCB get back to winning ways,” he offered.

Jordan stressed on the need to take early wickets to stay ahead of the opposition. “In most T20 matches the key is to take wickets in the first six overs because as it gives a bit of momentum for the bowlers coming out of power play. Ajinkya Rahane is a phenomenal player both for India and in this tournament for RPS. He will be a key player for us to get him out early. Hopefully, we can get our planning right for him and execute them,” he analysed.