KKR coach Whatmore stresses need for consistency

“We are not happy about it (consistency factor). We should have won at least two more matches, but having said that that is the nature of this format. But there is no point in looking too much backwards. What need to do is to ensure that we play as competitively as we can and ensure that we end up with the right results in the remaining games,” Whatmore said.

Despite RCB suffering four defeats in their last fives matches, Whatmore cautioned against taking the home side lightly.

“We need to focus on the day’s match. We can’t predict anything in this format of the game and both sides are filled with quality players. This is a home match for Royal Challengers, so I guess that will be a small advantage for them and we need to be equal to that small advantage,” he said.

While praising the performance of Indian players in the KKR side, Whatmore praised Ashok Dinda for his impressive display. “I am very happy for Dinda. He has done well in the domestic season for a while now and also for his franchise in the limited chances he was given.

“It may not be easy all the time to give opportunity for all the guys because of the quality in our ranks, but he has done well to grab his chances with both the hands,” Whatmore said. The Australian said Sourav Ganguly, who had suffered an ankle injury during KKR win against Delhi Daredevils, was a certainty for the morrow’s match.

Updating on the status of left-arm spinner Murali Kartik, who had suffered a groin injury, Whatmore said, “I think Kartik is ok and fit for selection.”