The Hindu : Sport / Cricket : Ntini backs CSK to reach semifinals

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Ntini backs CSK to reach semifinals

Centurion: Chennai Super Kings pacer Makhaya Ntini feels, despite making a slow start in the second season of the Indian Premier League, last year’s runner-up can still make it to the semifinals if the batsmen come good, like they did against Rajasthan Royals.

“We definitely have a good chance (of reaching the semifinals), although we didn’t have a good start. We’ve got three good quick bowlers in L. Balaji, Manpreet Gony and Albie Morkel.

“But I think the key is going to be our batsmen. We need to bat big like we did last time around,” said the 31-year-old South African. Ntini has more than 650 wickets from Tests and one-dayers but that doesn’t guarantee him a starting place in the Super Kings team.

Raring to return

He is now itching to get back into the thick of IPL action before his home crowd. “I do miss playing matches. I do watch the guys and think that I can still do a job out there. I still have the feeling that I can make it to the playing XI,” said the fast bowler.

Ntini is a master of bowling at the death and he feels the key is to mix things up and keep the batsman guessing.

“Well, it’s changed over the years. In the past, you just had to run up and try and bowl six yorkers. But the game has changed now, with the Powerplays only allowing two players outside the circle.

“You still need a good yorker, but you must mix it up with a slower ball and also a good bouncer. So, one has to keep the batsman guessing with variations,” the South African said.

“It definitely comes with practice. Batsmen play different shots now, scores are bigger, and so I have to practise a lot harder. I try and bowl 10 good deliveries at the end of every practice.”

Ntini also felt a bowler has to hold his nerve while bowling at the death. “The guys who stay the calmest out there generally prevail, also those who know when it doesn’t come off, that they have tried their best,” he said. — PTI

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