KKR leaves for royal battle in Chennai

Kolkata, apr 25 (UNI) Australian skipper Ricky Ponting, eager to perform well under Sourav Ganguly, has said the Kolkata-Chennai match was crucial for both sides and hoped he would do better tomorrow.

Kolkata Knight Riders flew today to Chennai with renewed determination to remain on top of the T20 IPL table after tomorrow's match.

Both Chennai and Kolkata bagged four points each from two outings.

KKR coach John Buchanan said, ''First push for the side was good and momentum must be maintained as Chennai are very balanced having a good scorer like Mike Hussey and world class spinner Muralitharan.'' Hopefully, KKR would field the same side that won the first two matches against Bangalore and Hyderabad, though West Indian captain Chris Gayle, Pakistani bowler Omer Gul and batsman Salman Butt joined the side.

Captain Ganguly, Buchanan and Ponting were all satisfied with the performances of wicketkeeper W Saha, pacer Ashoke Dhinda and all rounder Laxmi Ratan Sukla.

Ponting, who made 20 and 0, said he took some tips from Buchanan, who said the Australian skipper would do well.

Ponting, who would return home after the Mumbai match, said he enjoyed playing T20 and mixing with youngsters in India. He said the IPL would help groom youngsters, who have huge potential.

Buchanan said they were also looking for replacement for Ponting and Brenden Maccullum, who will go for their country's assignment.

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