On Tuesday, April 15, the defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Punjab Kings (PBKS) played an exciting low-scoring match in Mullanpur. PBKS defended a target of 112 runs. Ajinkya Rahane and company were defeated by 16 runs by the team captained by Shreyas Iyer.
In just the eighth over, KKR had soared to 62/2. However, KKR’s run-chase was thwarted by Yuzvendra Chahal’s four-for, demonstrating his class. In 15.1 overs, the Kolkata-based team was knocked out for 95. Marco Jansen bowled an outstanding stint and concluded with statistics of 3/17 in 3.1 overs, aside from Chahal.
Ajinkya Rahane claimed the surface was excellent after the heartbreaking loss, so he didn’t blame it. He did observe, though, that some balls were arriving a bit late. He did, however, commend the bowlers for dismissing PBKS for a mere 111. According to the right-handed batter, the batting department as a whole failed to win the game.
“It was a good wicket. Rahane stated at the press conference following the game that “it wasn’t an unplayable wicket or that something was wrong.”
“It was an excellent wicket. It was becoming a bit late for the ball. However, half of the labour was done by the bowlers. They were all out at 111, as you mentioned. On this wicket, chasing at 112 was rather simple. We also got off to a strong start. I believe we had three wickets at 70 after reaching 50 in the Powerplay. But once more, the batting unit as a whole is to blame,” he continued.
It’s frequently more than just making great shots or hitting sixes: Ajinkya Rahane
KKR consistently maintained control over the necessary run rate. The Knights needed 50 runs off 75 balls to win after Rahane and Angkrish Raghuvanshi produced a 55-run partnership for the third wicket. But they had to go home empty-handed after a spectacular collapse.
It’s not always only about making big shots or hitting sixes. Rotation of the strike is also crucial. And with our batting unit, I’m positive that didn’t occur. Not that Punjab bowled particularly well. As a batting team, I believe we played poor cricket. Since we were unable to find this, I assume this duty as captain. However, I have no doubt that each player, particularly the hitters, will reflect on their own performance and get better in the next games,” Rahane stated.
“The competition is half over. There have been seven games. There’s still half left. Coming back with positive intentions is always important, but you should also aim to grow as a batter and compete in the following game,” he continued.
India
