RCB vs KKR: What experts said as Challengers outgun the Kolkata in style

It was supposed to be a mid-table between the Kolkata Knight Riders and the Royals Challengers Bangalore, However, it turned out to be a battle between David and Goliath as the Challengers inspired by an unprecedented form of Mohammad Siraj beat the Knight Riders by a huge margin of 8 wickets with restricted the opponent at 84/8 in the 20 overs in Abu Dhabi. 

Deciding to bat first after winning the toss, Kolkata were in for a shock as the openers were removed by Mohamad Siraj who swung the new white ball as if it were the red one on this pitch. The entire purple and gold brigade failed to apply themselves and had no clue what was thrown at them. As a result, they were 40/6 at one point, looking likely to break the record of lowest ever IPL total, which rests with RCB getting all out on 49.

Captains’ Viewpoints

Reacting to the victory, RCB captain Virat Kohli was happy that he finally did call give the new ball to Mohammad Siraj. “It was a late call to be honest (to give Siraj the new ball). Was thinking of giving Washy,” he said. 

Kohli further went on to say that he knows that not many people believe in him or his IPL team. “Don't think a lot of people have a belief in RCB. Guys in the changeroom do and that's all that matters. Can have the best players in the world but if you don’t have the belief it's no good,” said the 31-year-old. 

Chris Morris, who was the second most dangerous bowler after Siraj tonight, also impressed the captain. “Morris is loving the responsibility. He likes to be in a leadership role in the team. Even against Kings, he tried to york Gayle. His energy is amazing. A great, great addition to our squad,” the Delhi born said praising the South African.  

“Last year he had a tough year. A lot of people went hard at him. But he worked hard. He's seeing the result now and we want him to continue,” he added. 

Eoin Morgan, the losing captain seemed frustrated with the way his teammates, especially batsmen were unable to apply themselves on the pitch. 

“Being 4/5 down early on isn't the position we wanted to be in. RCB bowled well and probably looking at the conditions, we should have bowled first,” lamented Morgan.  

Hoping that the players will learn their lessons and come back hard in the next game, Morgan said, “We will learn our lessons and move on in the next game. It was a question of backing the young Indian guys who showed glimpses of talent and potential.” 

Agreeing to the fact that they can’t lag behind at any instance in this intensely competitive tournament, Morgan said, “They (RCB bowlers) managed to exploit anything that was on offer and given the nature of the tournament every time you have to be at your best against every team.” 

Missing the Caribbean all-rounders, Andre Russell and Sunil Narine in the team, The English man hoped that they would return soon to make sure that KKR are well represented. “Hopefully they (Narine and Russell) will be available around the corner and we know when the guys of that calibre, particularly all-rounders are available, things will be different. Hopefully, they will be available soon,” concluded Morgan. 

Expert Opinion

The game was done and dusted in the first innings itself, all thanks to some poor show with the bat and some really good bowling. The cricket experts did acknowledge that. However, what was baffling from them was that Lockie Ferguson, the best KKR bowler was not brought into the attack by skipper Morgan until the end of the powerplay. 

Senior broadcast cricket journalist, Vimal Kumar said that the loss of KKR, especially with such a huge margin has opened up the table and the fourth place is now back in contention with Sunrisers Hyderabad and Kings XI Punjab trying to get in. 

Ayaz Memon, a veteran cricket journalist was of the opinion that KKR needed to get their batting in order and also needed to bring back their match-winner in Sunil Narine, back into the squad. 

Similarly, Boria Majumdar, a senior cricket analyst pointed it out that KKR were going nowhere with the plans as instead of picking a like for like substitution, they went in with an extra wicket-keeper, which made no sense to anyone. 

Lockie Ferguson was brought into the attack very late by Morgan and that wasn't taken nicely by certain cricket experts and former Indian cricketer, now a commentator, Murali Kartik was also one of them. 

Gaurav Kalra, the cricket journalist was also back to his witty side. He strategically attacked the KKR batting saying that they have made so many runs that it was difficult to reach to the second strategic Time Out.  

With this loss, the KKR have obviously got a jolt that they are very much in danger of losing out their Playoffs place if they don't get to winning ways in the rest of the four games. For RCB though, it gave them another push to make it to the playoffs for the first time since 2016. 

Powered by Froala Editor

Powered by Froala Editor