Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) convincing win over Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) was built on a powerful batting display and some excellent bowling. Opener Venkatesh Iyer, who played a crucial role with a half-century, credited his teammates in the post-match press conference.
Sunil Narine-Venkatesh Iyer duo shines
The formidable partnership between Sunil Narine (47 off 22) and Phil Salt (30 off 20) laid the foundation, smashing 86 runs for the opening wicket in just 6.3 overs. Venkatesh Iyer then took charge, playing a counter-attacking innings of 50 runs off 30 balls to guide KKR to a seven-wicket victory.
Sunil Narine’s milestone performance
In his 500th T20 game, Sunil Narine delivered a spectacular innings, dismantling RCB’s bowling attack with aggressive strokeplay. His explosive knock set the tone for KKR’s dominant chase, scoring 47 runs off just 22 balls and capitalizing on the powerplay overs.
Shreyas Iyer Acknowledges Narine’s Role
Speaking in the post-match press conference, Venkatesh Iyer credited Sunil Narine for his crucial contribution in the powerplay, stating that Narine’s aggressive approach provided momentum to KKR’s innings.
“That’s what Sunil Narine is there for. He goes out there and just tries to capitalize on the power play. But in all fairness in the 1st innings, the ball was stopping a fair bit, it was not easy for batters. And we gauge that and access the pitch very well. We bowled lot of cutters and it was difficult for RCB batters to get under it. But as the game progressed as the dew set in, it became easier. And for us, after what Sunil Narine did, I just wanted to go there and carry the momentum forward.”
Russell’s All-Round Contribution
Venkatesh Iyer on Andre Russell said: “Andre Russell is one of the finest T20 players, He bowled his full quota of 4 overs and fielded on important spots. That speaks volume of the guy’s longevity. Shreyas Iyer realised that there wasn’t any help to spinners, hence he turned to Russell to bowl his full quota of 4 overs. Whenever the team requires anything of him, he delivers.”
Venkatesh Iyer’s comments highlight the importance of teamwork in KKR’s dominant performance. From Sunil Narine’s explosive batting to Russell’s all-round brilliance, each player stepped up to contribute to the victory.
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