IPL 2023: Kolkata Knight Riders vs Punjab Kings, Match 53 - Talking Points and Who Said What?

Courtesy of a boundary off the final ball by Rinku Singh, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) won the contest by five wickets against Punjab Kings (PBKS). In doing so, KKR claimed their fifth win of the IPL 2023 season at the iconic Eden Gardens in Kolkata, on Monday, May 8.

Punjab posted a competitive first-innings score of 179 runs in their stipulated 20 overs of the contest. However, instrumental knocks by Nitish Rana and Andre Russell and the final-ball heroics by Rinku Singh helped KKR win the high-octane contest.

Here are the Talking Points from the KKR vs PBKS clash-

Shikhar Dhawan registers fifty in Punjab’s 179

In the first innings, Punjab lost the early wickets after deciding to bat first, upon winning the toss. However, skipper Shikhar Dhawan carved out a delicate knock as he got 57 off 47 balls, which included nine fours and one six. In addition to this, the southpaw stitched an important partnership with Jitesh Sharma, as the pair added 53 runs for the fourth wicket. Punjab eventually scored 179 runs for the loss of seven wickets in their stipulated 20 overs.  

Varun Chakaravarthy records an impressive bowling spell 

The spinner was at his lethal best as he not only got the breakthroughs but also helped restrict the rival batting unit from scoring the big runs. In his four overs, Varun got the important wickets of Liam Livingstone, Jitesh Sharma, and Rishi Dhawan, as he recorded a three-wicket haul and gave mere 26 runs, concluding with a stunning economy of 6.50.

Nitish-Russell play vital knocks, Rinku proves his mettle yet again in the final ball

During the chase, Punjab got the early scalp of wicketkeeper-batter Rahmanullah Gurbaz for 15 runs. However, skipper Nitish Rana played an instrumental knock and combined with Venkatesh Iyer for an important stand of 51 runs for the third wicket. Rana notched up his half-century off 37 balls but headed back to the pavilion on the very next ball, getting dismissed by Rahul Chahar.

What followed was blazing knocks by Andre Russell and Rinku Singh which steered KKR to a potential win. The Caribbean explosive hitter clobbered 42 off 23 balls, which included three sixes and three boundaries. However, as the match went down to the last ball, Rinku (21* off 10 balls) showed nerves of steel and slammed a boundary to secure two vital points for KKR.  

Losing skipper, Shikhar Dhawan said-

"Not feeling that great. We lost the game and it was not an easy track to bat on and I feel that we put on a good total. At the end, they played well. [Bowling Arshdeep in the final over] It was great, phenomenal effort from Arshdeep and the way he has bounced back from the last game, all credit goes to him. It was quite interesting that he took the game to the last ball so it was really good. [Asked about conceding so many runs in consecutive games] I feel that we don't have a good offspinner. When left-handers come, from one end we have a legspinner and at the other end we have a left-arm spinner. So that's where I feel we are leaking a bit of runs. This wicket was offering turn as well so I feel that's where we took the hit."

Winning skipper, Nitish Rana said-

When I was batting, I wanted to hold one end. Venky had a problem with his ankle so we were trying to get one big over here and there. 10 matches have gone, we were all waiting for that one Russell innings to come. He was one innings away, I kept backing him saying you have done a lot, and you will 100% win us a game. This pitch was a feel of home advantage as well. Our bowlers bowled badly at the death, I was angry that we conceded that many because this was a 160-165 run wicket. I just keep telling him, believe in yourself because what you have acheived is something not many people will. When he was batting, the whole crowd was chanting 'Rinku, Rinku'. That is what he has earnt this year.

Player of the Match, Andre Russell said-

We already thought about it, the ball was gripping so we just wanted to stick it out. They miss their lengths and we could swing it around. Needing 30 off the final two, it was very gettable. I flicked one into the stands without really swinging at it. And that six over point put the icing on the cake. I wanted to finish the game off, but we have a finisher this year in Rinku. (On Rinku) He had told me what if the ball beats you, should we go for the run? I said for sure, I have faith in him to finish it last ball. I get goosebumps seeing him doing what he's been doing. I have company at the back end, he soaks the pressure off and he's been here for years now, a really hard-working guy. He's very funny outside the field, I try to stay as close to him while we are training. Feeling good, now!!