‘Happy that I got this against KKR’ – SRH’s Rahul Tripathi after match-winning knock against his former team

Rahul Tripathi was at his very best against his former franchise Kolkata Knight Riders as Sunrisers Hyderabad recorded their third win on the trot in IPL 2022. The Orange Army were in a spot of bother after losing both openers cheaply in the chase of 176 at the Brabourne Stadium on Friday. However, Tripathi’s stupendous counterattacking innings knocked KKR out of the contest.

From Varun Chakaravarthy to Pat Cummins, every KKR bowler became a victim of Tripathi’s carnage. With the help of six maximums and four boundaries, Tripathi ended up scoring 71 off 37 deliveries as SRH crossed the line in 17.5 overs, clinching the contest by seven wickets. Needless to mention, the dashing batter was a happy man at the end as he was also adjudged the Player of the Match for his stellar show.

The time with KKR was special: Rahul Tripathi

The 31-year-old also said he was happy to play this knock against his former team. “I enjoyed myself today. The time with KKR was special, and now it is special with KKR as well. There are days when things get tough, but I enjoy the hard work and the good days. Before going in to bat, I am a little fidgety, but I am happy that I got this innings today,” the SRH batter said in a post-match presentation.

As Tripathi spent substantial time with KKR bowlers, he is well-versed with their strengths and strategies. “(Andre) Russell bangs it in short if you are new, and I was looking for that shot if the ball was there. Varun bowls well, I didn’t expect him to pitch it up and that’s why I went through with that lofted shot. It wasn’t premeditated,” added the prolific right-handed batter.

Meanwhile, SRH are now up and running in IPL 2022 after losing their first couple of games. Tripathi has been instrumental in the Orange Army’s bounce back as he has scored 171 runs at a strike rate of over 170. He’ll like to continue his stellar run as the tournament progresses.

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