IPL 10: Match 11, Who Said What: Kolkata Knight Riders v Kings XI Punjab

In the 11th match of the IPL, Kolkata Knight Riders displayed a clinical performance by defeating the in-form Punjab side by 8 wickets and 21 balls to spare. The general theme of the match was the element of surprise from the home side. Everyone expected the return of Shakib-al-Hasan into the side given that Lynn injured his shoulder in the last match. Gautam Gambhir won the toss and elected to field first, while announcing that Kiwi all-rounder Colin de Grandhomme will replace Lynn instead of Shakib al Hasan.

The innings of Kings XI Punjab comprised of a club of cameos from the batsmen. Amla(25), Vohra(28), Miller(25) Maxwell(28) and Saha(25), all chipped in with starts and gave their wickets away in search for quick runs. Umesh Yadav was the pick of the bowlers as he claimed 4 wickets by bending his back on a newly-relayed surface of the Eden Gardens. He was ably supported by Woakes who picked up two wickets at the death and ensured that the Punjab’s innings derailed when the time came to accelerate. Kings XI Punjab, at the end of their allotted 20 overs managed to impose a competitive total of 170.

Chasing the target, the KKR camp surprised one and all after Gambhir walked in with Sunil Narine instead of Uthappa. He played the role of a pinch-hitter role perfectly as he scored a handy 18-ball 37(4X4,3X6) at an unbelievable strike rate of 205.5. he also stitched a healthy opening partnership wth the captain who scored an unbeaten 72 off 49 balls and sealed the victory for the home side. During the course of his innings, he also snatched the Orange Cap from David Warner. Sunil Narine was adjudged as the man of the match for his incredibly surprising all-around performance. KKR go on top of the table with 4 points in 3 matches.

Sunil Narine

Narine was surprised that his exploits with the bat came off today. He also shared a word or two about the new wicket at the Eden Gardens. Narine explained the right thing to do on this wicket to gain maximum benefits from the pitch.

It came off today. Sometimes it does not, but today it did. I opened there (BBL) and they (team management) wanted to try. It (the wicket) is completely different. Just need to do the basics right, keep it wicket-to-wicket and not give the batsmen any space.

Gautam Gambhir

KKR skipper suggested that it doesn’t matter to him if he carries the orange cap on his head or not as long as they stay strong at top of the table. Gambhir also hailed the efforts of his spearhead pacer Umesh Yadav who made a fine comeback after enjoying a well-earnt rest. He also commended the efforts of Sunil Narine with the bat and suggested that the off-spinner has got a new slot to bat at.

It doesn’t really matter if I have the orange cap or not. What matters is where we are in the points table. It is a beautiful wicket to bat on; had good pace and carry. We have some quality fast bowlers and with Umesh coming back, it makes my job easier. I need to start trusting him with the bat now. He’s the leader of the attack and what kind of quality he has. We discussed and wanted someone to go hard and there was no point keeping Sunil back at number nine. We have a long batting line up and we could afford someone to go hard at the top. Personal runs do not make me happy. We have a game coming up in a day’s time and we have to take the momentum forward.

Glenn Maxwell

The Kings XI Punjab’s skipper explained why it wasn’t surprising to see Narine open the innings as he opened before in the Big Bash League Down Under. However, Maxi believes that his team played up to their potential apart from the phase where they lost three wickets in a space of 4 balls. Maxwell also emphasized on the fact that the unit needs to improve and regroup ahead of the Delhi game.

I thought we had a chance with how the wicket play and with an extra quick in our line-up. I have seen it in the Big Bash (Narine opening the innings). He played and missed a few times before scoring some handy runs. We actually played pretty well, there was one poor over where we lost three wickets. Apart from that we were good with the bat. We have to regroup and focus on the Delhi game.

KKR host the Sunrisers next on 15th April, while the Kings XI Punjab meet Daredevils on the same night in Delhi.