IPL 2019: KXIP skipper Ravi Ashwin talks about the positives after loss against KKR

Last night, the Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) slumped to a seven-wicket defeat against the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at the PCA Stadium in Mohali. The team is still alive as far as qualification for the playoffs is concerned, but a lot of permutation and combinations need to go in their favour. It was their second consecutive defeat after the one against the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) at the RGI Stadium.

Nevertheless, following the hefty defeat, KXIP captain Ravi Ashwin talked about the positives. The skipper heaped praises on the likes of Nicholas Pooran and Sam Curran, both of whom were outstanding with the willow. Even as Pooran churned out a 27-ball 48, Curran blazed away to an unbeaten 24-ball 55. The stupendous knocks helped the hosts post a formidable score of 183 in 20 overs.

“Massive positives for us with respect to Pooran and Sam. Sam batted beautifully, we all know he is got the ability and he’s got the fight in him and he pulled off pretty well,” Ashwin was quoted as saying in the post-match press conference.

Words of praises for Lynn and Gill

Ravi Ashwin admitted that the total wasn’t enough and put forth the effect of dew in the second half. Furthermore, the experienced campaigner credited Chris Lynn and Shubman Gill, who scored 46 and 65* respectively to steer KKR home with a couple of overs left.

“It’s been a par total (183 for 6). We have defended 175-180 before but we knew very well that there’s gonna be dew in the second half and I thought they batted really well. Starting with (Chris) Lynny and then Gill played superbly. We bowled well in the first three overs and then it just got a little away from us and obviously that edges didn’t help,” he added.

Punjab’s next match is against the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) at home itself on Sunday, May 5. Their primary focus will be to win the match and then hope for the other results to go in their favour.

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