IPL 2020: 3 Mistakes committed by the losing side against in CSK vs KKR

Kolkata Knight Riders lost their seventh game of IPL 2020 as Chennai Super Kings defeated them in a thrilling encounter. CSK won the toss and invited KKR to bat first as there was some dew expected in the latter half. Nitish Rana played a tremendous knock for KKR as he dominated CSK’s bowling to score a marvellous fifty. However, as he didn’t get much support from the other end, KKR finished at 172.

While chasing the total, CSK looked under control since the beginning. Ruturaj Gaikwad played a well-paced knock to keep CSK in the chase. However, when it was time to give the finishing touch, Ravindra Jadeja played a destructive cameo in the end, to snatch the victory from KKR’s hands. KKR’s route to playoffs has become extremely difficult from here and they need other results to go in their favour apart from winning their last game with a big margin.

Here are the three mistakes committed by KKR against CSK:-

1. Slow batting in middle overs

KKR finally started well as both the openers batting with a positive approach in the powerplay. However, CSK made a comeback by picking wickets in the middle overs and KKR’s scoring rate decreased. They scored mere 58 runs in the nine overs and that slow approach hurt them in the end. Although 172 was a decent total, they should have taken some runs as a cushion for the dew factor.

2. KKR’s defensive bowling in the powerplay

KKR started with Pat Cummins but used five different bowlers in the powerplay. They were looking to defend runs and restrict CSK from flying start. However, the strategy should have been to pick early wickets as the conditions were going to get better for the batsmen later. This has been a redundant mistake by KKR as they have failed to grab a wicket in the powerplay seven out of the last eight games.

3. Using Nitish Rana despite having five genuine bowlers

KKR were playing a balanced side with five genuine bowlers. However, when there was a partnership going on, Eoin Morgan opted to bowl Nitish Rana, a part-time off-spinner, that too against two right-handers. The move was extremely surprising as there was no need of a Nitish Rana over. He gave away 16 runs off his over which turned out to be vital in this close game apart from providing momentum for CSK as well.