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

Kolkata Knight Riders lost an important fixture against KXIP to move down to the fifth position on the points table. Nothing went their way in the beginning as they were invited to bat first on a tricky surface and lost early wickets. However, a responsible knock from Shubman Gill and a cameo from Eoin Morgan took KKR to a respectable total of 149.

While defending the total, they were extremely disciplined upfront as they didn’t allow KXIP to score freely. However, as the total was low and they failed to pick wickets, it turned out to be an easy chase for KXIP. As the competition to reach the playoffs is getting tougher, KKR should find a better balance need to reduce the mistakes from here on.

Here are three mistakes committed by KKR against KXIP:-

1. Played aggressive shots on a tricky wicket

KKR lost their first wicket on the second ball of the match itself. However, instead of playing responsibly after that, they played aggressive shots early on. Eoin Morgan explained it after the match that at a ground like Sharjah counter-attack is extremely important. However, as the pitch was assisting the bowlers in the beginning, they should have taken their time to capitalize on the solid start later on.

2. KKR played a thin batting order

KKR has several match-winners and their overseas players are their star players. As their team is more dependent on a few individuals, they have struggled to find balance. In this game as well, KKR played only five frontline batsmen and as they lost their top order early, their batting struggled. In such an important encounter, KKR should have played an extra batsman to provide a cover as they wasted an extra bowling option anyway.

3. Not bowling Lockie Ferguson till 11 overs

Lockie Ferguson has been sensational since playing his first game in the season. His performance has been commendable and he has provided vital wickets to KKR with his erratic pace. However, when KXIP started well and they didn’t lose wickets early on, Eoin Morgan didn’t turn towards his match-winning bowler even when the conditions were helpful for the bowlers initially. He finally got a ball in 12th over when both batsmen were already set. This turned out to be a major blunder from KKR skipper.