Twitter Reactions: Shubman Gill and Andre Russell take KKR to a formidable 178 against DC

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) lost their previous match against the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) at the Chepauk and would’ve wanted to make a comeback in the game against the Delhi Capitals (DC) at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata. The Knights, captained by Dinesh Karthik, didn’t do badly and they ended with a substantial score of 178 for seven in 20 overs courtesy of blistering knocks from Andre Russell and Shubman Gill.

KKR recovers from the early jolt

The Knights have an impressive record versus the Capitals, having lost only one match way back in 2012. The hosts lost the toss and elected to field first. KKR made three changes, all of them being overseas recruits. Sunil Narine, Chris Lynn and Harry Gurney missed out and Joe Denly, Carlos Brathwaite and Lockie Ferguson made their way into the eleven. However, the start wasn’t good.

In the very first ball, Ishant Sharma castled Deny after which Shubman Gill and Robin Uthappa steadied the ship for KKR. The duo put on a second-wicket stand of 63 runs from 51 deliveries. Robbie strained a little and scored 28 runs from 30 balls. Fast bowler Kagiso Rabada accounted for his important wicket in the ninth over. At the other end, Gill played stupendously.

Gill and Russell star for the Knights

He didn’t look ruffled after being sent to open for the maiden time in this edition’s IPL. The Young Turk notched his second fifty in his IPL career off a mere 34 balls. The Fazilka-born batsman notched 65 runs from 39 balls with seven fours and a couple of sixes. Keemo Paul got his prized wicket in the 15th over. Nitish Rana hit a six but was nipped out by Chris Morris, courtesy of a stupendous Yorker.

Thereafter, Andre Russell took charge and went hammer and tongs to score 45 runs from 21 deliveries with three fours and four sixes. He wasn’t at his brutal best, yet got the runs for the Knights. Morris got rid of the big fish, much to DC’s relief. Carlos Brathwaite couldn’t make an impact. In the end, it was a cameo of 14 runs from six balls from Piyush Chawla that took KKR to a formidable score.

Here is how Twitter praised the Knights

Shubman Gill was really underutilized in the #KKR batting line-up. Today he got the chance to prove his talent and he delivered outstandingly. #VIVOIPL2019 #KKRvDC #ShubmanGill

— Ansil Nadeem (@boho4510) April 12, 2019

Enjoyed watching young Shubman Gill bat. Look forward to much more. #SummerKaBestIdea @sprite_india

— Roy 🇮🇳 🇧🇹 🇱🇰 🇹🇭 (@PhoenixAlive365) April 12, 2019

Shubman Gill for No.4? 😜#KKRvDC #IPL2019

— Aryan Bhalla (@AryanBhalla57) April 12, 2019

Shubman gill certainly got all talent, skill and temperament exactly what it takes to be indian criket long race horse. 🐴

— Bhavesh Rao (@bhaveshsrao) April 12, 2019

If virat haters were smart enough, they would have jumped to Shubman Gill is the greatest talent india ever produced bandwagon by this time but sadly they don't have any brains..

— BrainFaden Smith (@brainfadesmith2) April 12, 2019

Well Played, Shubman GILL… You're a class young talent!! @RealShubmanGill 👌👏👍

Always backed his skill. Glad he got to open tonight. @KKRiders #KKRHaiTaiyaar #KKRvDC

— Ro¢ky Edwαrd 💙🇮🇳🏏 (@IAmRockyEdward) April 12, 2019

That's the batting position for Shubman Gill…#KKRvsDC

— Kaustubh Mokal (@KaustubhMokal3) April 12, 2019

Shubman Gill Ko leke khatam karo yaar WC #4 slot#KKRvDC

— Dhaval Dalal (@dhavald23) April 12, 2019

Very good innings by Gill. You don't get 100s easily in T20s. No issues. Happens. Had made it count and ensured that he will get enough opportunities. Just want to see if shows consistency and I have trust that he will.#KKRvsDC #ShubmanGill

— Tushar Jain (@mainlycricket) April 12, 2019

Well Played, Shubman GILL… You're a class young talent!! @RealShubmanGill 👌👏👍

Always backed his skill. Glad he got to open tonight. @KKRiders #KKRHaiTaiyaar #KKRvDC #IPL2019

— 🤘Prathit #AmiKKR💜💛✌ (@i_Prathit) April 12, 2019

Great move by KKR to send Shubman Gill to open the innings and the youngster delivered with the classy innings.

— VIVO IPL 2019 (@Star_Sportst20) April 12, 2019

Well played #ShubmanGill. Such pure cricketing shots, such extraordinary awareness of field placements. You have shown us that spark that's waiting to become a rage of fire in world cricket. Can't wait to watch you bat again. #ipl2019 #KKRvDC

— Ved Prakash Pati (@vppati) April 12, 2019

Shubman Gill…… 👀 …. What a future !! #IPL2019

— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) April 12, 2019

Good to see Shubhman Gill at the top of the batting order #KKRvDC

— Deep Dasgupta (@DeepDasgupta7) April 12, 2019

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