Nitish Rana played a key role in KKR's7-wicket win over RR.
Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) batter Nitish Rana said that he is now trying to adapt to the role of an anchor which he brilliantly displayed against Rajasthan Royals (RR) in the 47th match of the ongoing IPL 2022 on Monday (May 2) at Wankhede Stadium.
Rana made 48* and stitched an unbeaten 66-run stand with Rinku Singh (42*) to anchor the 153-run chase on a slow-paced Wankhede wicket to help KKR beat RR by seven wickets, as the franchise managed to break their five-match losing streak in the ongoing IPL 2022.
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Rana said at the virtual post-match press conference: “A lot of things depend on factors like the opponent team and what total we are chasing and what number I am batting. I have been playing IPL for seven-eight years now and trying to perform the anchor or main player.”
He added, “I have been successful till date and hope that in the coming matches, I play such innings for the team. The role which the team is giving me according to the match situation, I am trying to bat like that. Today, I had to play the anchor's role.”
Praising Rinku Singh, Rana said: “I am very happy for the way he (Rinku) batted as I know him for 5-6 years and he has worked a lot, scored in every domestic season. The way he was batting, I knew he would do something big for our team once he gets the chance.”
He signed off by saying, “When he walked in to bat, I tried to calm him as I know he is a little hyper and told him (if) we bat, we can finish the game in any over. I am very happy for him and hopefully, he will continue batting the same way for KKR and himself.”
(With PTI Inputs)