Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) bowling coach Kyle Mills has heaped praise on the team’s young bowlers Kamlesh Nagarkoti, Varun Chakravarthy, and Shivam Mavi for their resilience shown against Rajasthan Royals (RR) in their last crucial IPL 2020 clash in Dubai on Sunday (November 1).
However, Pat Cummins was the star of the show as his four-wicket haul devastated the RR batting line-up to help KKR successfully defend 192 to keep their IPL 13 playoff hopes alive in the UAE.
But at the same time, credit also goes to the young trio, as Cummins was well supported by Mavi, Chakravarthy, and Nagarkoti as they played key supporting roles combining for 5 wickets conceding just 59 runs in their quota of 12 overs to help KKR crush Royals in Dubai.
Following the win, Mills hailed the youngsters’ contribution to KKR’s dominance over RR saying it was the resilience shown by the trio made the difference in Dubai on Sunday.
Mills said in a video shared by KKR on its official website: “Resilient is the word which we can use across all facets of life. In cricket, the thing gets really tough and few guys really stood up today, the young lads Nagarkoti, Varun, Shivam Mavi playing some under the same condition.”
The bowling coach further added, “You guys stepped up when pressure was on and if cricket is the life, you need to hold onto that feeling and those emotions and know the fact that you get through tough situations where you need resilient to get through.”
Meanwhile, KKR head coach Brendon McCullum also hailed the intent shown by the team in the must-win clash with RR, adding: “We could have said we didn't win the toss; conditions were against us or this is not our year but each time we managed to find out the way.”
McCullum added, “The intent shown by leaders, in particular, was outstanding, who knows what happens from. We may or may not qualify but for me, the guys have what we needed to do today.”
On the other hand, KKR fielding coach James Foster lauded Dinesh Karthik who took a flying catch to dismiss in-form RR batsman Ben Stokes, saying it was real game-changing moment on Sunday.
Foster signed off by saying, “DK, it was a hell of a catch tonight! That was a real game-changer. What I enjoyed about the catch is everyone celebrated with you.”
(With ANI Inputs)
