The Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) started their UAE-leg of IPL 2021 with a fantastic win over Virat Kohli’s Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB). The two-time champions KKR outplayed their opponents RCB in all departments as they bowled out RCB for just 92 and won the game by 9 wickets.
Varun Chakravarthy who recently made his international debut, turned out to be the difference between the two sides as he picked 3-13 in his quota of 4 overs. The right-arm spinner was also adjudged Man of the Match for his superb performance.
“I try to assess the pitch first. It was flat only. Would like to give credit to the bowlers who bowled in the powerplay with discipline. There wasn't much in the pitch. Wasn't much spin on offer so I had to keep it on the stumps. I thought it was out (the hattrick ball) but just saw the replay that there was an inside edge,” Varun said in the post-match presentation.
“Playing for India has made me feel better, I have a sense of acceptance from people around me because I started at 26,” he added.
The Kolkata-based franchise that struggled during the first phase of IPL 2021 in India earlier this year as they managed just 2 wins but shifting the tournament to UAE has turned out to be a blessing in disguise for KKR and their skipper Eoin Morgan also hailed the timing of this win.
“The timing of it (win) is excellent. The talent we have within our squad, sometimes that counts for nothing. You have to go out there and show how good you are. Was 50-50 about the toss. Bowlers have had an outstanding day today,” Morgan said.
“Maxwell, AB, Virat - we got on top of them which is fantastic and really rare. Have a long way to go. Need a lot of things to go right for us. Today was the perfect start. Maybe makes us a dangerous side - we haven't turned up to the tournament so far,” the southpaw added.
As Chakravarthy, shined with the ball, KKR openers Shubman Gill and Venkatesh Iyer excelled with the bat as they made 48 and 41* respectively as KKR chased the target down in just 10 overs.
(With ANI Inputs)
