Following his aspect’s loss to Punjab Kings (PBKS), Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) skipper Ajinkya Rahane expressed disappointment with the batting efficiency, but in addition burdened the want to be optimistic with the half of the match nonetheless forward of them.
He additionally took the blame for his poor shot choice that contributed to his dismissal and in the end, the workforce’s downfall.
In one among the most spectacular T20 matches shortly, a preventing and decided PBKS prevailed over defending champions KKR at Mullanpur on Tuesday (April 15, 2025), defending the lowest-ever complete in the historical past of the Indian Premier League (IPL), with spinner Yuzvendra Chahal (4/28) delivering a game-changer bowling spell that triggered KKR’s batting collapse.
Speaking after the match, a upset Rahane stated, “Nothing to explain, we all saw what happened there. Pretty disappointed with the effort. I will take the blame [for his dismissal], played the wrong shot, although it was missing. He was not very sure [his chat with Angkrish Raghuvanshi] after being given out LBW. He said it could be the umpire’s call. I did not want to take a chance at that time, I was not sure as well. That was the discussion.”
“We batted really badly as a batting unit, we take full responsibility. Bowlers did really well on this surface, restricting a strong Punjab batting lineup to 111. As an individual, you still have to be confident and positive. On this wicket, batting with full face [was better]. The sweep was pretty hard to play. Keep the intent going but play cricketing shots. We were reckless and should take full responsibility. At the moment, too many things going in my head. It was an easy chase for us. When I go upstairs, need to keep myself calm and then think about what to say to the boys. Still have to be positive. Half of the tournament is still remaining. Have to address this and move forward,” he concluded.
Coming to the match, PBKS received the toss and opted to bat first. Priyansh Arya (22 in 12 balls, with three fours and a six) and Prabhsimran Singh (30 in 15 balls, with two fours and three sixes) delivered a fiery begin to PBKS with a 39-run stand.
However, a powerplay spell by Harshit Rana (3/25) and a few implausible fielding from Ramandeep Singh pushed them to 54/4 at the finish of the powerplay.
Sunil Narine (2/14) and Varun Chakravarthy (2/21) dominated the later levels of the innings, not letting PBKS batters settle, bundling them out for 111 in 15.3 overs.
During the run-chase, PBKS bowlers put up an excellent battle, with spinner Yuzvendra Chahal (4/28) and Marco Jansen (3/17) delivering spells that turned the match on its head.
Despite preventing knocks by Angkrish Raghuvanshi (37 in 28 balls, with 5 fours and a six) and Andre Russell (17 in 11 balls, with a 4 and two sixes), KKR was bundled out for 95 in 15.1 overs, shedding the match by 16 runs.
PBKS is at the fourth spot, with 4 wins and two losses, with eight factors. KKR is at the sixth spot, with three wins and 4 losses, giving them six factors.
Published – April 16, 2025 10:48 am IST
