<p>Eoin Morgan, the skipper of Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), expressed his thoughts on the upcoming crucial clash as KKR are set to lock horns against Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) on Monday in the Eliminator of IPL 2021.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"RCB is a good side on paper they are very strong and it is going to be a challenge tomorrow. The middle order of RCB is very strong as there are very big names," said Morgan in a video shared by KKR.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Speaking about the conditions, Morgan said KKR adapted to the changes very well. "Sharjah wickets have surprised everyone and certainly our guys have adapted well. So hoping that's the same," he added.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/covid-19-committee-to-decide-fate-of-matches-if-cases-arise-in-t20-word-cup-2021-icc-419693">COVID-19 committee to decide fate of matches if cases arise in T20 Word Cup 2021: ICC</a></strong></p>

<p>On Andre Russell's injury, Morgan said, "I think after training today we will see how he has progressed and we will then speak to the medical staff and see how he goes tomorrow."</p>

<p>Morgan also said that the consistent performances by the team have been the reason behind the "fantastic turnaround" for KKR. KKR had won two games in the IPL 2021 during the first half but the side came back with strong performances in the UAE leg to qualify for the playoffs.</p>

<p>"It's been a fantastic turnaround, I would say in results and our performances have been consistently good and I think the mood within the camp is quite confident. We are looking forward to tomorrow game," Morgan said in a video shared by KKR.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">We're less than 2️⃣4️⃣ hours away from this epic encounter 😍<br />
<br />
✋ if you cannot keep calm!!!<a href="https://twitter.com/Eoin16?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Eoin16</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/imVkohli?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@imVkohli</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RCBvKKR?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RCBvKKR</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KKR?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KKR</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AmiKKR?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AmiKKR</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KorboLorboJeetbo?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KorboLorboJeetbo</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/%E0%A6%86%E0%A6%AE%E0%A6%BFKKR?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#আমিKKR</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IPL2021?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IPL2021</a> <a href="https://t.co/0g1eVrxVTt">pic.twitter.com/0g1eVrxVTt</a></p>
— KolkataKnightRiders (@KKRiders) <a href="https://twitter.com/KKRiders/status/1447202888288129030?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 10, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">POV: You just saw the league table (again) 😉 <a href="https://twitter.com/Eoin16?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Eoin16</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KKR?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KKR</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AmiKKR?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AmiKKR</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KorboLorboJeetbo?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KorboLorboJeetbo</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/%E0%A6%86%E0%A6%AE%E0%A6%BFKKR?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#আমিKKR</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IPL2021?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IPL2021</a> <a href="https://t.co/MNywdJlEI2">pic.twitter.com/MNywdJlEI2</a></p>
— KolkataKnightRiders (@KKRiders) <a href="https://twitter.com/KKRiders/status/1446679310983737347?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 9, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>On Thursday, KKR chief mentor David Hussey said pacer Lockie Ferguson is arguably one of the best T20 players in the world.</p>

<p>This observation from Hussey came after Shivam Mavi picked four while Ferguson scalped three wickets as KKR thrashed Rajasthan Royals (RR) by 86 runs on Thursday.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Eoin Morgan, the skipper of Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), expressed his thoughts on the upcoming crucial clash as KKR are set to lock horns against Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) on Monday in the Eliminator of IPL 2021.

Eoin Morgan, the skipper of Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), expressed his thoughts on the upcoming crucial clash as KKR are set to lock horns against Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) on Monday in the Eliminator of IPL 2021. "RCB is a good side on paper they are very strong and it is going to be a challenge tomorrow. The middle order of RCB is very strong as there are very big names," said Morgan in a video shared by KKR. Speaking about the conditions, Morgan said KKR adapted to the changes very well. "Sharjah wickets have surprised everyone and certainly our guys have adapted well. So hoping that's the same," he added. ALSO READ | COVID-19 committee to decide fate of matches if cases arise in T20 Word Cup 2021: ICC On Andre Russell's injury, Morgan said, "I think after training today we will see how he has progressed and we will then speak to the medical staff and see how he goes tomorrow." Morgan also said that the consistent performances by the team have been the reason behind the "fantastic turnaround" for KKR. KKR had won two games in the IPL 2021 during the first half but the side came back with strong performances in the UAE leg to qualify for the playoffs. "It's been a fantastic turnaround, I would say in results and our performances have been consistently good and I think the mood within the camp is quite confident. We are looking forward to tomorrow game," Morgan said in a video shared by KKR. We're less than 2️⃣4️⃣ hours away from this epic encounter 😍 ✋ if you cannot keep calm!!!@Eoin16 @imVkohli #RCBvKKR #KKR #AmiKKR #KorboLorboJeetbo #আমিKKR #IPL2021 pic.twitter.com/0g1eVrxVTt — KolkataKnightRiders (@KKRiders) October 10, 2021 × POV: You just saw the league table (again) 😉 @Eoin16 #KKR #AmiKKR #KorboLorboJeetbo #আমিKKR #IPL2021 pic.twitter.com/MNywdJlEI2 — KolkataKnightRiders (@KKRiders) October 9, 2021 × On Thursday, KKR chief mentor David Hussey said pacer Lockie Ferguson is arguably one of the best T20 players in the world. This observation from Hussey came after Shivam Mavi picked four while Ferguson scalped three wickets as KKR thrashed Rajasthan Royals (RR) by 86 runs on Thursday. (With inputs from agencies)

'Mood within camp is quite confident': KKR skipper Eoin Morgan has his say ahead of IPL 2021 Eliminator

<p>Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) spinner Varun Chakravarthy has revealed he received nasty messages from people after contracting COVID-19 during the first leg of the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 in India which led to the tournament getting postponed and later shifted to the UAE. The current edition of the IPL is the first to be taking place across two legs.</p>

<p>IPL 2021 kicked off in India in April this year but had to be stalled in May after a string of positive COVID-19 tests across the camps of several teams. The league was suspended midway and the overseas players were sent back home amid chaos.&nbsp;</p>

<p>KKR spinner Chakravarthy was the first player to test positive for the infection on May 02. Following his positive test, another KKR player Sandeep Warrier had also tested positive for the virus. Chakravarthy opened up on contracting the infection which led to the suspension of the league in May this year, and revealed how he was abused by people on social media, with some even cursing him to death.</p>

<p>“I remember when Dr. Srikanth just called and I still remember the words he told me, it’s unfortunately positive Varun. So that just shattered everything. I really didn’t know that it is going to blow up so much. I even got emails and messages on Instagram where people told me “Rather you should have been dead," Chakravarthy said in a video released by KKR on the occasion of World Mental Health Day on Sunday (October 10).</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">In a world where you can be anything, be kind<br />
<br />
This <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WorldMentalHeathDay?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WorldMentalHeathDay</a>, let's pledge to refrain from social media trolling as you never know the damage it may cause.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KKRFilms?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KKRFilms</a> x Payments on <a href="https://twitter.com/amazonIN?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@amazonIN</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PayAmazonSe?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PayAmazonSe</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KKR?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KKR</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IPL2021?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IPL2021</a> <a href="https://t.co/EQO3ZvTOn5">pic.twitter.com/EQO3ZvTOn5</a></p>
— KolkataKnightRiders (@KKRiders) <a href="https://twitter.com/KKRiders/status/1447110922351251461?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 10, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/everyone-wanted-him-to-be-like-ms-dhoni-yuzvendra-chahal-recalls-rishabh-pants-initial-struggles-419679">'Everyone wanted him to be like MS Dhoni': Yuzvendra Chahal recalls Rishabh Pant's initial struggles</a></p>

<p>Former Kolkata Knight Riders captain and wicket-keeper batsman Dinesh Karthik also shared his views on online trolling and its impact on the mental health of the players, who are already under immense pressure. Karthik said social media needs to be kinder to people at times.</p>

<p>“And that’s where I feel sometimes social media needs to be a kinder place. People don’t realize the gravity of what they say. Be it memes, be it videos, be it you know just the use of words. It is a spur of the moment thing for them at that point of time instinctively what they feel, they just put it out there, not realizing what the person reading it will go through,” said Karthik.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) spinner Varun Chakravarthy has revealed he received nasty messages from people after contracting COVID-19 during the first leg of the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 in India which led to the tournament getting postponed and later shifted to the UAE.

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) spinner Varun Chakravarthy has revealed he received nasty messages from people after contracting COVID-19 during the first leg of the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 in India which led to the tournament getting postponed and later shifted to the UAE. The current edition of the IPL is the first to be taking place across two legs. IPL 2021 kicked off in India in April this year but had to be stalled in May after a string of positive COVID-19 tests across the camps of several teams. The league was suspended midway and the overseas players were sent back home amid chaos. KKR spinner Chakravarthy was the first player to test positive for the infection on May 02. Following his positive test, another KKR player Sandeep Warrier had also tested positive for the virus. Chakravarthy opened up on contracting the infection which led to the suspension of the league in May this year, and revealed how he was abused by people on social media, with some even cursing him to death. “I remember when Dr. Srikanth just called and I still remember the words he told me, it’s unfortunately positive Varun. So that just shattered everything. I really didn’t know that it is going to blow up so much. I even got emails and messages on Instagram where people told me “Rather you should have been dead," Chakravarthy said in a video released by KKR on the occasion of World Mental Health Day on Sunday (October 10). In a world where you can be anything, be kind This #WorldMentalHeathDay, let's pledge to refrain from social media trolling as you never know the damage it may cause.#KKRFilms x Payments on @amazonIN #PayAmazonSe #KKR #IPL2021 pic.twitter.com/EQO3ZvTOn5 — KolkataKnightRiders (@KKRiders) October 10, 2021 × Also Read: 'Everyone wanted him to be like MS Dhoni': Yuzvendra Chahal recalls Rishabh Pant's initial struggles Former Kolkata Knight Riders captain and wicket-keeper batsman Dinesh Karthik also shared his views on online trolling and its impact on the mental health of the players, who are already under immense pressure. Karthik said social media needs to be kinder to people at times. “And that’s where I feel sometimes social media needs to be a kinder place. People don’t realize the gravity of what they say. Be it memes, be it videos, be it you know just the use of words. It is a spur of the moment thing for them at that point of time instinctively what they feel, they just put it out there, not realizing what the person reading it will go through,” said Karthik.

Got messages saying you should have been dead: Varun Chakravarthy on contracting COVID-19 during IPL's 1st leg

<p>Former India opener and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) skipper Gautam Gambhir has aimed a sly dig at current KKR captain Eoin Morgan ahead of the start of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 playoffs. Gambhir called KKR's video analyst the 'captain' of the side and said it feels like captaincy is happening off the field when it comes to the Kolkata franchise this season.</p>

<p>Kolkata Knight Riders scripted a remarkable turnaround in the UAE leg of IPL 2021 to qualify for the playoffs. The Morgan-led side had managed only 2 wins in their first seven matches during the India leg of IPL 2021 and headed to UAE, needing at least five wins in their last seven matches to stand a chance at finishing in the top four.</p>

<p>KKR went on to win five out of their seven matches in the UAE leg, including comprehensive wins in their last two encounters to make it to the playoffs. They will be facing Virat Kohli's Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in the Eliminator on Monday (October 11). Ahead of the all-important game, Gambhir fires shots at Morgan while rating all four captains who have inspired their teams to playoffs this season.</p>

<p>"Morgan's point of view, I'm not sure because he doesn't captain, so it's the video analyst that captains the side. He only just looks at the video analyst, so I don't know whether he's the captain on the field or (if the) captaincy is happening off the field," said Gambhir on <em>ESPN Cricinfo's</em> show 'Runorder'.</p>

<p>The two-time IPL-winning captain picked Chennai Super Kings captain MS Dhoni as the best one among all four. Gambhir believes Dhoni can handle the pressure best and has been instrumental in his side's remarkable redemption from finishing 7th last season to becoming the first team to reach the playoffs in IPL 2021. CSK will be up against table-toppers Delhi Capitals in the first Qualifier on Sunday (October 10).</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/no-hardik-pandya-virender-sehwag-names-3-players-mumbai-indians-should-retain-ahead-of-ipl-mega-auction-419581">No Hardik Pandya! Virender Sehwag names 3 players Mumbai Indians should retain ahead of IPL mega auction</a></p>

<p>"Purely from the captaincy point of view who can handle the pressure best, probably has to be Dhoni. Rishabh has the advantage from a point of view that he's got a lot of experience in the playing XI. If Steve Smith plays, he's got him alongside. He has got Ravichandran Ashwin who has captained earlier as well... so for me Dhoni is No. 1 at the moment," Gambhir added.</p>

<p>CSK and DC will lock horns in Qualifier 1 at the Dubai Internationa Stadium in Dubai on Sunday with a place in the final on the line.</p>


Former India opener and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) skipper Gautam Gambhir has aimed a sly dig at current KKR captain Eoin Morgan ahead of the start of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 playoffs.

Former India opener and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) skipper Gautam Gambhir has aimed a sly dig at current KKR captain Eoin Morgan ahead of the start of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 playoffs. Gambhir called KKR's video analyst the 'captain' of the side and said it feels like captaincy is happening off the field when it comes to the Kolkata franchise this season. Kolkata Knight Riders scripted a remarkable turnaround in the UAE leg of IPL 2021 to qualify for the playoffs. The Morgan-led side had managed only 2 wins in their first seven matches during the India leg of IPL 2021 and headed to UAE, needing at least five wins in their last seven matches to stand a chance at finishing in the top four. KKR went on to win five out of their seven matches in the UAE leg, including comprehensive wins in their last two encounters to make it to the playoffs. They will be facing Virat Kohli's Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in the Eliminator on Monday (October 11). Ahead of the all-important game, Gambhir fires shots at Morgan while rating all four captains who have inspired their teams to playoffs this season. "Morgan's point of view, I'm not sure because he doesn't captain, so it's the video analyst that captains the side. He only just looks at the video analyst, so I don't know whether he's the captain on the field or (if the) captaincy is happening off the field," said Gambhir on ESPN Cricinfo's show 'Runorder'. The two-time IPL-winning captain picked Chennai Super Kings captain MS Dhoni as the best one among all four. Gambhir believes Dhoni can handle the pressure best and has been instrumental in his side's remarkable redemption from finishing 7th last season to becoming the first team to reach the playoffs in IPL 2021. CSK will be up against table-toppers Delhi Capitals in the first Qualifier on Sunday (October 10). Also Read: No Hardik Pandya! Virender Sehwag names 3 players Mumbai Indians should retain ahead of IPL mega auction "Purely from the captaincy point of view who can handle the pressure best, probably has to be Dhoni. Rishabh has the advantage from a point of view that he's got a lot of experience in the playing XI. If Steve Smith plays, he's got him alongside. He has got Ravichandran Ashwin who has captained earlier as well... so for me Dhoni is No. 1 at the moment," Gambhir added. CSK and DC will lock horns in Qualifier 1 at the Dubai Internationa Stadium in Dubai on Sunday with a place in the final on the line.

Video analyst captains KKR: Gautam Gambhir fires shots at Eoin Morgan ahead of IPL 2021 playoffs

<p>Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) completed a remarkable turnaround with five wins and two defeats in seven matches in the UAE leg of IPL 2021 to seal a spot in the playoffs. Not many had expected Eoin Morgan &amp; Co. to finish in the top four after their disastrous start to the season in the India leg of the tournament earlier this year.</p>

<p>KKR managed only two wins in as many as seven matches during the first leg of IPL 2021 in India and found themselves reeling on the bottom half of the table. They had their task cut out as they headed to UAE for the second leg of the tournament. KKR needed to win at least five of their seven matches to stay in the race for playoffs and they did exactly that.</p>

<p>With the help of a bit of luck and a superior net run rate, KKR managed to become the fourth team after Chennai Super Kings, Delhi Capitals, and Royal Challengers Bangalore to book a spot in the knockout stages of the IPL 2021. A number of players contributed to KKR's spectacular redemption.</p>

<p><strong>Here we take a look at their stellar show in UAE which helped them seal a berth in the playoffs -</strong></p>

<p><strong>A perfect start:&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>Kolkata Knight Riders were under immense pressure heading into their opening clash of the UAE leg against Virat Kohli's Royal Challengers Bangalore. However, the bowlers produced an emphatic performance to restrict RCB on a paltry 92 and help KKR register a massive win by 9 wickets to get their campaign off to a winning start. They continued their winning run by defeating defending champions Mumbai Indians in their second game of the UAE leg.</p>

<p><strong>A topsy-turvy ride:</strong></p>

<p>Kolkata Knight Riders endured a topsy-turvy ride after a brilliant start to the UAE leg as they slipped to two defeats in their next three matches. KKR lost a last-ball thriller against Chennai Super Kings by 2 wickets before beating an in-form Delhi Capitals by 3 wickets in their next match. Just when they had the momentum back in their favour, Morgan &amp; Co lost against Punjab Kings in the next game.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2021-playoffs-schedule-rishabh-pant-led-dc-face-ms-dhonis-csk-in-qualifier-1-rcb-kkr-to-play-eliminator-419342"><strong>IPL 2021 playoffs schedule: Rishabh Pant-led DC face MS Dhoni's CSK in Qualifier 1, RCB-KKR to play Eliminator</strong></a></p>

<p><strong>Final redemption:</strong></p>

<p>KKR were in a must-win situation with two games left in hand. They registered a close 6-wicket win against Sunrisers Hyderabad in their 13th league game of the season before facing Rajasthan Royals in their final league match. KKR mauled RR by 86 runs to further improve their net run rate and seal a spot in the playoffs with back-to-back wins in two matches.</p>

<p>Kolkata Knight Riders will now take on Kohli's RCB in the Eliminator on Monday (October 11). The winner of the clash will take on the loser of the Qualifier 1 between CSK and DC while the loser will stand eliminated.</p>


Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) completed a remarkable turnaround with five wins and two defeats in seven matches in the UAE leg of IPL 2021 to seal a spot in the playoffs.

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) completed a remarkable turnaround with five wins and two defeats in seven matches in the UAE leg of IPL 2021 to seal a spot in the playoffs. Not many had expected Eoin Morgan & Co. to finish in the top four after their disastrous start to the season in the India leg of the tournament earlier this year. KKR managed only two wins in as many as seven matches during the first leg of IPL 2021 in India and found themselves reeling on the bottom half of the table. They had their task cut out as they headed to UAE for the second leg of the tournament. KKR needed to win at least five of their seven matches to stay in the race for playoffs and they did exactly that. With the help of a bit of luck and a superior net run rate, KKR managed to become the fourth team after Chennai Super Kings, Delhi Capitals, and Royal Challengers Bangalore to book a spot in the knockout stages of the IPL 2021. A number of players contributed to KKR's spectacular redemption. Here we take a look at their stellar show in UAE which helped them seal a berth in the playoffs - A perfect start: Kolkata Knight Riders were under immense pressure heading into their opening clash of the UAE leg against Virat Kohli's Royal Challengers Bangalore. However, the bowlers produced an emphatic performance to restrict RCB on a paltry 92 and help KKR register a massive win by 9 wickets to get their campaign off to a winning start. They continued their winning run by defeating defending champions Mumbai Indians in their second game of the UAE leg. A topsy-turvy ride: Kolkata Knight Riders endured a topsy-turvy ride after a brilliant start to the UAE leg as they slipped to two defeats in their next three matches. KKR lost a last-ball thriller against Chennai Super Kings by 2 wickets before beating an in-form Delhi Capitals by 3 wickets in their next match. Just when they had the momentum back in their favour, Morgan & Co lost against Punjab Kings in the next game. Also Read: IPL 2021 playoffs schedule: Rishabh Pant-led DC face MS Dhoni's CSK in Qualifier 1, RCB-KKR to play Eliminator Final redemption: KKR were in a must-win situation with two games left in hand. They registered a close 6-wicket win against Sunrisers Hyderabad in their 13th league game of the season before facing Rajasthan Royals in their final league match. KKR mauled RR by 86 runs to further improve their net run rate and seal a spot in the playoffs with back-to-back wins in two matches. Kolkata Knight Riders will now take on Kohli's RCB in the Eliminator on Monday (October 11). The winner of the clash will take on the loser of the Qualifier 1 between CSK and DC while the loser will stand eliminated.

5 wins, 2 defeats: How Kolkata Knight Riders sparked a turnaround in UAE to seal playoffs spot in IPL 2021

<p>After Kolkata Knight Riders crushed Rajasthan Royals by 86 runs on Thursday (October 7) to take a step closer to the fourth and final spot in the Indian Premier League 2021 playoffs, KKR skipper Eoin Morgan said that they did everything right on the field and deserved to end up on the winning side.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;"I don't think it could have got better. Losing the toss and batting was difficult. The start we got was fantastic. (Shubman) Gill and (Venkatesh) Iyer have been our shining light. To get 170 we thought was in a commanding position. A really strong performance today," Morgan said after the match.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2021-kolkata-knight-riders-beat-rajasthan-royals-by-86-runs-take-giant-step-towards-playoffs-418978">Kolkata Knight Riders beat Rajasthan Royals by 86 runs, take giant step towards playoffs</a></strong></p>

<p>"Having aggressive players coming in in the middle order helped us kick...I am not too attached to things as to what will happen and what won't happen... We have done everything tonight. We deserved to win..."</p>

<p>Shubman Gill hit a 44 ball 56 as Kolkata stormed to 171 for four in Sharjah. Shivam Mavi then took four wickets for 21 off just 19 balls as Rajasthan collapsed to 85 all out in 16.1 overs.</p>

<p>Mavi, who won Player of the Match award, said, "I feel really good to do well on this wicket. I learnt how to use the slower ball, when to bowl the yorker, I have learnt a lot here at KKR. I liked Dube's wicket."</p>

<p><strong>WATCH | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/watch-she-said-yes-deepak-chahars-bollywood-like-proposal-to-girlfriend-during-ipl-match-is-adorable-418951">Deepak Chahar's Bollywood-like proposal to girlfriend during IPL match is ADORABLE</a></strong></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">𝙎𝙥𝙚𝙚𝙙 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙥𝙧𝙚𝙘𝙞𝙨𝙞𝙤𝙣<br />
<br />
There was no escaping the Lockie Gun tonight 😤 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LockieFerguson?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LockieFerguson</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KKR?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KKR</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KKRvRR?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KKRvRR</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AmiKKR?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AmiKKR</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KorboLorboJeetbo?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KorboLorboJeetbo</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/%E0%A6%86%E0%A6%AE%E0%A6%BFKKR?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#আমিKKR</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IPL2021?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IPL2021</a> <a href="https://t.co/Ed2EPdvrTN">pic.twitter.com/Ed2EPdvrTN</a></p>
— KolkataKnightRiders (@KKRiders) <a href="https://twitter.com/KKRiders/status/1446191773303246874?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 7, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">One team. One dream 👏🏽<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KorboLorboJeetbo?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KorboLorboJeetbo</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Believe?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Believe</a> <a href="https://t.co/Gw8eJgorEV">pic.twitter.com/Gw8eJgorEV</a></p>
— Nitish Rana (@NitishRana_27) <a href="https://twitter.com/NitishRana_27/status/1446190133640761377?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 7, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>Mumbai Indians could equal Kolkata's 14 points if they beat Sunrisers Hyderabad in their final league game on Friday. But they would need a winning margin of 171 runs to clinch a playoff place with table toppers Delhi Capitals, Chennai Super Kings and Royal Challengers Bangalore.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Chennai Super Kings (CSK), Delhi Capitals (DC) and Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) have made the final four.&nbsp;</p>


After Kolkata Knight Riders crushed Rajasthan Royals by 86 runs on Thursday (October 7) to take a step closer to the fourth and final spot in the Indian Premier League 2021 playoffs, KKR skipper Eoin Morgan said that they did everything right on the field and deserved to end up on the winning side.

After Kolkata Knight Riders crushed Rajasthan Royals by 86 runs on Thursday (October 7) to take a step closer to the fourth and final spot in the Indian Premier League 2021 playoffs, KKR skipper Eoin Morgan said that they did everything right on the field and deserved to end up on the winning side. "I don't think it could have got better. Losing the toss and batting was difficult. The start we got was fantastic. (Shubman) Gill and (Venkatesh) Iyer have been our shining light. To get 170 we thought was in a commanding position. A really strong performance today," Morgan said after the match. ALSO READ | Kolkata Knight Riders beat Rajasthan Royals by 86 runs, take giant step towards playoffs "Having aggressive players coming in in the middle order helped us kick...I am not too attached to things as to what will happen and what won't happen... We have done everything tonight. We deserved to win..." Shubman Gill hit a 44 ball 56 as Kolkata stormed to 171 for four in Sharjah. Shivam Mavi then took four wickets for 21 off just 19 balls as Rajasthan collapsed to 85 all out in 16.1 overs. Mavi, who won Player of the Match award, said, "I feel really good to do well on this wicket. I learnt how to use the slower ball, when to bowl the yorker, I have learnt a lot here at KKR. I liked Dube's wicket." WATCH | Deepak Chahar's Bollywood-like proposal to girlfriend during IPL match is ADORABLE 𝙎𝙥𝙚𝙚𝙙 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙥𝙧𝙚𝙘𝙞𝙨𝙞𝙤𝙣 There was no escaping the Lockie Gun tonight 😤 #LockieFerguson #KKR #KKRvRR #AmiKKR #KorboLorboJeetbo #আমিKKR #IPL2021 pic.twitter.com/Ed2EPdvrTN — KolkataKnightRiders (@KKRiders) October 7, 2021 × One team. One dream 👏🏽#KorboLorboJeetbo #Believe pic.twitter.com/Gw8eJgorEV — Nitish Rana (@NitishRana_27) October 7, 2021 × Mumbai Indians could equal Kolkata's 14 points if they beat Sunrisers Hyderabad in their final league game on Friday. But they would need a winning margin of 171 runs to clinch a playoff place with table toppers Delhi Capitals, Chennai Super Kings and Royal Challengers Bangalore. Chennai Super Kings (CSK), Delhi Capitals (DC) and Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) have made the final four.

IPL 2021: After KKR stake claim for playoffs, skipper Eoin Morgan says, 'We did everything right'

<p>Kolkata Knight Riders produced a clinical performance to beat Rajasthan Royals by a massive 86-run margin and take a huge step towards securing their play-off berth in the Indian Premier League here on Thursday.</p>

<p>With three playoff spots -- Delhi Capitals, Chennai Super Kings and Royals Challengers Bangalore -- already sealed, KKR consolidated their position for the fourth and final playoff spot, finishing their round-robin engagements with 14 points from 14 games with an impressive net run rate of 0.587.</p>

<p>With 12 points from 13 matches, defending champions Mumbai Indians is the only team still in the playoff race but they will need to register a big win over Sunrisers Hyderabad in their last game on Friday to dislodge KKR from the fourth spot. Effectively, Mumbai need a miracle to make the playoffs ahead of KKR.</p>

<p>Shubman Gill hit a second consecutive fifty as KKR registered the highest score at the venue this season, posting a competitive 171 for four after being put into bat.</p>

<p>Gilll (56 off 44) and Venkatesh Iyer (38 off 35) got KKR's innings to a rollicking start, stitching 79 runs for the opening stand.</p>

<p>Rahul Tripathi (21), Dinesh Karthik (14 not out off 11) and skipper Eoin Morgan (13 not out off 11) also played good hands towards the end to take KKR to past the 170-run mark.</p>

<p>RR had a horrible start to their chase, losing their best batter of the season Yashasvi Jaiswal to Shakib Al Hasan in the third ball of the innings</p>

<p>If that was not enough, skipper Sanju Samson departed in the first delivery of the next over.</p>

<p>Back into the side after recovering from an injury, Lockie Ferguson struck twice in his first over -- first removing Liam Livingstone and then accounting for young Anuj Rawat a ball later.</p>

<p>Mavi then struck twice in the eighth over -- disturbing the timbers of Glenn Phillips and Shivam Dube with his brute pace as RR kept losing wickets at regular intervals.</p>

<p>Mystery spinner Varun Chakravarthy was not to be left behind as he joined the party in the next over dismissing Chris Morris LBW.</p>

<p>Rahul Tewatia took the attack to the opposition and struck Mavi for three boundaries as RR reached 49 for seven in the 10th over.</p>

<p>With no pressure on his back, Tewatia continued his attacking display and clobbered Chakravarthy over deep square leg boundary for the first six of RR innings.</p>

<p>Tewatia played a 36-ball 44-run cameo but it was not enough as KKR bowled out RR for a meagre 85.</p>

<p>Mavi finished with his best IPL figures of 4/21, while Ferguson (3/18) also shone bright with the ball.</p>

<p>Earlier, riding on Gill and Iyer's impressive start, KKR reached 50 in the eighth over.</p>

<p>Iyer didn't curb his natural instinct and first clobbered Jaydev Unadkat over the deep midwicket boundary and then straight over the bowlers' head two bowler's later to accumulate 14 runs off the 10th over as KKR reached 75 for no loss at the halfway mark.</p>

<p>Inspired by Iyer's power-hitting, Gill then joined the party and welcomed Rahul Tewatia with a maximum.</p>

<p>But Tewatia had the last laugh as he gave his side the important breakthrough when he went through the defence of Iyer between his legs as the left-hander went for an extravagant reverse sweep.</p>

<p>RR skipper then introduced Phillips into the attack but the off-spinner went for 17 runs, albeit he picked up the wicket of Nitish Rana in the process.</p>

<p>Rahul Tripathi was lucky to get a reprieve as he was dropped by Samson when he outside edged a full delivery off Mustafizur Rahman in the last ball of the 13th over</p>


Kolkata Knight Riders produced a clinical performance to beat Rajasthan Royals by a massive 86-run margin and take a huge step towards securing their play-off berth in the Indian Premier League here on Thursday.

Kolkata Knight Riders produced a clinical performance to beat Rajasthan Royals by a massive 86-run margin and take a huge step towards securing their play-off berth in the Indian Premier League here on Thursday. With three playoff spots -- Delhi Capitals, Chennai Super Kings and Royals Challengers Bangalore -- already sealed, KKR consolidated their position for the fourth and final playoff spot, finishing their round-robin engagements with 14 points from 14 games with an impressive net run rate of 0.587. With 12 points from 13 matches, defending champions Mumbai Indians is the only team still in the playoff race but they will need to register a big win over Sunrisers Hyderabad in their last game on Friday to dislodge KKR from the fourth spot. Effectively, Mumbai need a miracle to make the playoffs ahead of KKR. Shubman Gill hit a second consecutive fifty as KKR registered the highest score at the venue this season, posting a competitive 171 for four after being put into bat. Gilll (56 off 44) and Venkatesh Iyer (38 off 35) got KKR's innings to a rollicking start, stitching 79 runs for the opening stand. Rahul Tripathi (21), Dinesh Karthik (14 not out off 11) and skipper Eoin Morgan (13 not out off 11) also played good hands towards the end to take KKR to past the 170-run mark. RR had a horrible start to their chase, losing their best batter of the season Yashasvi Jaiswal to Shakib Al Hasan in the third ball of the innings If that was not enough, skipper Sanju Samson departed in the first delivery of the next over. Back into the side after recovering from an injury, Lockie Ferguson struck twice in his first over -- first removing Liam Livingstone and then accounting for young Anuj Rawat a ball later. Mavi then struck twice in the eighth over -- disturbing the timbers of Glenn Phillips and Shivam Dube with his brute pace as RR kept losing wickets at regular intervals. Mystery spinner Varun Chakravarthy was not to be left behind as he joined the party in the next over dismissing Chris Morris LBW. Rahul Tewatia took the attack to the opposition and struck Mavi for three boundaries as RR reached 49 for seven in the 10th over. With no pressure on his back, Tewatia continued his attacking display and clobbered Chakravarthy over deep square leg boundary for the first six of RR innings. Tewatia played a 36-ball 44-run cameo but it was not enough as KKR bowled out RR for a meagre 85. Mavi finished with his best IPL figures of 4/21, while Ferguson (3/18) also shone bright with the ball. Earlier, riding on Gill and Iyer's impressive start, KKR reached 50 in the eighth over. Iyer didn't curb his natural instinct and first clobbered Jaydev Unadkat over the deep midwicket boundary and then straight over the bowlers' head two bowler's later to accumulate 14 runs off the 10th over as KKR reached 75 for no loss at the halfway mark. Inspired by Iyer's power-hitting, Gill then joined the party and welcomed Rahul Tewatia with a maximum. But Tewatia had the last laugh as he gave his side the important breakthrough when he went through the defence of Iyer between his legs as the left-hander went for an extravagant reverse sweep. RR skipper then introduced Phillips into the attack but the off-spinner went for 17 runs, albeit he picked up the wicket of Nitish Rana in the process. Rahul Tripathi was lucky to get a reprieve as he was dropped by Samson when he outside edged a full delivery off Mustafizur Rahman in the last ball of the 13th over

IPL 2021: Kolkata Knight Riders beat Rajasthan Royals by 86 runs, take giant step towards playoffs

<p>The Match 54 of the IPL 2021 will see the Eoin Morgan-led Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) take on the Sanju Samson-led Rajasthan Royals (RR) on Thursday (October 7). The game will be played at Sharjah Cricket Stadium, Sharjah.</p>

<p>The pitches at Sharjah have been bowler-friendly and among all the pitches in UAE, the Sharjah pitch has seen pacers doing pretty well. The two teams will be facing each other for the second time in the IPL. The first match was won by Rajasthan Royals at Wankhede Stadium by 6 wickets when the tournament was underway in India.</p>

<p>RR have not performed as expected throughout the season and they are placed at the seventh spot in the points table with just five wins in 13 games they have played so far. However, UAE has turned fate for Kolkata Knight Riders but it still isn’t enough for them to qualify.&nbsp;</p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/kkr-vs-rr-ipl-2021-prediction-today-who-will-win-kolkata-knight-riders-vs-rajasthan-royals-match-418830">KKR vs RR, IPL 2021 prediction today: Who will win Kolkata Knight Riders vs Rajasthan Royals match?</a></strong></o:p></p>

<p class="MsoNormal">While Rajasthan Royals would be looking for a win to end the group matches on a high note but they can spoil KKR’s chances of a top-four finish. However, this is a must-win game for KKR who if lose will be possibly out of playoffs race. They have won six out of 13 games played with four of the wins coming in UAE-leg.&nbsp; <o:p></o:p></p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><strong>Let's take a look at the means on how to live stream or view the match:</strong><o:p></o:p></p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><strong>Where is the IPL 2021 match between Kolkata Knight Riders vs Rajasthan Royals taking place? </strong><o:p></o:p></p>

<p class="MsoNormal">The IPL 2021 match between Kolkata Knight Riders vs Rajasthan Royals will take place at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium, Sharjah.<o:p></o:p></p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><strong>What time does the IPL 2021 match between Kolkata Knight Riders vs Rajasthan Royals begin?</strong> <o:p></o:p></p>

<p class="MsoNormal">The IPL 2021 match between Kolkata Knight Riders vs Rajasthan Royals begins at 7:30 PM IST on Thursday.<o:p></o:p></p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><strong>Where and how to watch live coverage of the IPL 2021 match between Kolkata Knight Riders vs Rajasthan Royals? </strong><o:p></o:p></p>

<p class="MsoNormal">The IPL 2021 match between Kolkata Knight Riders vs Rajasthan Royals will be aired live on Star Sports channels - Star Sports 1, Star Sports 1 HD, Star Sports 3, and Star Sports 3 HD. The online streaming of the IPL 2021 match between KKR&nbsp;vs RR&nbsp;will be available on Hotstar.<o:p></o:p></p>


The Match 54 of the IPL 2021 will see the Eoin Morgan-led Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) take on the Sanju Samson-led Rajasthan Royals (RR) on Thursday (October 7).

The Match 54 of the IPL 2021 will see the Eoin Morgan-led Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) take on the Sanju Samson-led Rajasthan Royals (RR) on Thursday (October 7). The game will be played at Sharjah Cricket Stadium, Sharjah. The pitches at Sharjah have been bowler-friendly and among all the pitches in UAE, the Sharjah pitch has seen pacers doing pretty well. The two teams will be facing each other for the second time in the IPL. The first match was won by Rajasthan Royals at Wankhede Stadium by 6 wickets when the tournament was underway in India. RR have not performed as expected throughout the season and they are placed at the seventh spot in the points table with just five wins in 13 games they have played so far. However, UAE has turned fate for Kolkata Knight Riders but it still isn’t enough for them to qualify. ALSO READ: KKR vs RR, IPL 2021 prediction today: Who will win Kolkata Knight Riders vs Rajasthan Royals match? While Rajasthan Royals would be looking for a win to end the group matches on a high note but they can spoil KKR’s chances of a top-four finish. However, this is a must-win game for KKR who if lose will be possibly out of playoffs race. They have won six out of 13 games played with four of the wins coming in UAE-leg. Let's take a look at the means on how to live stream or view the match: Where is the IPL 2021 match between Kolkata Knight Riders vs Rajasthan Royals taking place? The IPL 2021 match between Kolkata Knight Riders vs Rajasthan Royals will take place at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium, Sharjah. What time does the IPL 2021 match between Kolkata Knight Riders vs Rajasthan Royals begin? The IPL 2021 match between Kolkata Knight Riders vs Rajasthan Royals begins at 7:30 PM IST on Thursday. Where and how to watch live coverage of the IPL 2021 match between Kolkata Knight Riders vs Rajasthan Royals? The IPL 2021 match between Kolkata Knight Riders vs Rajasthan Royals will be aired live on Star Sports channels - Star Sports 1, Star Sports 1 HD, Star Sports 3, and Star Sports 3 HD. The online streaming of the IPL 2021 match between KKR vs RR will be available on Hotstar.

IPL 2021, KKR vs RR, Live Streaming: When and where to watch Kolkata Knight Riders vs Rajasthan Royals?

<p>Match 54 of the IPL 2021 edition will see the two-time winners Eoin Morgan-led Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) lock horns with the one-time champions Sanju Samson-led Rajasthan Royals (RR) at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium, Sharjah on Thursday evening (October 7).&nbsp;</p>

<p>The clash is of great significance for the KKR line-up, who already have one foot in the last-four but will like to end all hopes of Mumbai Indians (MI) -- their closest rival for the fourth position -- with a thumping win over RR. Talking about the form of both sides, RR are coming into this clash with a heavy defeat at the hands of MI, by 8 wickets and 70 balls to spare. Samson &amp; Co. have once again looked good in patches this season but have largely remained inconsistent, to be very much out of the playoffs race.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/csk-vs-pbks-ipl-2021-prediction-today-who-will-win-chennai-super-kings-vs-punjab-kings-match-418689"><strong>CSK vs PBKS, IPL 2021 prediction today: Who will win Chennai Super Kings vs Punjab Kings match?</strong></a></p>

<p>RR have a slim chance to make it to the last four. For that, they need to thrash KKR by 125 runs and hope that the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) slam MI by 40, or more, runs in the last league stage encounter. On the other hand, KKR still have fate in their own hands, along with a much-better net-run rate as compared to MI, and should make it to the last four.</p>

<p>The equation is simple for them: win versus RR and proceed further. After a win, KKR will be very much be through as MI are far behind in NRR.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/explained-as-mi-crush-rr-heres-how-mumbai-or-kkr-can-grab-the-4th-spot-in-ipl-2021-playoffs-418570"><strong>EXPLAINED: As MI crush RR, here's how Mumbai or KKR can grab the 4th spot in IPL 2021 playoffs</strong></a></p>

<p><strong>Match prediction for KKR vs RR tie:</strong> The Sharjah surface has been the toughest of the lot in the UAE leg. Who would have thought that once regarded as the 'graveyard for bowlers' track would churn out plenty of low-scoring encounters in the current edition. Expect pacers to get much assistance in the slow and low conditions on offer. Chasing can be dicey in Sharjah but KKR haven't lost a single game while batting second in the UAE leg. Another 130-135-plus scoring affair with KKR to emerge on top?</p>


Match 54 of the IPL 2021 edition will see the two-time winners Eoin Morgan-led Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) lock horns with the one-time champions Sanju Samson-led Rajasthan Royals (RR) at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium, Sharjah on Thursday evening (October 7).

Match 54 of the IPL 2021 edition will see the two-time winners Eoin Morgan-led Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) lock horns with the one-time champions Sanju Samson-led Rajasthan Royals (RR) at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium, Sharjah on Thursday evening (October 7). The clash is of great significance for the KKR line-up, who already have one foot in the last-four but will like to end all hopes of Mumbai Indians (MI) -- their closest rival for the fourth position -- with a thumping win over RR. Talking about the form of both sides, RR are coming into this clash with a heavy defeat at the hands of MI, by 8 wickets and 70 balls to spare. Samson & Co. have once again looked good in patches this season but have largely remained inconsistent, to be very much out of the playoffs race. ALSO READ | CSK vs PBKS, IPL 2021 prediction today: Who will win Chennai Super Kings vs Punjab Kings match? RR have a slim chance to make it to the last four. For that, they need to thrash KKR by 125 runs and hope that the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) slam MI by 40, or more, runs in the last league stage encounter. On the other hand, KKR still have fate in their own hands, along with a much-better net-run rate as compared to MI, and should make it to the last four. The equation is simple for them: win versus RR and proceed further. After a win, KKR will be very much be through as MI are far behind in NRR. ALSO READ | EXPLAINED: As MI crush RR, here's how Mumbai or KKR can grab the 4th spot in IPL 2021 playoffs Match prediction for KKR vs RR tie: The Sharjah surface has been the toughest of the lot in the UAE leg. Who would have thought that once regarded as the 'graveyard for bowlers' track would churn out plenty of low-scoring encounters in the current edition. Expect pacers to get much assistance in the slow and low conditions on offer. Chasing can be dicey in Sharjah but KKR haven't lost a single game while batting second in the UAE leg. Another 130-135-plus scoring affair with KKR to emerge on top?

KKR vs RR, IPL 2021 prediction today: Who will win Kolkata Knight Riders vs Rajasthan Royals match?

<p>On Tuesday (October 5), the defending champions and five-time winners Rohit Sharma-led Mumbai Indians (MI) thrashed Rajasthan Royals (RR) by 8 wickets, and 70 balls to spare, to keep their IPL 2021 playoffs hopes alive. With Delhi Capitals (DC), Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) already occupying three out of the four playoffs spot, the race is now between Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and MI to book the remaining slot.</p>

<p>While RR and Punjab Kings (PBKS) are still mathematically in contention to seal the fourth spot, there chances are negligible. <strong>Here's an explainer on how MI or KKR can seal the fourth spot:</strong></p>

<p><strong>Eoin Morgan-led KKR: </strong>The two-time winners have revamped in style in the UAE leg and now have 6 wins in 13 games, with an impressive net-run rate of +0.294. The biggest plus for KKR is that they still have fate in their own hands and the equation is pretty simple for them; one the last game and qualify. However, they will like to demolish RR to further bolster their chances and give no room to MI on account of net run-rate.&nbsp;On the other hand, a defeat can make things tough for Kolkata as Mumbai could topple them by winning their final game of the league campaign; i.e. versus already-eliminated and bottom-lying Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH).</p>

<p>What is interesting to note that even if KKR lose to RR, they can still make the playoffs if MI are beaten by SRH or in case Mumbai win versus SRH but only by a narrow margin.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/rcb-vs-srh-ipl-2021-prediction-today-who-will-win-royal-challengers-bangalore-vs-sunrisers-hyderabad-match-418490">RCB vs SRH, IPL 2021 prediction today: Who will win Royal Challengers Bangalore vs Sunrisers Hyderabad match?</a></strong></p>

<p><strong>Rohit's charged-up MI:&nbsp;</strong>With equal wins and loss, just like KKR, MI are now at the 5th spot in the points table. However, they still have an inferior net-run rate of -0.048 as compared to Kolkata. If KKR lose to RR and MI beat SRH, the five-time winners will proceed ahead but they will like to thrash SRH, as they mauled RR on Tuesday evening; to march ahead on the basis of net-run rate.</p>

<p>On the other hand, if KKR emerge on top of RR, MI's hopes would be all but over. Again, Rohit &amp; Co. will remain alive but only mathematically in such a case as they will have to beat SRH in an even more dominant way, like they did versus Rajasthan, to go through. Even if KKR lose to RR, their margin of defeat will be closely monitored by the MI franchise.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/new-ipl-teams-likely-to-be-sold-for-inr-30-35-billion-mega-auction-can-take-place-in-december-punjab-kings-co-owner-418333">New IPL teams likely to be sold for INR 30-35 billion, mega auction can take place in December: Punjab Kings co-owner</a></strong></p>

<p>For the RR and PBKS fans, their teams are also still alive in the playoffs race but their chances remain very slim. Both sides have one more game in hand, versus KKR and CSK respectively, and will have to beat them by a huge margin and also hope for other results to favour them to grab the fourth spot. As of now, that looks highly unlikely.</p>

<p>IPL 2021 playoffs will commence from October 10&nbsp;(Sunday) whereas the final will be played on October 15.</p>


On Tuesday (October 5), the defending champions and five-time winners Rohit Sharma-led Mumbai Indians (MI) thrashed Rajasthan Royals (RR) by 8 wickets, and 70 balls to spare, to keep their IPL 2021 playoffs hopes alive.

On Tuesday (October 5), the defending champions and five-time winners Rohit Sharma-led Mumbai Indians (MI) thrashed Rajasthan Royals (RR) by 8 wickets, and 70 balls to spare, to keep their IPL 2021 playoffs hopes alive. With Delhi Capitals (DC), Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) already occupying three out of the four playoffs spot, the race is now between Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and MI to book the remaining slot. While RR and Punjab Kings (PBKS) are still mathematically in contention to seal the fourth spot, there chances are negligible. Here's an explainer on how MI or KKR can seal the fourth spot: Eoin Morgan-led KKR: The two-time winners have revamped in style in the UAE leg and now have 6 wins in 13 games, with an impressive net-run rate of +0.294. The biggest plus for KKR is that they still have fate in their own hands and the equation is pretty simple for them; one the last game and qualify. However, they will like to demolish RR to further bolster their chances and give no room to MI on account of net run-rate. On the other hand, a defeat can make things tough for Kolkata as Mumbai could topple them by winning their final game of the league campaign; i.e. versus already-eliminated and bottom-lying Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH). What is interesting to note that even if KKR lose to RR, they can still make the playoffs if MI are beaten by SRH or in case Mumbai win versus SRH but only by a narrow margin. ALSO READ | RCB vs SRH, IPL 2021 prediction today: Who will win Royal Challengers Bangalore vs Sunrisers Hyderabad match? Rohit's charged-up MI: With equal wins and loss, just like KKR, MI are now at the 5th spot in the points table. However, they still have an inferior net-run rate of -0.048 as compared to Kolkata. If KKR lose to RR and MI beat SRH, the five-time winners will proceed ahead but they will like to thrash SRH, as they mauled RR on Tuesday evening; to march ahead on the basis of net-run rate. On the other hand, if KKR emerge on top of RR, MI's hopes would be all but over. Again, Rohit & Co. will remain alive but only mathematically in such a case as they will have to beat SRH in an even more dominant way, like they did versus Rajasthan, to go through. Even if KKR lose to RR, their margin of defeat will be closely monitored by the MI franchise. ALSO READ | New IPL teams likely to be sold for INR 30-35 billion, mega auction can take place in December: Punjab Kings co-owner For the RR and PBKS fans, their teams are also still alive in the playoffs race but their chances remain very slim. Both sides have one more game in hand, versus KKR and CSK respectively, and will have to beat them by a huge margin and also hope for other results to favour them to grab the fourth spot. As of now, that looks highly unlikely. IPL 2021 playoffs will commence from October 10 (Sunday) whereas the final will be played on October 15.

EXPLAINED: As MI crush RR, here's how Mumbai or KKR can grab the 4th spot in IPL 2021 playoffs

<p>Kolkata Knight Riders have managed to keep their playoffs hope intact after <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2021-shubman-gill-bowlers-guide-kkr-to-6-wicket-win-over-srh-keep-4th-spot-intact-418010">beating Sunrisers Hyderabad</a> (SRH) by six wickets on Sunday (October 3). After the match, KKR skipper Eoin Morgan praised batter Shubman Gill and said he has played "extremely well", leading the crucial chase.&nbsp;</p>

<p>During the post-match presentation, Morgan said, "Shubman played extremely well and led the chase. The depth of the squad to be able to call Shakib is a huge luxury, so he has had a huge impact. We didn't know it wouldn't be played in India, and we have done well in the conditions and adapted well."&nbsp;</p>

<p>Morgan added, "The wicket played slower than we thought, than the wicket two nights ago. It swings early in the powerplay in these conditions, but it was sluggish. We needed to bowl and field well and we did."&nbsp;</p>

<p>"We are focussed on playing good cricket and we've done that in the last three weeks. The game plan has had a good impact in the dressing room and guys are putting their hands up. We have done well to adapt to the slow conditions and I'm happy with that," said Morgan.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/pandora-papers-why-is-sachin-tendulkars-name-mentioned-in-report-that-reveals-financial-secrets-418001">IPL 2021: Virat Kohli 'feels amazing' says playoff qualification should give RCB motivation to play fearlessly</a></strong></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">6⃣th win of the season <a href="https://twitter.com/KKRiders?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@KKRiders</a>! 👏 👏<br />
<br />
A comfortable victory for <a href="https://twitter.com/Eoin16?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Eoin16</a> &amp; Co. as they beat <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SRH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SRH</a> by 6⃣ wickets 👍 👍 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/VIVOIPL?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#VIVOIPL</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KKRvSRH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KKRvSRH</a><br />
<br />
Scorecard 👉 <a href="https://t.co/Z5rRXTNps5">https://t.co/Z5rRXTNps5</a> <a href="https://t.co/lQINO8DijE">pic.twitter.com/lQINO8DijE</a></p>
— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) <a href="https://twitter.com/IPL/status/1444717615314661376?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 3, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Played Lad 👌🏻<br />
<br />
A calculative half century from KKR 💜 opener <a href="https://twitter.com/ShubmanGill?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ShubmanGill</a> 💥👏🏻 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/VIVOIPL?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#VIVOIPL</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KKRvSRH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KKRvSRH</a><br />
<br />
Follow the match 👉 <a href="https://t.co/Z5rRXTNps5">https://t.co/Z5rRXTNps5</a> <a href="https://t.co/Ipko4nS4VH">pic.twitter.com/Ipko4nS4VH</a></p>
— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) <a href="https://twitter.com/IPL/status/1444710324905537537?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 3, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>While chasing a modest target of 116, KKR reached 119 for 4 in 19.4 overs to win the match. Opener Shubman Gill top-scored with 57 from 51 balls while Nitish Rana contributed 25.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The win has placed KKR at the fourth place in the standings with 12 points from 13 games. With three playoff berths already taken by Chennai Super Kings, Delhi Capitals and Royal Challengers Bangalore, the race is on for the fourth and final spot between KKR, Rajasthan Royals and defending champions Mumbai Indians.&nbsp;</p>


Kolkata Knight Riders have managed to keep their playoffs hope intact after beating Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) by six wickets on Sunday (October 3). After the match, KKR skipper Eoin Morgan praised batter Shubman Gill and said he has played "extremely well", leading the crucial chase.

Kolkata Knight Riders have managed to keep their playoffs hope intact after beating Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) by six wickets on Sunday (October 3). After the match, KKR skipper Eoin Morgan praised batter Shubman Gill and said he has played "extremely well", leading the crucial chase. During the post-match presentation, Morgan said, "Shubman played extremely well and led the chase. The depth of the squad to be able to call Shakib is a huge luxury, so he has had a huge impact. We didn't know it wouldn't be played in India, and we have done well in the conditions and adapted well." Morgan added, "The wicket played slower than we thought, than the wicket two nights ago. It swings early in the powerplay in these conditions, but it was sluggish. We needed to bowl and field well and we did." "We are focussed on playing good cricket and we've done that in the last three weeks. The game plan has had a good impact in the dressing room and guys are putting their hands up. We have done well to adapt to the slow conditions and I'm happy with that," said Morgan. ALSO READ | IPL 2021: Virat Kohli 'feels amazing' says playoff qualification should give RCB motivation to play fearlessly 6⃣th win of the season @KKRiders! 👏 👏 A comfortable victory for @Eoin16 & Co. as they beat #SRH by 6⃣ wickets 👍 👍 #VIVOIPL #KKRvSRH Scorecard 👉 https://t.co/Z5rRXTNps5 pic.twitter.com/lQINO8DijE — IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) October 3, 2021 × Played Lad 👌🏻 A calculative half century from KKR 💜 opener @ShubmanGill 💥👏🏻 #VIVOIPL #KKRvSRH Follow the match 👉 https://t.co/Z5rRXTNps5 pic.twitter.com/Ipko4nS4VH — IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) October 3, 2021 × While chasing a modest target of 116, KKR reached 119 for 4 in 19.4 overs to win the match. Opener Shubman Gill top-scored with 57 from 51 balls while Nitish Rana contributed 25. The win has placed KKR at the fourth place in the standings with 12 points from 13 games. With three playoff berths already taken by Chennai Super Kings, Delhi Capitals and Royal Challengers Bangalore, the race is on for the fourth and final spot between KKR, Rajasthan Royals and defending champions Mumbai Indians.

IPL 2021: Eoin Morgan praises Shubman Gill, says KKR done well to adapt to slow conditions

<p>Young Shubman Gill hit a fine half century after an impressive display by the bowlers to guide Kolkata Knight Riders to a six-wicket win over Sunrisres Hyderabad and keep their IPL play-offs hopes alive here on Sunday.</p>

<p>KKR first produced a clinical bowling effort to restrict SRH to a below-par 115 for eight and then rode on Gill's 57 off 51 balls to reach home comfortably.</p>

<p>The win consolidated KKR's position at the fourth place in the standings with 12 points from 13 games.</p>

<p>With three play-off berths already taken by Chennai Super Kings, Delhi Capitals and Royal Challengers Bangalore, the race is on for the fourth and final spot between KKR, Rajasthan Royals and defending champions Mumbai Indians while Punjab Kings are all but out of the tournament.</p>

<p>Defending a small total, SRH bowlers were right on their money from the word go as KKR batsmen struggled to force the pace of the innings.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/pandora-papers-why-is-sachin-tendulkars-name-mentioned-in-report-that-reveals-financial-secrets-418001">IPL 2021: Virat Kohli 'feels amazing' says playoff qualification should give RCB motivation to play fearlessly</a></strong></p>

<p>The opening duo of Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Jason Holder were accurate upfront, while debutant Umran Malik's raw pace troubled Gill and Nitish Rana (25) in the middle overs.</p>

<p>Rashid Khan too created enough problems for the KKR batsmen, while Siddharth Kaul was incisive with his line and length, making it difficult for opposition batsmen to open their arms.</p>

<p>Venkatesh Iyer (8) and Rahul Tripathi (7) fell to Holder and Rashid in quick succession after which Gill and Rana found it difficult to rotate the strike as the asking rate climbed up with KKR reaching 44 for 2 at the halfway mark.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">6⃣th win of the season <a href="https://twitter.com/KKRiders?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@KKRiders</a>! 👏 👏<br />
<br />
A comfortable victory for <a href="https://twitter.com/Eoin16?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Eoin16</a> &amp; Co. as they beat <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SRH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SRH</a> by 6⃣ wickets 👍 👍 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/VIVOIPL?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#VIVOIPL</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KKRvSRH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KKRvSRH</a><br />
<br />
Scorecard 👉 <a href="https://t.co/Z5rRXTNps5">https://t.co/Z5rRXTNps5</a> <a href="https://t.co/lQINO8DijE">pic.twitter.com/lQINO8DijE</a></p>
— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) <a href="https://twitter.com/IPL/status/1444717615314661376?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 3, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>With Rana struggling to get going, Gill took the onus on himself to break the shackles and he did it by smacking Holder for two boundaries in the 12th over to bring down the equation to 53 off 42 balls.</p>

<p>Gill continued his attacking instinct and struck Malik for back-to-back boundaries in the next over to ease out the chase.</p>

<p>Gill and Rana looked at ease to finish off the chase before the former flicked one straight to Holder at long-on off Kaul's bowling.</p>

<p>The match witnessed some tense moment when Rana was dismissed in the 18th over but Dinesh Karthik (18 not out) and Eoin Morgan (2 not out) closed down the chase with two balls to spare.</p>

<p>Earlier, SRH skipper Kane Williamson's decision to bat first backfired as they lost wickets at regular intervals, failing to counter KKR's incisive bowling, especially of Tim Southee and the spin duo of Varun Chakravarthy and Sunil Narine.</p>

<p>Already out of contention for a play-offs berth, SRH witnessed a horrible start to their innings, losing Wriddhiman Saha for a duck in the second ball, LBW to Southee.</p>

<p>Jason Roy (10) was the next to follow, caught by Southee off Shivam Mavi in the fourth over.</p>

<p>Skipper Williamson (26 off 21) tried to resurrect the innings and was looking good before he was run out by Shakib Al Hasan with SRH scoreboard reading 38 for three in 6.5 overs.</p>

<p>Once Williamson departed, it was a struggle for SRH batsmen even though Priyam Garg (21) and Abdul Samad (25) tried to forge a partnership.</p>

<p>Garg was holed out at deep midwicket to Rahul Tripathi off Chakravarthy, while Jason Holder (2) fell to the same bowler in his next over.</p>

<p>Samad tried his best to pick up the tempo in the last five overs, hitting three lusty sixes but eventually perished in search of quick runs, caught by Shubman Gill of Southee's bowling.</p>

<p>Bhuvneshwar Kumar (7 not out) and Siddharth Kaul (7 not out) remained unbeaten in a 12-run ninth-wicket partnership.</p>

<p>The spin duo of Shakib (1/20) and Narine were brilliant in the middle overs as SRH batsmen found the going tough against them.</p>

<p>While Narine returned wicketless, he was economical, finishing with impressive figures of 4-0-12-0.</p>

<p>Southee (2/26), Mavi (2/29) and Chakravarthy (2/26) shared six wickets among them.</p>


Young Shubman Gill hit a fine half century after an impressive display by the bowlers to guide Kolkata Knight Riders to a six-wicket win over Sunrisres Hyderabad and keep their IPL play-offs hopes alive here on Sunday.

Young Shubman Gill hit a fine half century after an impressive display by the bowlers to guide Kolkata Knight Riders to a six-wicket win over Sunrisres Hyderabad and keep their IPL play-offs hopes alive here on Sunday. KKR first produced a clinical bowling effort to restrict SRH to a below-par 115 for eight and then rode on Gill's 57 off 51 balls to reach home comfortably. The win consolidated KKR's position at the fourth place in the standings with 12 points from 13 games. With three play-off berths already taken by Chennai Super Kings, Delhi Capitals and Royal Challengers Bangalore, the race is on for the fourth and final spot between KKR, Rajasthan Royals and defending champions Mumbai Indians while Punjab Kings are all but out of the tournament. Defending a small total, SRH bowlers were right on their money from the word go as KKR batsmen struggled to force the pace of the innings. ALSO READ | IPL 2021: Virat Kohli 'feels amazing' says playoff qualification should give RCB motivation to play fearlessly The opening duo of Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Jason Holder were accurate upfront, while debutant Umran Malik's raw pace troubled Gill and Nitish Rana (25) in the middle overs. Rashid Khan too created enough problems for the KKR batsmen, while Siddharth Kaul was incisive with his line and length, making it difficult for opposition batsmen to open their arms. Venkatesh Iyer (8) and Rahul Tripathi (7) fell to Holder and Rashid in quick succession after which Gill and Rana found it difficult to rotate the strike as the asking rate climbed up with KKR reaching 44 for 2 at the halfway mark. 6⃣th win of the season @KKRiders! 👏 👏 A comfortable victory for @Eoin16 & Co. as they beat #SRH by 6⃣ wickets 👍 👍 #VIVOIPL #KKRvSRH Scorecard 👉 https://t.co/Z5rRXTNps5 pic.twitter.com/lQINO8DijE — IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) October 3, 2021 × With Rana struggling to get going, Gill took the onus on himself to break the shackles and he did it by smacking Holder for two boundaries in the 12th over to bring down the equation to 53 off 42 balls. Gill continued his attacking instinct and struck Malik for back-to-back boundaries in the next over to ease out the chase. Gill and Rana looked at ease to finish off the chase before the former flicked one straight to Holder at long-on off Kaul's bowling. The match witnessed some tense moment when Rana was dismissed in the 18th over but Dinesh Karthik (18 not out) and Eoin Morgan (2 not out) closed down the chase with two balls to spare. Earlier, SRH skipper Kane Williamson's decision to bat first backfired as they lost wickets at regular intervals, failing to counter KKR's incisive bowling, especially of Tim Southee and the spin duo of Varun Chakravarthy and Sunil Narine. Already out of contention for a play-offs berth, SRH witnessed a horrible start to their innings, losing Wriddhiman Saha for a duck in the second ball, LBW to Southee. Jason Roy (10) was the next to follow, caught by Southee off Shivam Mavi in the fourth over. Skipper Williamson (26 off 21) tried to resurrect the innings and was looking good before he was run out by Shakib Al Hasan with SRH scoreboard reading 38 for three in 6.5 overs. Once Williamson departed, it was a struggle for SRH batsmen even though Priyam Garg (21) and Abdul Samad (25) tried to forge a partnership. Garg was holed out at deep midwicket to Rahul Tripathi off Chakravarthy, while Jason Holder (2) fell to the same bowler in his next over. Samad tried his best to pick up the tempo in the last five overs, hitting three lusty sixes but eventually perished in search of quick runs, caught by Shubman Gill of Southee's bowling. Bhuvneshwar Kumar (7 not out) and Siddharth Kaul (7 not out) remained unbeaten in a 12-run ninth-wicket partnership. The spin duo of Shakib (1/20) and Narine were brilliant in the middle overs as SRH batsmen found the going tough against them. While Narine returned wicketless, he was economical, finishing with impressive figures of 4-0-12-0. Southee (2/26), Mavi (2/29) and Chakravarthy (2/26) shared six wickets among them.

IPL 2021: Shubman Gill, bowlers guide KKR to 6-wicket win over SRH, keep 4th spot intact

<p>Nothing has clicked for the Kane Williamson-led Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in IPL 2021. While their miseries commenced as soon as the IPL 14 edition kicked off in India in April this year, they have continued to slump further in the second and final leg in the UAE.</p>

<p>With a change in leadership, from David Warner to Kane Williamson, SRH's woes didn't end as they continue to languish at the bottom with only two wins from 12 encounters. After their 6-wicket loss to the two-time winners Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai, on Sunday (October 3), former Indian opener-turned-commentator Virender Sehwag hilariously trolled Williamson &amp; Co.'s rusty batting approach versus Eoin Morgan-led KKR.</p>

<p>In a video shared on his official Instagram handle, Sehwag reviewed Sunday's doubleheaders, which also saw Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) square off with Punjab Kings (PBKS) earlier, Sehwag said, "Hyderabad started with Roy and Saha but the two returned to the dugout in quick succession. After this, Williamson and Garg handled the innings a bit. But it was such a slow wicket and runs were being scored at such a slow pace that even on the TV screen, a message popped up - 'Sorry for the Interruption.' Williamson scored 26 runs and Garg made 21,” Sehwag said.</p>

<p>“After this, Abdul Samad came and he hit three sixes. But after scoring 25 runs, he too got out. The rest of the batters were acting as sleeping pills and I fell asleep in the last four overs. When I woke up, I found that Hyderabad scored 115/8 in 20 overs,” he added. <strong>Here's the video:</strong></p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2021-sanjay-manjrekar-opines-on-david-warners-srh-axing-believes-non-cricketing-reason-behind-his-ouster-418157">IPL 2021: Sanjay Manjrekar opines on David Warner's SRH axing, believes 'non-cricketing reason' behind his ouster</a></strong></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/tv/CUl8ojtjGuu/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);">
<div style="padding:16px;">
<div style=" display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;">
<div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;">
<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;">&nbsp;</div>
</div>
</div>

<div style="padding: 19% 0;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="display:block; height:50px; margin:0 auto 12px; width:50px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/tv/CUl8ojtjGuu/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank"><svg height="50px" version="1.1" viewbox="0 0 60 60" width="50px" xmlns="https://www.w3.org/2000/svg" xmlns:xlink="https://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"><g fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd" stroke="none" stroke-width="1"><g fill="#000000" transform="translate(-511.000000, -20.000000)"><g><path d="M556.869,30.41 C554.814,30.41 553.148,32.076 553.148,34.131 C553.148,36.186 554.814,37.852 556.869,37.852 C558.924,37.852 560.59,36.186 560.59,34.131 C560.59,32.076 558.924,30.41 556.869,30.41 M541,60.657 C535.114,60.657 530.342,55.887 530.342,50 C530.342,44.114 535.114,39.342 541,39.342 C546.887,39.342 551.658,44.114 551.658,50 C551.658,55.887 546.887,60.657 541,60.657 M541,33.886 C532.1,33.886 524.886,41.1 524.886,50 C524.886,58.899 532.1,66.113 541,66.113 C549.9,66.113 557.115,58.899 557.115,50 C557.115,41.1 549.9,33.886 541,33.886 M565.378,62.101 C565.244,65.022 564.756,66.606 564.346,67.663 C563.803,69.06 563.154,70.057 562.106,71.106 C561.058,72.155 560.06,72.803 558.662,73.347 C557.607,73.757 556.021,74.244 553.102,74.378 C549.944,74.521 548.997,74.552 541,74.552 C533.003,74.552 532.056,74.521 528.898,74.378 C525.979,74.244 524.393,73.757 523.338,73.347 C521.94,72.803 520.942,72.155 519.894,71.106 C518.846,70.057 518.197,69.06 517.654,67.663 C517.244,66.606 516.755,65.022 516.623,62.101 C516.479,58.943 516.448,57.996 516.448,50 C516.448,42.003 516.479,41.056 516.623,37.899 C516.755,34.978 517.244,33.391 517.654,32.338 C518.197,30.938 518.846,29.942 519.894,28.894 C520.942,27.846 521.94,27.196 523.338,26.654 C524.393,26.244 525.979,25.756 528.898,25.623 C532.057,25.479 533.004,25.448 541,25.448 C548.997,25.448 549.943,25.479 553.102,25.623 C556.021,25.756 557.607,26.244 558.662,26.654 C560.06,27.196 561.058,27.846 562.106,28.894 C563.154,29.942 563.803,30.938 564.346,32.338 C564.756,33.391 565.244,34.978 565.378,37.899 C565.522,41.056 565.552,42.003 565.552,50 C565.552,57.996 565.522,58.943 565.378,62.101 M570.82,37.631 C570.674,34.438 570.167,32.258 569.425,30.349 C568.659,28.377 567.633,26.702 565.965,25.035 C564.297,23.368 562.623,22.342 560.652,21.575 C558.743,20.834 556.562,20.326 553.369,20.18 C550.169,20.033 549.148,20 541,20 C532.853,20 531.831,20.033 528.631,20.18 C525.438,20.326 523.257,20.834 521.349,21.575 C519.376,22.342 517.703,23.368 516.035,25.035 C514.368,26.702 513.342,28.377 512.574,30.349 C511.834,32.258 511.326,34.438 511.181,37.631 C511.035,40.831 511,41.851 511,50 C511,58.147 511.035,59.17 511.181,62.369 C511.326,65.562 511.834,67.743 512.574,69.651 C513.342,71.625 514.368,73.296 516.035,74.965 C517.703,76.634 519.376,77.658 521.349,78.425 C523.257,79.167 525.438,79.673 528.631,79.82 C531.831,79.965 532.853,80.001 541,80.001 C549.148,80.001 550.169,79.965 553.369,79.82 C556.562,79.673 558.743,79.167 560.652,78.425 C562.623,77.658 564.297,76.634 565.965,74.965 C567.633,73.296 568.659,71.625 569.425,69.651 C570.167,67.743 570.674,65.562 570.82,62.369 C570.966,59.17 571,58.147 571,50 C571,41.851 570.966,40.831 570.82,37.631"></path></g></g></g></svg></a></div>

<div style="padding-top: 8px;">
<div style=" color:#3897f0; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:550; line-height:18px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/tv/CUl8ojtjGuu/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank">View this post on Instagram</a></div>
</div>

<div style="padding: 12.5% 0;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;">
<div>
<div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);">&nbsp;</div>
</div>

<div style="margin-left: 8px;">
<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg)">&nbsp;</div>
</div>

<div style="margin-left: auto;">
<div style=" width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);">&nbsp;</div>
</div>
</div>

<div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;">
<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;">&nbsp;</div>
</div>

<p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/tv/CUl8ojtjGuu/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank">A post shared by Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag)</a></p>
</div>
</blockquote>
<script async src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/he-has-left-his-teacher-behind-now-virender-sehwag-praises-rishabh-pant-as-dc-skipper-faces-mentor-ms-dhoni-418186"><strong>He has left his teacher behind now: Virender Sehwag praises Rishabh Pant as DC skipper faces mentor MS Dhoni</strong></a></p>

<p>Opting to bat first, none of the SRH mainstays stayed for a long period as they managed only a paltry 115-8 in 20 overs, with cameos from Abdul Samad, Priyam Garg&nbsp;and Williamson. In reply, KKR chased down the score in the final over, winning the game with two balls and six wickets to spare. For Kolkata, Shubman Gill, Tim Southee, Varun Chakravarthy and Shivam Mavi were the top-performers.</p>

<p>With this loss, SRH remain at the bottom and have two more games to play for pride. While they will look to end on a high, they are now sure to end at the last position.</p>


Nothing has clicked for the Kane Williamson-led Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in IPL 2021. While their miseries commenced as soon as the IPL 14 edition kicked off in India in April this year, they have continued to slump further in the second and final leg in the UAE.

Nothing has clicked for the Kane Williamson-led Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in IPL 2021. While their miseries commenced as soon as the IPL 14 edition kicked off in India in April this year, they have continued to slump further in the second and final leg in the UAE. With a change in leadership, from David Warner to Kane Williamson, SRH's woes didn't end as they continue to languish at the bottom with only two wins from 12 encounters. After their 6-wicket loss to the two-time winners Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai, on Sunday (October 3), former Indian opener-turned-commentator Virender Sehwag hilariously trolled Williamson & Co.'s rusty batting approach versus Eoin Morgan-led KKR. In a video shared on his official Instagram handle, Sehwag reviewed Sunday's doubleheaders, which also saw Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) square off with Punjab Kings (PBKS) earlier, Sehwag said, "Hyderabad started with Roy and Saha but the two returned to the dugout in quick succession. After this, Williamson and Garg handled the innings a bit. But it was such a slow wicket and runs were being scored at such a slow pace that even on the TV screen, a message popped up - 'Sorry for the Interruption.' Williamson scored 26 runs and Garg made 21,” Sehwag said. “After this, Abdul Samad came and he hit three sixes. But after scoring 25 runs, he too got out. The rest of the batters were acting as sleeping pills and I fell asleep in the last four overs. When I woke up, I found that Hyderabad scored 115/8 in 20 overs,” he added. Here's the video: ALSO READ | IPL 2021: Sanjay Manjrekar opines on David Warner's SRH axing, believes 'non-cricketing reason' behind his ouster View this post on Instagram A post shared by Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) × ALSO READ | He has left his teacher behind now: Virender Sehwag praises Rishabh Pant as DC skipper faces mentor MS Dhoni Opting to bat first, none of the SRH mainstays stayed for a long period as they managed only a paltry 115-8 in 20 overs, with cameos from Abdul Samad, Priyam Garg and Williamson. In reply, KKR chased down the score in the final over, winning the game with two balls and six wickets to spare. For Kolkata, Shubman Gill, Tim Southee, Varun Chakravarthy and Shivam Mavi were the top-performers. With this loss, SRH remain at the bottom and have two more games to play for pride. While they will look to end on a high, they are now sure to end at the last position.

'I fell asleep in the last four overs' - Virender Sehwag hilariously trolls Kane Williamson-led SRH after KKR loss

<p>Virat Kohli-led Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) became the third team to secure a spot in the IPL 2021 playoffs with a 6-run win against Punjab Kings (PBKS) on Sunday (October 03). RCB now have 16 points from 12 matches so far this season and have made it to their second successive playoffs in two years. With the defeat, PBKS' hopes of finishing in the playoffs recieved a major jolt but they are still in the race.</p>

<p>Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) took a step closer towards securing a spot in the playoffs this year as Eoin Morgan &amp; Co. defeated Sunrisers Hyderabad comprehensively by six wickets on Sunday. KKR are currently placed fourth on the points table with 12 points from 13 matches so far this season and are favourites to bag the last remaining spot in the playoffs this season.</p>

<p>Chennai Super Kings (CSK) were the first team to reach the playoffs after securing 18 points in just 12 matches. Delhi Capitals became the next side to secure a berth in the top four before RCB became the third team to reach the playoffs on Sunday. With the season heading towards its business end, the race for playoffs has heated up.</p>

<p>There are four teams in the fray for the final spot in the playoffs ahead of Tuesday's clash between Rajasthan Royals and Mumbai Indians. Here is a look at what the four teams need to do to qualify for IPL 2021 playoffs -&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>1) Kolkata Knight Riders - rank - 4th, points - 12&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>Eoin Morgan &amp; Co. defeated Sunrisers Hyderabad on Sunday to enhance their chances of making it to the playoffs. They are now the favourites to clinch the remaining one spot in the top four. KKR have 12 points from 13 matches with a net run rate of +0.294. KKR need to win their last final league game of the season against Rajasthan Royals to qualify for the playoffs. A loss against RR might prove fatal to their chances of making it to the knockout stages.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/why-did-rishabh-pant-run-sunil-gavaskar-feels-unfair-to-blame-r-ashwin-after-ugly-spat-with-eoin-morgan-418072">'Why did Rishabh Pant run?': Sunil Gavaskar feels unfair to blame R Ashwin after ugly spat with Eoin Morgan</a></p>

<p><strong>2)&nbsp;Rajasthan Royals - rank 6th, points - 10</strong></p>

<p>Sanju Samson-led Rajasthan Royals pulled off a stunning victory against CSK to remain alive in the race for playoffs. They are now one of the strong contenders to finish in the top four with two matches in hand. RR have their fate in their own hands as they are lined up to face KKR and Mumbai Indians in their remaining two matches. If they manage to win both, they will make it to the playoffs. In case they lose one out of the two matches, their fate will depend on the results of other teams. If RR lose both their matches, they will stand eliminated.</p>

<p><strong>3) Mumbai Indians - rank 7th, points - 10&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>Mumbai Indians are currently the least favourites to reach the playoffs but they can spring a surprise. Rohit Sharma's men have ten points from 12 matches so far and have two games in hands to make it to the next stage. They will have to win both their remaining matches by big margins to stand a chance of reaching the top four as they have the worst net run rate of -0.453 among all four teams in contention for the final spot. MI can qualify with one win in their next two games if PBKS and RR lose all their remaining matches.</p>

<p><strong>4) Punjab Kings - rank 5th, points - 10&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>Punjab Kings' chances of making it to the playoffs were dealt with a huge blow on Sunday after their 6-run defeat at the hands of RCB. PBKS have bleak chances of making it to the next round. They will be up against table-toppers CSK in their final league game of the season and face an uphill task to get to 12 points to stand a chance of making it to the next round. A defeat will confirm PBKS' exit from the competition, however, a victory might keep them in the hunt if some other results go in their favour.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/pandora-papers-leak-how-sachin-tendulkar-his-family-members-are-linked-to-report-attorney-says-investment-is-legitimate-418078">Pandora papers leak: How Sachin Tendulkar, his family members are linked to report; attorney says 'investment is legitimate'</a></p>

<p><strong>Can Mumbai Indians and Punjab Kings qualify for IPL 2021 playoffs?</strong></p>

<p>Both Mumbai Indians and Punjab Kings are currently in a tricky situation. Mumbai have the worst net run rate among all four teams and their best bet to qualify will be to win their remaining two matches by big margins. On the other hand, Punjab Kings can qualify if they beat CSK by a huge margin and go ahead of KKR and other teams who will finish on 12 points in terms of the net run rate. With MI facing RR in their next game, only two teams can reach 14 points and it remains to be seen who will bag the fourth spot in the playoffs this season.</p>


Virat Kohli-led Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) became the third team to secure a spot in the IPL 2021 playoffs with a 6-run win against Punjab Kings (PBKS) on Sunday (October 03).

Virat Kohli-led Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) became the third team to secure a spot in the IPL 2021 playoffs with a 6-run win against Punjab Kings (PBKS) on Sunday (October 03). RCB now have 16 points from 12 matches so far this season and have made it to their second successive playoffs in two years. With the defeat, PBKS' hopes of finishing in the playoffs recieved a major jolt but they are still in the race. Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) took a step closer towards securing a spot in the playoffs this year as Eoin Morgan & Co. defeated Sunrisers Hyderabad comprehensively by six wickets on Sunday. KKR are currently placed fourth on the points table with 12 points from 13 matches so far this season and are favourites to bag the last remaining spot in the playoffs this season. Chennai Super Kings (CSK) were the first team to reach the playoffs after securing 18 points in just 12 matches. Delhi Capitals became the next side to secure a berth in the top four before RCB became the third team to reach the playoffs on Sunday. With the season heading towards its business end, the race for playoffs has heated up. There are four teams in the fray for the final spot in the playoffs ahead of Tuesday's clash between Rajasthan Royals and Mumbai Indians. Here is a look at what the four teams need to do to qualify for IPL 2021 playoffs - 1) Kolkata Knight Riders - rank - 4th, points - 12 Eoin Morgan & Co. defeated Sunrisers Hyderabad on Sunday to enhance their chances of making it to the playoffs. They are now the favourites to clinch the remaining one spot in the top four. KKR have 12 points from 13 matches with a net run rate of +0.294. KKR need to win their last final league game of the season against Rajasthan Royals to qualify for the playoffs. A loss against RR might prove fatal to their chances of making it to the knockout stages. Also Read: 'Why did Rishabh Pant run?': Sunil Gavaskar feels unfair to blame R Ashwin after ugly spat with Eoin Morgan 2) Rajasthan Royals - rank 6th, points - 10 Sanju Samson-led Rajasthan Royals pulled off a stunning victory against CSK to remain alive in the race for playoffs. They are now one of the strong contenders to finish in the top four with two matches in hand. RR have their fate in their own hands as they are lined up to face KKR and Mumbai Indians in their remaining two matches. If they manage to win both, they will make it to the playoffs. In case they lose one out of the two matches, their fate will depend on the results of other teams. If RR lose both their matches, they will stand eliminated. 3) Mumbai Indians - rank 7th, points - 10 Mumbai Indians are currently the least favourites to reach the playoffs but they can spring a surprise. Rohit Sharma's men have ten points from 12 matches so far and have two games in hands to make it to the next stage. They will have to win both their remaining matches by big margins to stand a chance of reaching the top four as they have the worst net run rate of -0.453 among all four teams in contention for the final spot. MI can qualify with one win in their next two games if PBKS and RR lose all their remaining matches. 4) Punjab Kings - rank 5th, points - 10 Punjab Kings' chances of making it to the playoffs were dealt with a huge blow on Sunday after their 6-run defeat at the hands of RCB. PBKS have bleak chances of making it to the next round. They will be up against table-toppers CSK in their final league game of the season and face an uphill task to get to 12 points to stand a chance of making it to the next round. A defeat will confirm PBKS' exit from the competition, however, a victory might keep them in the hunt if some other results go in their favour. Also Read: Pandora papers leak: How Sachin Tendulkar, his family members are linked to report; attorney says 'investment is legitimate' Can Mumbai Indians and Punjab Kings qualify for IPL 2021 playoffs? Both Mumbai Indians and Punjab Kings are currently in a tricky situation. Mumbai have the worst net run rate among all four teams and their best bet to qualify will be to win their remaining two matches by big margins. On the other hand, Punjab Kings can qualify if they beat CSK by a huge margin and go ahead of KKR and other teams who will finish on 12 points in terms of the net run rate. With MI facing RR in their next game, only two teams can reach 14 points and it remains to be seen who will bag the fourth spot in the playoffs this season.

IPL 2021 playoffs qualification scenario explained: Can Mumbai Indians, Punjab Kings still qualify?

<p>Former India cricketer Aakash Chopra has urged Kolkata Knight Riders to change their captain as the Eoin Morgan-led team is hoping to book a playoff berth in the ongoing edition of the Indian Premier League in Dubai.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In the UAE leg of the IPL 2021, KKR's run has been a topsy-turvy affair as they have won three games while losing two so far, some decisions have been in their favour but overall, the team has lacked in some departments.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In a video uploaded on his youtube channel, the commentator asked the team to change their skipper midway through the season as they have done it before also - when KKR had replaced Gautam Gambhir.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/explainer-5-teams-2-spots-what-rcb-mi-kkr-pbks-and-rr-need-to-qualify-for-ipl-2021-playoffs-417918">Explainer: 5 teams, 2 spots - What RCB, MI, KKR, PBKS and RR need to qualify for IPL 2021 playoffs</a></strong></p>

<p>"Kolkata, I request you with folded hands: I am giving you two or three options. Firstly, change the captain, you have done it before and there's no shame in it. I was talking to Gautam recently. He talked about the 2014 season, saying he couldn't score any runs in the first three games so he went to the coach and said, 'I am not able to do it, let me just sit out because I am not contributing'," Chopra said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Morgan would have thought the same because it's been 11 innings and he's averaging 10. We are not seeing any great decisions in captaincy in your team selections and all of that either. So maybe it's time to bring Shakib Al Hasan in place of Morgan," he added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"You can't play Seifert if you are not getting him to bat in the top-order. So replace him with Ben Cutting. Do something because you don't have Lockie so you've got to have at least five bowlers. Five bowlers plus Venkatesh Iyer is alright but four bowlers plus Venkatesh Iyer? It just doesn't make sense my friend. I honestly don't get how you can expect so much from him. He's doing well but he is not Superman," Chopra further said.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2021-kolkata-knight-riders-vs-sunrisers-hyderabad-head-to-head-record-trivia-stats-and-squads-417912">IPL 2021: Kolkata Knight Riders vs Sunrisers Hyderabad - Head to head record, trivia, stats and squads</a></strong></p>

<p>"When you write those names on the sheet, please see how many bowlers there are because there's no point in playing this much batting. You said you don't have the balance without Russell but you also said that there's a specific role for Ben Cutting. There won't be a better role than this. At least play him if you don't like Shakib. In fact, play Shakib too and tell Eoin Morgan, 'it's not working out'. It happens to everyone... but tends to hurt a little more if it's an overseas captain," he concluded.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Although they are struggling to enter the playoffs, KKR have impressed with their performance in the second half, and even their two defeats were narrow, where they lost in the last over.&nbsp;</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Matchday Mood 🤝 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WorldSmileDay?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WorldSmileDay</a> 😊<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KKRvPBKS?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KKRvPBKS</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KKR?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KKR</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AmiKKR?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AmiKKR</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KorboLorboJeetbo?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KorboLorboJeetbo</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/%E0%A6%86%E0%A6%AE%E0%A6%BFKKR?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#আমিKKR</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IPL2021?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IPL2021</a> <a href="https://t.co/UNwuekMCzB">pic.twitter.com/UNwuekMCzB</a></p>
— KolkataKnightRiders (@KKRiders) <a href="https://twitter.com/KKRiders/status/1443883458787303426?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 1, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>Venkatesh Iyer has been the star performer with the bat in the second leg for KKR, while Rahul Tripathi has scored the maximum runs for the team this season. The decision to move Nitish Rana up the order has also paid dividends but Shubman Gill has not been able to capitalise on the starts. In bowling, Varun Chakravarthy has been their go-to man as he picked up six wickets in the second leg, while Sunil Narine too has been among the wickets.&nbsp;</p>

<p>But they have concerns in the pace department with Andre Russell and Lockie Ferguson missing games following injuries, forcing skipper Eoin Morgan to make changes. Even the KKR captain needs to get some runs under his belt.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Tim Southee and Shivam Mavi is the new pace bowling pair for KKR and they will need to step up. Pacer Prasidh Krishna did well to snap four wickets in the matches that he had played, before being dropped for conceding 22 runs in the 19th over, against CSK.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Former India cricketer Aakash Chopra has urged Kolkata Knight Riders to change their captain as the Eoin Morgan-led team is hoping to book a playoff berth in the ongoing edition of the Indian Premier League in Dubai.

Former India cricketer Aakash Chopra has urged Kolkata Knight Riders to change their captain as the Eoin Morgan-led team is hoping to book a playoff berth in the ongoing edition of the Indian Premier League in Dubai. In the UAE leg of the IPL 2021, KKR's run has been a topsy-turvy affair as they have won three games while losing two so far, some decisions have been in their favour but overall, the team has lacked in some departments. In a video uploaded on his youtube channel, the commentator asked the team to change their skipper midway through the season as they have done it before also - when KKR had replaced Gautam Gambhir. ALSO READ | Explainer: 5 teams, 2 spots - What RCB, MI, KKR, PBKS and RR need to qualify for IPL 2021 playoffs "Kolkata, I request you with folded hands: I am giving you two or three options. Firstly, change the captain, you have done it before and there's no shame in it. I was talking to Gautam recently. He talked about the 2014 season, saying he couldn't score any runs in the first three games so he went to the coach and said, 'I am not able to do it, let me just sit out because I am not contributing'," Chopra said. "Morgan would have thought the same because it's been 11 innings and he's averaging 10. We are not seeing any great decisions in captaincy in your team selections and all of that either. So maybe it's time to bring Shakib Al Hasan in place of Morgan," he added. "You can't play Seifert if you are not getting him to bat in the top-order. So replace him with Ben Cutting. Do something because you don't have Lockie so you've got to have at least five bowlers. Five bowlers plus Venkatesh Iyer is alright but four bowlers plus Venkatesh Iyer? It just doesn't make sense my friend. I honestly don't get how you can expect so much from him. He's doing well but he is not Superman," Chopra further said. ALSO READ | IPL 2021: Kolkata Knight Riders vs Sunrisers Hyderabad - Head to head record, trivia, stats and squads "When you write those names on the sheet, please see how many bowlers there are because there's no point in playing this much batting. You said you don't have the balance without Russell but you also said that there's a specific role for Ben Cutting. There won't be a better role than this. At least play him if you don't like Shakib. In fact, play Shakib too and tell Eoin Morgan, 'it's not working out'. It happens to everyone... but tends to hurt a little more if it's an overseas captain," he concluded. Although they are struggling to enter the playoffs, KKR have impressed with their performance in the second half, and even their two defeats were narrow, where they lost in the last over. Matchday Mood 🤝 #WorldSmileDay 😊#KKRvPBKS #KKR #AmiKKR #KorboLorboJeetbo #আমিKKR #IPL2021 pic.twitter.com/UNwuekMCzB — KolkataKnightRiders (@KKRiders) October 1, 2021 × Venkatesh Iyer has been the star performer with the bat in the second leg for KKR, while Rahul Tripathi has scored the maximum runs for the team this season. The decision to move Nitish Rana up the order has also paid dividends but Shubman Gill has not been able to capitalise on the starts. In bowling, Varun Chakravarthy has been their go-to man as he picked up six wickets in the second leg, while Sunil Narine too has been among the wickets. But they have concerns in the pace department with Andre Russell and Lockie Ferguson missing games following injuries, forcing skipper Eoin Morgan to make changes. Even the KKR captain needs to get some runs under his belt. Tim Southee and Shivam Mavi is the new pace bowling pair for KKR and they will need to step up. Pacer Prasidh Krishna did well to snap four wickets in the matches that he had played, before being dropped for conceding 22 runs in the 19th over, against CSK. (With inputs from agencies)

'I request you with folded hands': Aakash Chopra asks KKR to change captain, gives replacement options

<p>MS Dhoni's Chennai Super Kings (CSK) became the first team to secure a spot in the playoffs of the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 season before Rishabh Pant-led Delhi Capitals (DC) also confirmed their berth in the top four. CSK and DC are the only two teams to have ensured qualification in the knockout stages of IPL 2021 so far with as many as five teams in the fray to secure the remaining two spots in the top four.</p>

<p>While CSK look strong to finish in the top two this year after missing out on a playoffs berth last season, their comprehensive seven-wicket defeat at the hands of Rajasthan Royals on Saturday (October 02) has left the tournament wide open. With nine matches remaining in the tournament, there are five teams who can still make it to the next round.</p>

<p>Defending champions Mumbai Indians, Royal Challengers Bangalore, Rajasthan Royals, Punjab Kings and Kolkata Knight Riders are the five teams still in contention to make it to the IPL 2021 playoffs. Here is a look at what the five teams need to reach the next stage of the competition this year.</p>

<p><strong>1) Royal Challengers Bangalore - current rank - 3rd, points - 14</strong></p>

<p>Virat Kohli's RCB are the favourites to become the third team to make it to the playoffs this season. RCB currently sit at the third spot on the points table with 14 points from eleven matches and are one win away from securing a spot in the playoffs. RCB have three matches in their hands and need to just win one of those to secure a top-four berth. Even if they lose all three of their remaining matches, RCB might make it to the next round if other teams who also finish on 14 points, can't topple them on net run rate.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ruturaj-gaikwad-is-in-kl-rahul-category-brian-lara-hails-csk-opener-after-magnificent-ton-against-rajasthan-royals-417862">Ruturaj Gaikwad is in KL Rahul category: Brian Lara hails CSK opener after magnificent ton against Rajasthan Royals</a></p>

<p><strong>2) Kolkata Knight Riders - current rank - 4th, points - 10</strong></p>

<p>Eoin Morgan &amp; Co. had endured a terrible campaign in the first leg of IPL 2021 in India where they could only manage two wins in their first seven games of the season. However, KKR sparked a turnaround in UAE with three wins in their first four games before slipping to a defeat against Punjab Kings in their last game. The loss against PBKS handed a blow to their playoffs hopes but KKR are still in the race to finish in the top four. KKR currently have ten points from 12 matches and need to win their remaining two matches to qualify based on their superior net run rate. They might qualify even if they manage to win just one game out of the remaining two but they will need a favour from other teams in that scenario. KKR will be out if they lose both their remaining matches.</p>

<p><strong>3) Punjab Kings - current rank - 5th, points - 10</strong></p>

<p>Punjab Kings defeated Kolkata Knight Riders by five wickets in their last game to remain alive in the race for playoffs. They currently sit on the fifth spot on the points table with two matches in their hands. They need to win both their remaining games to make it to the playoffs this season. They will need a big win if they lose one of their two matches to ensure they can convert their current negative net run rate into a positive one. However, their fate will lie in the hands of other teams if they lose even one of their two matches.</p>

<p><strong>4) Mumbai Indians - current rank - 7th, points - 10</strong></p>

<p>Mumbai Indians were all but out of the race for playoffs after their 4-wicket loss against Delhi Capitals on Saturday. However, they can still make it to the next round. Mumbai Indians have the lowest net run rate of -0.453 among all five teams in contention. They need to win both their remaining matches to qualify for the playoffs. They might not make it to the next round with just one win due to their inferior net run rate. They will be out if they lose both their matches.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/he-is-our-best-t20-bowler-former-chief-selector-msk-prasad-names-spinner-who-deserved-spot-in-indias-t20-wc-squad-417887">Former chief selector MSK Prasad names spinner who deserved spot in India's T20 WC squad</a></p>

<p><strong>5) Rajasthan Royals&nbsp;- current rank - 6th, points - 10</strong></p>

<p>Another team with ten points and a negative net run rate. Rajasthan Royals pulled off a stunning seven-wicket win against table-toppers CSK on Saturday to keep their playoffs hopes alive and leave the race for the top four wide open. Rajasthan Royals will need to win their remaining two matches and hope PBKS lose at least one of their remaining two matches to confirm their berth in the top four. RR can qualify even with one win if both MI and PBKs lose their remaining to matches - which might be too much to ask for. RR will be ousted if they lose both games.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


MS Dhoni's Chennai Super Kings (CSK) became the first team to secure a spot in the playoffs of the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 season before Rishabh Pant-led Delhi Capitals (DC) also confirmed their berth in the top four.

MS Dhoni's Chennai Super Kings (CSK) became the first team to secure a spot in the playoffs of the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 season before Rishabh Pant-led Delhi Capitals (DC) also confirmed their berth in the top four. CSK and DC are the only two teams to have ensured qualification in the knockout stages of IPL 2021 so far with as many as five teams in the fray to secure the remaining two spots in the top four. While CSK look strong to finish in the top two this year after missing out on a playoffs berth last season, their comprehensive seven-wicket defeat at the hands of Rajasthan Royals on Saturday (October 02) has left the tournament wide open. With nine matches remaining in the tournament, there are five teams who can still make it to the next round. Defending champions Mumbai Indians, Royal Challengers Bangalore, Rajasthan Royals, Punjab Kings and Kolkata Knight Riders are the five teams still in contention to make it to the IPL 2021 playoffs. Here is a look at what the five teams need to reach the next stage of the competition this year. 1) Royal Challengers Bangalore - current rank - 3rd, points - 14 Virat Kohli's RCB are the favourites to become the third team to make it to the playoffs this season. RCB currently sit at the third spot on the points table with 14 points from eleven matches and are one win away from securing a spot in the playoffs. RCB have three matches in their hands and need to just win one of those to secure a top-four berth. Even if they lose all three of their remaining matches, RCB might make it to the next round if other teams who also finish on 14 points, can't topple them on net run rate. Also Read: Ruturaj Gaikwad is in KL Rahul category: Brian Lara hails CSK opener after magnificent ton against Rajasthan Royals 2) Kolkata Knight Riders - current rank - 4th, points - 10 Eoin Morgan & Co. had endured a terrible campaign in the first leg of IPL 2021 in India where they could only manage two wins in their first seven games of the season. However, KKR sparked a turnaround in UAE with three wins in their first four games before slipping to a defeat against Punjab Kings in their last game. The loss against PBKS handed a blow to their playoffs hopes but KKR are still in the race to finish in the top four. KKR currently have ten points from 12 matches and need to win their remaining two matches to qualify based on their superior net run rate. They might qualify even if they manage to win just one game out of the remaining two but they will need a favour from other teams in that scenario. KKR will be out if they lose both their remaining matches. 3) Punjab Kings - current rank - 5th, points - 10 Punjab Kings defeated Kolkata Knight Riders by five wickets in their last game to remain alive in the race for playoffs. They currently sit on the fifth spot on the points table with two matches in their hands. They need to win both their remaining games to make it to the playoffs this season. They will need a big win if they lose one of their two matches to ensure they can convert their current negative net run rate into a positive one. However, their fate will lie in the hands of other teams if they lose even one of their two matches. 4) Mumbai Indians - current rank - 7th, points - 10 Mumbai Indians were all but out of the race for playoffs after their 4-wicket loss against Delhi Capitals on Saturday. However, they can still make it to the next round. Mumbai Indians have the lowest net run rate of -0.453 among all five teams in contention. They need to win both their remaining matches to qualify for the playoffs. They might not make it to the next round with just one win due to their inferior net run rate. They will be out if they lose both their matches. Also Read: Former chief selector MSK Prasad names spinner who deserved spot in India's T20 WC squad 5) Rajasthan Royals - current rank - 6th, points - 10 Another team with ten points and a negative net run rate. Rajasthan Royals pulled off a stunning seven-wicket win against table-toppers CSK on Saturday to keep their playoffs hopes alive and leave the race for the top four wide open. Rajasthan Royals will need to win their remaining two matches and hope PBKS lose at least one of their remaining two matches to confirm their berth in the top four. RR can qualify even with one win if both MI and PBKs lose their remaining to matches - which might be too much to ask for. RR will be ousted if they lose both games.

Explainer: 5 teams, 2 spots - What RCB, MI, KKR, PBKS and RR need to qualify for IPL 2021 playoffs

<p><meta name="uuid" content="uuid3mf3FEB8FsTR" /><meta charset="utf-8" /></p>

<p>Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) will lock horns with playoff hopefuls Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the Match 49 of the 14th edition of Indian Premier League (IPL) at Dubai International Stadium on Sunday (October 3).&nbsp;</p>

<p>Bottom-placed SRH are already out of the playoffs race, but they might dent KKR's hopes of qualifying for the knockout stage as fourth-placed Eoin Morgan's team is still in contention with 10 points from 12 matches.</p>

<p>SRH have won just one match out of the four that they have played since the resumption of the IPL in the UAE. For KKR, the UAE leg of the IPL has been a topsy-turvy affair as they have won three games while losing two so far.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/kkr-vs-srh-ipl-2021-prediction-today-who-will-win-kolkata-knight-riders-vs-sunrisers-hyderabad-match-417898">KKR vs SRH, IPL 2021 prediction today: Who will win Kolkata Knight Riders vs Sunrisers Hyderabad match?</a></strong></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Training ✅<br />
<br />
The <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Risers?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Risers</a> are set for <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KKRvSRH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KKRvSRH</a>. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/OrangeArmy?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#OrangeArmy</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/OrangeOrNothing?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#OrangeOrNothing</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IPL2021?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IPL2021</a> <a href="https://t.co/DcwB4Y5d8Q">pic.twitter.com/DcwB4Y5d8Q</a></p>
— SunRisers Hyderabad (@SunRisers) <a href="https://twitter.com/SunRisers/status/1444573573952249857?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 3, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p><strong>Head to head record:</strong></p>

<p>When we talk about their head to head record, KKR have an upper hand as they have won 13 out of 20 matches played against SRH. In their previous meeting, which was in the first phase of the IPL 2021 when KKR defeated SRH by 10 runs in Chennai.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Stats:</strong></p>

<p>KKR's wicket-keeper batter Dinesh Karthik is four runs away from scoring 4000 runs in IPL. He is also five boundaries away from 400 fours in IPL. Sunil Narine (419) is two wickets away from overtaking Imran Tahir (420) to become the second-highest wicket-takers in T20. The list of highest-wicket takers is lea by West Indies DJ Bravo (548).&nbsp;</p>

<p>For SRH, Bhuvneshwar Kumar will make his 100th appearance for the Sunrisers in case he gets selected.&nbsp;</p>

<p>SRH skipper just needs one more boundary to complete his 500 fours in T20 cricket.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/this-can-end-someones-campaign-gautam-gambhir-blasts-3rd-umpires-decision-on-rahul-tripathis-catch-watch-417651">'This can end someone's campaign': Gambhir blasts 3rd umpire's decision on Rahul Tripathi's catch - Watch</a></p>

<p><strong>Trivia:</strong></p>

<p>Although, KKR have an edge over SRH in the overall head to head record, but Sunrisers have a better record in Dubai with seven wins and five losses.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Squads:</strong></p>

<p><strong>Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR):&nbsp;</strong>Eoin Morgan (c), Shivam Mavi, Sandeep Warrier, Kuldeep Yadav, Shakib Al Hasan, Sunil Narine, Vaibhav Arora, Lockie Ferguson, Ben Cutting, Tim Seifert, Karun Nair, Sheldon Jackson, Venkatesh Iyer, Dinesh Karthik, Harbhajan Singh, Pat Cummins, Andre Russel, M Prasidh Krishna, Shubman Gill, Nitish Rana, Tim Southee, Pawan Negi, Kamlesh Nagarkoti, Varun Chakravarthy, Gurkeerat Singh Mann, Rahul Tripathy.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH):&nbsp;</strong>Kane Williamson (c), Rashid Khan, Wriddhiman Saha, Khaleel Ahmed, Sherfane Rutherford, Abdul Samad, Sandeep Sharma, Mujeeb ur Rahman, Shreevats Goswami, Kedar Yadav, David Warner, Mohammad Nabi, Abhishek Sharma, Basil Thampi, Jason Roy, Jason Holder, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Jagadeesha Suchith, Virat Singh, T Natarajan, Shahbaz Nadeem, Manish Pandey, Vijay Shankar, Siddharth Kaul, Priyam Garg.&nbsp;</p>


Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) will lock horns with playoff hopefuls Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the Match 49 of the 14th edition of Indian Premier League (IPL) at Dubai International Stadium on Sunday (October 3).

Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) will lock horns with playoff hopefuls Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the Match 49 of the 14th edition of Indian Premier League (IPL) at Dubai International Stadium on Sunday (October 3). Bottom-placed SRH are already out of the playoffs race, but they might dent KKR's hopes of qualifying for the knockout stage as fourth-placed Eoin Morgan's team is still in contention with 10 points from 12 matches. SRH have won just one match out of the four that they have played since the resumption of the IPL in the UAE. For KKR, the UAE leg of the IPL has been a topsy-turvy affair as they have won three games while losing two so far. ALSO READ | KKR vs SRH, IPL 2021 prediction today: Who will win Kolkata Knight Riders vs Sunrisers Hyderabad match? Training ✅ The #Risers are set for #KKRvSRH. #OrangeArmy #OrangeOrNothing #IPL2021 pic.twitter.com/DcwB4Y5d8Q — SunRisers Hyderabad (@SunRisers) October 3, 2021 × Head to head record: When we talk about their head to head record, KKR have an upper hand as they have won 13 out of 20 matches played against SRH. In their previous meeting, which was in the first phase of the IPL 2021 when KKR defeated SRH by 10 runs in Chennai. Stats: KKR's wicket-keeper batter Dinesh Karthik is four runs away from scoring 4000 runs in IPL. He is also five boundaries away from 400 fours in IPL. Sunil Narine (419) is two wickets away from overtaking Imran Tahir (420) to become the second-highest wicket-takers in T20. The list of highest-wicket takers is lea by West Indies DJ Bravo (548). For SRH, Bhuvneshwar Kumar will make his 100th appearance for the Sunrisers in case he gets selected. SRH skipper just needs one more boundary to complete his 500 fours in T20 cricket. ALSO READ | 'This can end someone's campaign': Gambhir blasts 3rd umpire's decision on Rahul Tripathi's catch - Watch Trivia: Although, KKR have an edge over SRH in the overall head to head record, but Sunrisers have a better record in Dubai with seven wins and five losses. Squads: Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR): Eoin Morgan (c), Shivam Mavi, Sandeep Warrier, Kuldeep Yadav, Shakib Al Hasan, Sunil Narine, Vaibhav Arora, Lockie Ferguson, Ben Cutting, Tim Seifert, Karun Nair, Sheldon Jackson, Venkatesh Iyer, Dinesh Karthik, Harbhajan Singh, Pat Cummins, Andre Russel, M Prasidh Krishna, Shubman Gill, Nitish Rana, Tim Southee, Pawan Negi, Kamlesh Nagarkoti, Varun Chakravarthy, Gurkeerat Singh Mann, Rahul Tripathy. Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH): Kane Williamson (c), Rashid Khan, Wriddhiman Saha, Khaleel Ahmed, Sherfane Rutherford, Abdul Samad, Sandeep Sharma, Mujeeb ur Rahman, Shreevats Goswami, Kedar Yadav, David Warner, Mohammad Nabi, Abhishek Sharma, Basil Thampi, Jason Roy, Jason Holder, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Jagadeesha Suchith, Virat Singh, T Natarajan, Shahbaz Nadeem, Manish Pandey, Vijay Shankar, Siddharth Kaul, Priyam Garg.

IPL 2021: Kolkata Knight Riders vs Sunrisers Hyderabad - Head to head record, trivia, stats and squads

<p>Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR)'s playoffs hopes were dealt with a massive blow after they lost by five wickets against Punjab Kings (PBKS) in their last match. KKR will be looking to bounce back to winning ways when they lock horns with Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in their 13th&nbsp;match of the IPL 2021 season on Sunday.&nbsp;</p>

<p>While KKR will be looking to remain alive in the race for playoffs with a win, Kane Williamson &amp; Co. will be playing for pride after bowing out of the competition early. SRH became the first team to be knocked out of the competition after losing their last game against Chennai Super Kings (CSK) by six wickets.</p>

<p>Sunrisers Hyderabad are out of the race for playoffs but they might spoil the party for KKR, who are currently placed fourth on the points table with ten points from 12 matches so far this season. Eoin Morgan &amp; Co. are in a must-win situation as a&nbsp;defeat for KKR on Sunday will all but end their campaign in IPL 2021.</p>

<p>With injuries to the likes of Andre Russell and Lockie Ferguson, KKR will hope for the likes of Sunil Narine and young&nbsp;Venkatesh Iyer among others to step up against SRH and help them secure a much-needed win at the Dubai International Stadium in Dubai. SRH, on the other hand, will look to hand more game time to the youngsters in the squad after an early exit from the competition.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/this-can-end-someones-campaign-gautam-gambhir-blasts-3rd-umpires-decision-on-rahul-tripathis-catch-watch-417651">'This can end someone's campaign': Gambhir blasts 3rd umpire's decision on Rahul Tripathi's catch - Watch</a></p>

<p>In the last meeting between the two sides, KKR had defeated SRH by ten runs in a close encounter by successfully defending a total of 187 runs in Chennai. When it comes to the head-to-head record between the two sides, KKR have dominated SRH, over the years with 13 wins in 20 meetings. Morgan &amp; Co. will hope to continue their dominant run against SRH once again on Sunday.</p>

<p><strong>KKR vs SRH match prediction: </strong>SRH struggles have been well-documented this season. While their batting line-up has failed to fire as a unit, the bowlers too have been far from impressive. With only two wins in eleven games so far, SRH will have their task cut out against a hungry KKR, who are in a must-win situation to remain alive in the competition. KKR might edge out SRH in Dubai tonight and make it two wins in a row against them this season.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR)'s playoffs hopes were dealt with a massive blow after they lost by five wickets against Punjab Kings (PBKS) in their last match. KKR will be looking to bounce back to winning ways when they lock horns with Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in their 13th match of the IPL 2021 season on Sunday.

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR)'s playoffs hopes were dealt with a massive blow after they lost by five wickets against Punjab Kings (PBKS) in their last match. KKR will be looking to bounce back to winning ways when they lock horns with Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in their 13th match of the IPL 2021 season on Sunday. While KKR will be looking to remain alive in the race for playoffs with a win, Kane Williamson & Co. will be playing for pride after bowing out of the competition early. SRH became the first team to be knocked out of the competition after losing their last game against Chennai Super Kings (CSK) by six wickets. Sunrisers Hyderabad are out of the race for playoffs but they might spoil the party for KKR, who are currently placed fourth on the points table with ten points from 12 matches so far this season. Eoin Morgan & Co. are in a must-win situation as a defeat for KKR on Sunday will all but end their campaign in IPL 2021. With injuries to the likes of Andre Russell and Lockie Ferguson, KKR will hope for the likes of Sunil Narine and young Venkatesh Iyer among others to step up against SRH and help them secure a much-needed win at the Dubai International Stadium in Dubai. SRH, on the other hand, will look to hand more game time to the youngsters in the squad after an early exit from the competition. Also Read: 'This can end someone's campaign': Gambhir blasts 3rd umpire's decision on Rahul Tripathi's catch - Watch In the last meeting between the two sides, KKR had defeated SRH by ten runs in a close encounter by successfully defending a total of 187 runs in Chennai. When it comes to the head-to-head record between the two sides, KKR have dominated SRH, over the years with 13 wins in 20 meetings. Morgan & Co. will hope to continue their dominant run against SRH once again on Sunday. KKR vs SRH match prediction: SRH struggles have been well-documented this season. While their batting line-up has failed to fire as a unit, the bowlers too have been far from impressive. With only two wins in eleven games so far, SRH will have their task cut out against a hungry KKR, who are in a must-win situation to remain alive in the competition. KKR might edge out SRH in Dubai tonight and make it two wins in a row against them this season.

KKR vs SRH, IPL 2021 prediction today: Who will win Kolkata Knight Riders vs Sunrisers Hyderabad match?

<p class="MsoNormal">Match 49 of the IPL 2021 edition will see the Eon Morgan-led Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) take on&nbsp;Kane Williamson-led Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) on Sunday evening (October 3). The game will be played at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai.<o:p></o:p></p>

<p class="MsoNormal">The pitches at Dubai have been batsmen-friendly and easy to bat on. However, the pitch may likely offer some movement for pacers initially. The two teams will be facing each other for the second time in the IPL. The first match was won by Kolkata Knight Riders at MA Chidambaram Stadium by 10 runs.</p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><strong>Also Read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2021-rajasthan-royals-beat-chennai-super-kings-by-seven-wickets-417756">IPL 2021: Rajasthan Royals beat Chennai Super Kings by seven wickets</a></o:p></p>

<p class="MsoNormal">SRH has been particularly poor this season and they are at the bottom of the table with just two wins in 11 games. However, UAE has turned fate for Kolkata Knight Riders but it still isn’t enough for them to qualify. <o:p></o:p></p>

<p class="MsoNormal">While Sunrisers Hyderabad would be looking for a win to gain some confidence but they can spoil KKR’s chances of reaching the play-offs. However, this is a must-win game for the Knight Riders who if lose will be possibly out of the playoffs race. They have won five out of 12 games played with three of the wins coming in UAE-leg. <o:p></o:p></p>

<p class="MsoNormal">Eon Morgan would be looking to find back his batting form after being pointed out by coach McCullum. Dinesh Karthik who is 4 runs away from 4,000 runs in IPL would be wanting to take his team closer to the play-offs. While everyone would be looking forward to Venkatesh Iyer who has proven his worth in just 5 games.</p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><strong>Also Read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2021-brendon-mccullum-questions-kkr-skipper-eoin-morgans-poor-form-says-we-need-more-runs-from-him-417614">IPL 2021: Brendon McCullum questions KKR skipper Eoin Morgan's poor form, says we need more runs from him</a></o:p></p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><strong>Let's take a look at the means on how to live stream or view the match:</strong><o:p></o:p></p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><strong>Where is the IPL 2021 match between Kolkata Knight Riders vs Sunrisers Hyderabad taking place?</strong> <o:p></o:p></p>

<p class="MsoNormal">The IPL 2021 match between Kolkata Knight Riders vs Sunrisers Hyderabad will take place at the Dubai International Stadium, Dubai.<o:p></o:p></p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><strong>What time does the IPL 2021 match between Kolkata Knight Riders vs Sunrisers Hyderabad begin?</strong> <o:p></o:p></p>

<p class="MsoNormal">The IPL 2021 match between Kolkata Knight Riders vs Sunrisers Hyderabad begins at 7:30 PM IST on Sunday.<o:p></o:p></p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><strong>Where and how to watch live coverage of the IPL 2021 match between Kolkata Knight Riders vs Sunrisers Hyderabad?</strong> <o:p></o:p></p>

<p class="MsoNormal">The IPL 2021 match between Kolkata Knight Riders vs Sunrisers Hyderabad will be aired live on Star Sports channels - Star Sports 1, Star Sports 1 HD, Star Sports 3, and Star Sports 3 HD. The online streaming of the IPL 2021 match between PBKS vs RCB will be available on Hotstar.<o:p></o:p></p>


Match 49 of the IPL 2021 edition will see the Eon Morgan-led Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) take on Kane Williamson-led Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) on Sunday evening (October 3).

Match 49 of the IPL 2021 edition will see the Eon Morgan-led Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) take on Kane Williamson-led Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) on Sunday evening (October 3). The game will be played at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai. The pitches at Dubai have been batsmen-friendly and easy to bat on. However, the pitch may likely offer some movement for pacers initially. The two teams will be facing each other for the second time in the IPL. The first match was won by Kolkata Knight Riders at MA Chidambaram Stadium by 10 runs. Also Read: IPL 2021: Rajasthan Royals beat Chennai Super Kings by seven wickets SRH has been particularly poor this season and they are at the bottom of the table with just two wins in 11 games. However, UAE has turned fate for Kolkata Knight Riders but it still isn’t enough for them to qualify. While Sunrisers Hyderabad would be looking for a win to gain some confidence but they can spoil KKR’s chances of reaching the play-offs. However, this is a must-win game for the Knight Riders who if lose will be possibly out of the playoffs race. They have won five out of 12 games played with three of the wins coming in UAE-leg. Eon Morgan would be looking to find back his batting form after being pointed out by coach McCullum. Dinesh Karthik who is 4 runs away from 4,000 runs in IPL would be wanting to take his team closer to the play-offs. While everyone would be looking forward to Venkatesh Iyer who has proven his worth in just 5 games. Also Read: IPL 2021: Brendon McCullum questions KKR skipper Eoin Morgan's poor form, says we need more runs from him Let's take a look at the means on how to live stream or view the match: Where is the IPL 2021 match between Kolkata Knight Riders vs Sunrisers Hyderabad taking place? The IPL 2021 match between Kolkata Knight Riders vs Sunrisers Hyderabad will take place at the Dubai International Stadium, Dubai. What time does the IPL 2021 match between Kolkata Knight Riders vs Sunrisers Hyderabad begin? The IPL 2021 match between Kolkata Knight Riders vs Sunrisers Hyderabad begins at 7:30 PM IST on Sunday. Where and how to watch live coverage of the IPL 2021 match between Kolkata Knight Riders vs Sunrisers Hyderabad? The IPL 2021 match between Kolkata Knight Riders vs Sunrisers Hyderabad will be aired live on Star Sports channels - Star Sports 1, Star Sports 1 HD, Star Sports 3, and Star Sports 3 HD. The online streaming of the IPL 2021 match between PBKS vs RCB will be available on Hotstar.

IPL 2021, KKR vs SRH live streaming: When and where to watch Kolkata Knight Riders vs Sunrisers Hyderabad?

<p>After suffering a five-wicket loss against Punjab Kings in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021, Kolkata Knight Riders'&nbsp;head coach Brendon Mccullum said that his side would definitely want some more runs from skipper Eoin Morgan in the upcoming matches.</p>

<p>KL Rahul and Mayank Agarwal played knocks of 67 and 40 respectively as Punjab Kings defeated KKR by five wickets with three balls to spare. Shahrukh Khan also scored 22 runs off just nine balls to help Rahul`s side get over the line.</p>

<p>"Morgan is one of our senior players and he is one of our international batters. As captain also, in his own head he would have liked to contribute a lot more runs. Actually, I think he has captained the side really well tactically. We want some more runs from him no doubt in that, you need runs from your overseas batters. Look, I am confident that he will come right," said McCullum while replying to an ANI query on Morgan's form during a virtual post-match press conference.</p>

<p>Also Read :&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ms-dhoni-knows-suresh-raina-isnt-performing-well-but-he-wouldnt-replace-him-with-someone-else-virender-sehwag-417612">MS Dhoni knows Suresh Raina isn't performing well but he wouldn't replace him with someone else: Virender Sehwag</a></p>

<p>"We played a great game, Punjab Kings deserved to win because they seized the key moments. I still felt we had a chance in the game, with two overs to go, Punjab Kings were in the score exactly we were in our innings. It was touch and go, small margins in this game and it did not go our way against Punjab," he added.</p>

<p>Earlier, Venkatesh Iyer played a knock of 67 runs off just 49 balls to help KKR post 165/7 in the allotted twenty overs. For Punjab Kings, Arshdeep Singh returned with three wickets.</p>

<p>"Venkatesh Iyer is definitely an all-rounder. It is not just his cricketing ability, it is his mindset and cricketing brain. He has a great perspective on the sport and he is a guy with huge ambitions, he has a great future as a genuine all-rounder. I think he is one of those cricketers who is going to get better and better. I think what he has done so far shows he belongs at this level.</p>

<p>Also Read :&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/csk-vs-rr-ipl-2021-prediction-today-who-will-win-chennai-super-kings-vs-rajasthan-royals-match-417588">CSK vs RR, IPL 2021 prediction today: Who will win Chennai Super Kings vs Rajasthan Royals match?</a></p>

<p>"When asked about the controversial catch of KL Rahul that was given not-out in the penultimate over, McCullum said: "We have played enough cricket to know that they can go either way. If they go your way, you feel content with it and if it goes the other side, you understand it and wish it had gone your way. I certainly do not think that was the losing or winning of the game."</p>

<p>"That was a fabulous effort by Rahul Tripathi. We dropped a few catches but a lot of them were difficult. That is one area we can improve," he added.KKR will next square off against SunRisers Hyderabad on Sunday here at the Dubai International Stadium.</p>


After suffering a five-wicket loss against Punjab Kings in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021, Kolkata Knight Riders' head coach Brendon Mccullum said that his side would definitely want some more runs from skipper Eoin Morgan in the upcoming matches.

After suffering a five-wicket loss against Punjab Kings in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021, Kolkata Knight Riders' head coach Brendon Mccullum said that his side would definitely want some more runs from skipper Eoin Morgan in the upcoming matches. KL Rahul and Mayank Agarwal played knocks of 67 and 40 respectively as Punjab Kings defeated KKR by five wickets with three balls to spare. Shahrukh Khan also scored 22 runs off just nine balls to help Rahul`s side get over the line. "Morgan is one of our senior players and he is one of our international batters. As captain also, in his own head he would have liked to contribute a lot more runs. Actually, I think he has captained the side really well tactically. We want some more runs from him no doubt in that, you need runs from your overseas batters. Look, I am confident that he will come right," said McCullum while replying to an ANI query on Morgan's form during a virtual post-match press conference. Also Read : MS Dhoni knows Suresh Raina isn't performing well but he wouldn't replace him with someone else: Virender Sehwag "We played a great game, Punjab Kings deserved to win because they seized the key moments. I still felt we had a chance in the game, with two overs to go, Punjab Kings were in the score exactly we were in our innings. It was touch and go, small margins in this game and it did not go our way against Punjab," he added. Earlier, Venkatesh Iyer played a knock of 67 runs off just 49 balls to help KKR post 165/7 in the allotted twenty overs. For Punjab Kings, Arshdeep Singh returned with three wickets. "Venkatesh Iyer is definitely an all-rounder. It is not just his cricketing ability, it is his mindset and cricketing brain. He has a great perspective on the sport and he is a guy with huge ambitions, he has a great future as a genuine all-rounder. I think he is one of those cricketers who is going to get better and better. I think what he has done so far shows he belongs at this level. Also Read : CSK vs RR, IPL 2021 prediction today: Who will win Chennai Super Kings vs Rajasthan Royals match? "When asked about the controversial catch of KL Rahul that was given not-out in the penultimate over, McCullum said: "We have played enough cricket to know that they can go either way. If they go your way, you feel content with it and if it goes the other side, you understand it and wish it had gone your way. I certainly do not think that was the losing or winning of the game." "That was a fabulous effort by Rahul Tripathi. We dropped a few catches but a lot of them were difficult. That is one area we can improve," he added.KKR will next square off against SunRisers Hyderabad on Sunday here at the Dubai International Stadium.

IPL 2021: Brendon McCullum questions KKR skipper Eoin Morgan's poor form, says we need more runs from him

<p>Delhi Capitals (DC) lost to Eoin Morgan-led Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) by 3 wickets during match 41of the second and final leg of IPL 2021, at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium, Sharjah on September 28 (Tuesday). While the KKR outfit chased down a modest 128 with 10 balls to spare, the match made heads turn due to R Ashwin's heated exchange with KKR skipper Morgan and Tim Southee.</p>

<p>During the last ball of DC's 19th over, Ashwin and Rishabh Pant completed a double when a throw from Rahul Tripathi ricocheted&nbsp;off Pant. Thus, this didn't please Morgan and Southee and the two had an altercation with Ashwin post his dismissal on the final over. As Ashwin and Pant completed an extra run after the ball hit Pant, after taking a single, it also led to 'Spirit of Cricket' talks in the cricketing fraternity where some slammed the DC spinner whereas many supported his act.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/r-ashwin-reacts-sharply-after-rumours-of-him-complaining-against-virat-kohli-to-the-bcci-go-viral-417047"><strong>R Ashwin reacts sharply after rumours of him complaining against Virat Kohli to the BCCI go viral</strong></a></p>

<p>Earlier, Ashwin had also shared a series of tweets on the whole incident and has now again reacted to the same on his Youtube channel, ahead of Pant-led DC's game versus Mumbai Indians (MI). "I have to be true to myself. I have the right to decide how I want to play. Others cannot judge me. Spirit of Cricket was established at a time when Amateur and professional Cricket formats weren't decided," said Ashwin.</p>

<p>He added, "This is professional sports now - my point is you decide how you should play, and I will do mine. I don't want to define or defend any rules here. It is just my life. You don't have to live as per the likes of someone else. I have not spoiled or stolen or lied. I am just doing my job."</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/indias-punam-raut-walks-off-despite-being-given-not-out-in-pink-ball-test-against-australia-watch-417426"><strong>India's Punam Raut walks off despite being given not-out in Pink-ball Test against Australia - WATCH</strong></a></p>

<p>Ashwin-starrer DC have, meanwhile, qualified for the IPL 14 playoffs post KKR's defeat to Punjab Kings (PBKS) on Friday (October 1). The Delhi franchise will, however, hope to end in the top-two to get an extra chance to enter the season-finale, on October 15.</p>


Delhi Capitals (DC) lost to Eoin Morgan-led Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) by 3 wickets during match 41of the second and final leg of IPL 2021, at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium, Sharjah on September 28 (Tuesday).

Delhi Capitals (DC) lost to Eoin Morgan-led Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) by 3 wickets during match 41of the second and final leg of IPL 2021, at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium, Sharjah on September 28 (Tuesday). While the KKR outfit chased down a modest 128 with 10 balls to spare, the match made heads turn due to R Ashwin's heated exchange with KKR skipper Morgan and Tim Southee. During the last ball of DC's 19th over, Ashwin and Rishabh Pant completed a double when a throw from Rahul Tripathi ricocheted off Pant. Thus, this didn't please Morgan and Southee and the two had an altercation with Ashwin post his dismissal on the final over. As Ashwin and Pant completed an extra run after the ball hit Pant, after taking a single, it also led to 'Spirit of Cricket' talks in the cricketing fraternity where some slammed the DC spinner whereas many supported his act. ALSO READ | R Ashwin reacts sharply after rumours of him complaining against Virat Kohli to the BCCI go viral Earlier, Ashwin had also shared a series of tweets on the whole incident and has now again reacted to the same on his Youtube channel, ahead of Pant-led DC's game versus Mumbai Indians (MI). "I have to be true to myself. I have the right to decide how I want to play. Others cannot judge me. Spirit of Cricket was established at a time when Amateur and professional Cricket formats weren't decided," said Ashwin. He added, "This is professional sports now - my point is you decide how you should play, and I will do mine. I don't want to define or defend any rules here. It is just my life. You don't have to live as per the likes of someone else. I have not spoiled or stolen or lied. I am just doing my job." ALSO READ | India's Punam Raut walks off despite being given not-out in Pink-ball Test against Australia - WATCH Ashwin-starrer DC have, meanwhile, qualified for the IPL 14 playoffs post KKR's defeat to Punjab Kings (PBKS) on Friday (October 1). The Delhi franchise will, however, hope to end in the top-two to get an extra chance to enter the season-finale, on October 15.

'Others cannot judge me' - R Ashwin reacts amid 'Spirit of Cricket' talks after heated exchange with KKR's Eoin Morgan

<p>Former Kolkata Knight Riders captain Gautam Gambhir slammed the third umpire after a crucial catch by Rahul Tripathi was not given in KKR's favour during their IPL 2021 match against Punjab Kings on Friday (October 1).&nbsp;</p>

<p>In match 45, KL Rahul-led Punjab Kings registered a five-wicket win over Eoin Morgan's KKR, but it is believed that the catch, which was given 'not out' by the third umpire, could have altered the final result of the clash.&nbsp;</p>

<p>During the match, Punjab required 11 off 10 balls for victory when KL Rahul played Shivam Mavi's delivery towards the mid-wicket boundary, where KKR fielder dived forward to take a "classy" catch.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/this-is-not-fluke-show-sanjay-manjrekar-names-uncapped-indian-player-who-can-fetch-inr-12-14-billion-in-ipl-mega-auction-417595">Sanjay Manjrekar names uncapped Indian player who can fetch INR 1.2-1.4 billion in IPL mega auction</a></strong></p>

<p>However, the on-field umpires were uncertain and referred it to the decision upstairs to get clarity at a very crucial stage of the match.</p>

<p>Third umpire Anil Dandekar, after consulting several camera angles and watching the clip in slow motion, declared the batter not out.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"That was a shocker, this can end someone's campaign. He shouldn't have seen the replay more than once, it just looked out. Even if they had got KL Rahul out, things would have been different. We cannot have these kinds of shockers in the IPL," Gambhir said on Star Sports.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/the-king-kong-india-head-ravi-shastri-calls-ms-dhoni-the-greatest-white-ball-captain-ever-417627">'The King Kong': India head Ravi Shastri calls MS Dhoni the greatest white-ball captain ever</a></strong></p>

<p><strong>Watch it here:</strong></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/gKur8p_zZvo" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>Ex-England spinner Graeme Swann also lashed out at the decision as he was quoted as saying, "That was the worst piece of third umpiring I have ever seen."&nbsp;</p>

<p>After the match, Morgan while speaking during the post-presentation said the catch by Tripathi looked clean "in real-time".</p>

<p>"Initially we didn't field as well, put catches down. Myself early too. We probably had a par score on the wicket. Kings played well, we fought back, but catches have cost us. I thought in real-time that the Tripathi catch was out," said Morgan.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"But when you slow it down, the third umpire decided otherwise. We got on with it once he made his call. Hopefully, we play hard in the back end, get a few results and qualify into the playoffs," he added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>After not being given out, KL Rahul finished with a score of 67 off 55 balls and led PBKS to a 5-wicket win and 2 crucial points.&nbsp;</p>


Former Kolkata Knight Riders captain Gautam Gambhir slammed the third umpire after a crucial catch by Rahul Tripathi was not given in KKR's favour during their IPL 2021 match against Punjab Kings on Friday (October 1).

Former Kolkata Knight Riders captain Gautam Gambhir slammed the third umpire after a crucial catch by Rahul Tripathi was not given in KKR's favour during their IPL 2021 match against Punjab Kings on Friday (October 1). In match 45, KL Rahul-led Punjab Kings registered a five-wicket win over Eoin Morgan's KKR, but it is believed that the catch, which was given 'not out' by the third umpire, could have altered the final result of the clash. During the match, Punjab required 11 off 10 balls for victory when KL Rahul played Shivam Mavi's delivery towards the mid-wicket boundary, where KKR fielder dived forward to take a "classy" catch. ALSO READ | Sanjay Manjrekar names uncapped Indian player who can fetch INR 1.2-1.4 billion in IPL mega auction However, the on-field umpires were uncertain and referred it to the decision upstairs to get clarity at a very crucial stage of the match. Third umpire Anil Dandekar, after consulting several camera angles and watching the clip in slow motion, declared the batter not out. "That was a shocker, this can end someone's campaign. He shouldn't have seen the replay more than once, it just looked out. Even if they had got KL Rahul out, things would have been different. We cannot have these kinds of shockers in the IPL," Gambhir said on Star Sports. ALSO READ | 'The King Kong': India head Ravi Shastri calls MS Dhoni the greatest white-ball captain ever Watch it here: × Ex-England spinner Graeme Swann also lashed out at the decision as he was quoted as saying, "That was the worst piece of third umpiring I have ever seen." After the match, Morgan while speaking during the post-presentation said the catch by Tripathi looked clean "in real-time". "Initially we didn't field as well, put catches down. Myself early too. We probably had a par score on the wicket. Kings played well, we fought back, but catches have cost us. I thought in real-time that the Tripathi catch was out," said Morgan. "But when you slow it down, the third umpire decided otherwise. We got on with it once he made his call. Hopefully, we play hard in the back end, get a few results and qualify into the playoffs," he added. After not being given out, KL Rahul finished with a score of 67 off 55 balls and led PBKS to a 5-wicket win and 2 crucial points.

'This can end someone's campaign': Gautam Gambhir blasts 3rd umpire's decision on Rahul Tripathi's catch - Watch

<p>A number of youngsters have taken the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 season by storm with their impressive performances for their respective franchises. The likes of Ruturaj Gaikwad, Harshal Patel and Sanju Samson among others have been consistently producing impressive displays. The latest name to be added to the list is that of Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) star Venkatesh Iyer.</p>

<p>Iyer was an unknown entity in the IPL before the second leg of the ongoing season in UAE. The left-arm all-rounder has created a lot of buzz with his impressive all-round performances in the UAE and has also cemented his spot in the playing XI. Brought for Rs 20 lakh ( INR 2 million), Iyer has proved to be one of the bargains of the season and has delivered with both bat and the ball.</p>

<p>He announced his arrival at the IPL stage with a cracking unbeaten 41 in KKR's first game of the UAE leg against RCB before notching up his maiden IPL fifty against Mumbai Indians in the next encounter. Iyer slammed a brilliant 67 off 49 balls against Punjab Kings on Friday to continue his stellar run in the tournament. He has also proved handy with the ball and has picked up 3 wickets besides scoring 193 runs in five matches so far.</p>

<p>Former India cricketer and expert Sanjay Manjrekar recently heaped praise on 26-year-old Iyer and said he might fetch a huge amount in the IPL mega auction next year. Manjrekar believes the uncapped Indian all-rounder can fetch up to Rs 12 to 14 crore ( INR 1.2 to 1.4 billion ) at the mega auction next year.</p>

<p>"I'm thinking 12-14 crores because this is not a kind of a fluke show. I was looking at his First-Class numbers and his List A record is outstanding. His average is 47, strikes at 92. That is his T20 record in domestic cricket, not counting the IPL. His strike rate is high, he averages 37. So this is a guy who knows how to bat. Plus, he is a bowler, and in the last match, he has shown that he can bowl the tough overs too. So he is somebody who is going to fetch a very high price," Manjrekar said on&nbsp;<em>ESPNCricinfo.</em></p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/mba-graduate-lighting-up-ipl-2021-all-you-need-to-know-about-kkr-star-venkatesh-iyer-415510">MBA graduate lighting up IPL 2021: All you need to know about KKR star Venkatesh Iyer</a></strong></p>

<p>While he has taken IPL 2021 by storm, Iyer also possesses a great record in the domestic circuit. He has 849 runs in 24 List A matches at an average of over 47 and a strike rate of 98.72. He has played 43 T20s and scored 917 runs, striking at an impressive 138.51 with an average of over 38.</p>

<p>Manjrekar believes Iyer will not prove to be a one-season wonder and can be a long-term prospect for any team in the IPL mega auction next year.</p>

<p>"Today, I focussed on the way he bats. Very interestingly, he bats a lot on the backfoot. Looks to pull, play the cut. So this is a batter who is not going down the wicket and trying to hit forcing everything. He is staying on backfoot, cutting and pulling and then he’s got a big stride forward. I see him more as a real qualified T20 game-changer than somebody having a couple of good weeks," Manjrekar said.</p>


A number of youngsters have taken the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 season by storm with their impressive performances for their respective franchises. The likes of Ruturaj Gaikwad, Harshal Patel and Sanju Samson among others have been consistently producing impressive displays.

A number of youngsters have taken the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 season by storm with their impressive performances for their respective franchises. The likes of Ruturaj Gaikwad, Harshal Patel and Sanju Samson among others have been consistently producing impressive displays. The latest name to be added to the list is that of Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) star Venkatesh Iyer. Iyer was an unknown entity in the IPL before the second leg of the ongoing season in UAE. The left-arm all-rounder has created a lot of buzz with his impressive all-round performances in the UAE and has also cemented his spot in the playing XI. Brought for Rs 20 lakh ( INR 2 million), Iyer has proved to be one of the bargains of the season and has delivered with both bat and the ball. He announced his arrival at the IPL stage with a cracking unbeaten 41 in KKR's first game of the UAE leg against RCB before notching up his maiden IPL fifty against Mumbai Indians in the next encounter. Iyer slammed a brilliant 67 off 49 balls against Punjab Kings on Friday to continue his stellar run in the tournament. He has also proved handy with the ball and has picked up 3 wickets besides scoring 193 runs in five matches so far. Former India cricketer and expert Sanjay Manjrekar recently heaped praise on 26-year-old Iyer and said he might fetch a huge amount in the IPL mega auction next year. Manjrekar believes the uncapped Indian all-rounder can fetch up to Rs 12 to 14 crore ( INR 1.2 to 1.4 billion ) at the mega auction next year. "I'm thinking 12-14 crores because this is not a kind of a fluke show. I was looking at his First-Class numbers and his List A record is outstanding. His average is 47, strikes at 92. That is his T20 record in domestic cricket, not counting the IPL. His strike rate is high, he averages 37. So this is a guy who knows how to bat. Plus, he is a bowler, and in the last match, he has shown that he can bowl the tough overs too. So he is somebody who is going to fetch a very high price," Manjrekar said on ESPNCricinfo. Also Read: MBA graduate lighting up IPL 2021: All you need to know about KKR star Venkatesh Iyer While he has taken IPL 2021 by storm, Iyer also possesses a great record in the domestic circuit. He has 849 runs in 24 List A matches at an average of over 47 and a strike rate of 98.72. He has played 43 T20s and scored 917 runs, striking at an impressive 138.51 with an average of over 38. Manjrekar believes Iyer will not prove to be a one-season wonder and can be a long-term prospect for any team in the IPL mega auction next year. "Today, I focussed on the way he bats. Very interestingly, he bats a lot on the backfoot. Looks to pull, play the cut. So this is a batter who is not going down the wicket and trying to hit forcing everything. He is staying on backfoot, cutting and pulling and then he’s got a big stride forward. I see him more as a real qualified T20 game-changer than somebody having a couple of good weeks," Manjrekar said.

'This is not fluke show': Sanjay Manjrekar names uncapped Indian player who can fetch INR 1.2-1.4 billion in IPL mega auction

<p>After Punjab Kings registered a much-needed victory over Kolkata Knight Riders by five wickets during IPL 2021 on Friday (October 1) at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, KL Rahul revealed things that "kill him" as captain, reflecting on the decision to leave out spinner Harpreet Brar who has done well for the team.&nbsp;</p>

<p>During the post-match presentation, Rahul said, "These are things that kill me as a captain. Don't want to leave out the Indian boys. With a heavy heart had to leave Harpreet out. Had to see what would be our best XI with Chris leaving the bubble."&nbsp;</p>

<p>Punjab Kings batter Shahrukh Khan produced a crucial nine-ball 22-run knock and finished the match with a six as the team chased the 166-run target with three balls to spare.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tim-paine-says-ashes-going-ahead-with-or-without-joe-root-slams-expert-on-everything-kevin-pietersen-417479">Tim Paine says Ashes going ahead, with or without Joe Root, slams 'expert on everything' Kevin Pietersen</a></strong></p>

<p>"Shahrukh has been batting brilliantly in the nets. Saw how strong he is in the first phase. He's asking a lot of questions and wanting to finish games," the wicket-keeper batter added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Rahul scored 67 runs off 55 balls and shared a 70-run stand with fellow opener Mayank Agarwal (40). The win has boosted Punjab Kings chances of making it to the play-offs of the 14th edition of the Indian Premier League.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Earlier, left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh (3/32), who is a top performer for Punjab this season, delivered again by cleaning up Shubhman Gill (7). He also dismissed Dinesh Karthik and Nitish Rana.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/indias-punam-raut-walks-off-despite-being-given-not-out-in-pink-ball-test-against-australia-watch-417426">India's Punam Raut walks off despite being given not-out in Pink-ball Test against Australia - WATCH</a></strong></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">A look at the Points Table after Match 45 of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/VIVOIPL?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#VIVOIPL</a>.<br />
<br />
Which two teams do you reckon will join <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CSK?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CSK</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DelhiCapitals?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DelhiCapitals</a> out there? <a href="https://t.co/AuxGtgMXtk">pic.twitter.com/AuxGtgMXtk</a></p>
— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) <a href="https://twitter.com/IPL/status/1444013918150701057?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 1, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">WHAT A WIN! 👏 👏<br />
<br />
Yet another nail-biter as <a href="https://twitter.com/PunjabKingsIPL?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PunjabKingsIPL</a> pull off a 5 wicket win over <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KKR?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KKR</a> in Dubai. 👍 👍 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/VIVOIPL?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#VIVOIPL</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KKRvPBKS?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KKRvPBKS</a><br />
<br />
Scorecard 👉 <a href="https://t.co/lUTQhNzjsM">https://t.co/lUTQhNzjsM</a> <a href="https://t.co/3J2N1X6a4G">pic.twitter.com/3J2N1X6a4G</a></p>
— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) <a href="https://twitter.com/IPL/status/1444002032671621121?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 1, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>KL Rahul said, "Often times we've put too much pressure on ourselves. Everybody knows we are a far better team. Putting too much pressure on ourselves is not helping. Message has been to give our best. Every game we've fought till the end."</p>

<p>Punjab's win takes them to fifth, level on 10 points with fourth-placed KKR and Mumbai Indians in sixth. The top four teams will go through to the play-offs.&nbsp;</p>


After Punjab Kings registered a much-needed victory over Kolkata Knight Riders by five wickets during IPL 2021 on Friday (October 1) at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, KL Rahul revealed things that "kill him" as captain, reflecting on the decision to leave out spinner Harpreet Brar who has done well for the team.

After Punjab Kings registered a much-needed victory over Kolkata Knight Riders by five wickets during IPL 2021 on Friday (October 1) at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, KL Rahul revealed things that "kill him" as captain, reflecting on the decision to leave out spinner Harpreet Brar who has done well for the team. During the post-match presentation, Rahul said, "These are things that kill me as a captain. Don't want to leave out the Indian boys. With a heavy heart had to leave Harpreet out. Had to see what would be our best XI with Chris leaving the bubble." Punjab Kings batter Shahrukh Khan produced a crucial nine-ball 22-run knock and finished the match with a six as the team chased the 166-run target with three balls to spare. ALSO READ | Tim Paine says Ashes going ahead, with or without Joe Root, slams 'expert on everything' Kevin Pietersen "Shahrukh has been batting brilliantly in the nets. Saw how strong he is in the first phase. He's asking a lot of questions and wanting to finish games," the wicket-keeper batter added. Rahul scored 67 runs off 55 balls and shared a 70-run stand with fellow opener Mayank Agarwal (40). The win has boosted Punjab Kings chances of making it to the play-offs of the 14th edition of the Indian Premier League. Earlier, left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh (3/32), who is a top performer for Punjab this season, delivered again by cleaning up Shubhman Gill (7). He also dismissed Dinesh Karthik and Nitish Rana. ALSO READ | India's Punam Raut walks off despite being given not-out in Pink-ball Test against Australia - WATCH A look at the Points Table after Match 45 of #VIVOIPL. Which two teams do you reckon will join #CSK and #DelhiCapitals out there? pic.twitter.com/AuxGtgMXtk — IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) October 1, 2021 × WHAT A WIN! 👏 👏 Yet another nail-biter as @PunjabKingsIPL pull off a 5 wicket win over #KKR in Dubai. 👍 👍 #VIVOIPL #KKRvPBKS Scorecard 👉 https://t.co/lUTQhNzjsM pic.twitter.com/3J2N1X6a4G — IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) October 1, 2021 × KL Rahul said, "Often times we've put too much pressure on ourselves. Everybody knows we are a far better team. Putting too much pressure on ourselves is not helping. Message has been to give our best. Every game we've fought till the end." Punjab's win takes them to fifth, level on 10 points with fourth-placed KKR and Mumbai Indians in sixth. The top four teams will go through to the play-offs.

IPL 2021: KL Rahul reveals things that 'kill' him as a captain after Punjab Kings beat Kolkata Knight Riders

<p>Kolkata Knight Riders skipper Eoin Morgan praised his side despite losing a close match against the KL Rahul-led Punjab Kings team. In match 45 of the Indian Premier League 2021, PBKS registered a five-wicket crucial win over KKR at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Friday (October 1).&nbsp;</p>

<p>During the post-match presentation, Morgan said, "We have played some great cricket in the second half and have some positives to take away from tonight as well."&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Two more games to go, we will fight hard and hopefully get a couple of good results and be in the playoffs," he added.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2021-kl-rahul-reveals-things-that-kill-me-as-a-captain-after-punjab-kings-beat-kolkata-knight-riders-417500">IPL 2021: KL Rahul reveals things that 'kill me as a captain' after Punjab Kings beat Kolkata Knight Riders</a></strong></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">A look at the Points Table after Match 45 of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/VIVOIPL?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#VIVOIPL</a>.<br />
<br />
Which two teams do you reckon will join <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CSK?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CSK</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DelhiCapitals?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DelhiCapitals</a> out there? <a href="https://t.co/AuxGtgMXtk">pic.twitter.com/AuxGtgMXtk</a></p>
— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) <a href="https://twitter.com/IPL/status/1444013918150701057?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 1, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Not our night but we'll be back stronger.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KKRvPBKS?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KKRvPBKS</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KKR?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KKR</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AmiKKR?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AmiKKR</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IPL2021?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IPL2021</a> <a href="https://t.co/gu7HgWfYET">pic.twitter.com/gu7HgWfYET</a></p>
— KolkataKnightRiders (@KKRiders) <a href="https://twitter.com/KKRiders/status/1444000377368547330?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 1, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>Morgan feels "in real-time" the catch by Rahul Tripathi was clean and also reflected on the fielding error that cost them the match.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Initially we didn't field as well, put catches down. Myself early too. We probably had a par score on the wicket. Kings played well, we fought back, but catches have cost us. I thought in real-time that the Tripathi catch was out," said Morgan.</p>

<p>"But when you slow it down, the third umpire decided otherwise. We got on with it once he made his call. Hopefully, we play hard in the back end, get a few results and qualify into the playoffs," he added.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tim-paine-says-ashes-going-ahead-with-or-without-joe-root-slams-expert-on-everything-kevin-pietersen-417479">Tim Paine says Ashes going ahead, with or without Joe Root, slams 'expert on everything' Kevin Pietersen</a></strong></p>

<p>During the match, KKR looked set for a big total in with Venkatesh Iyer smashing 67 off 49 balls but Punjab restricted them to 165 for 7 with Morgan out for two.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Punjab Kings needed 24 runs in the last three overs and Rahul and Shahrukh Khan helped the side register a win over KKR despite a wobble in the last over.</p>

<p>With this win, Punjab is now placed fifth position, level on 10 points with fourth-placed KKR and Mumbai Indians in sixth. The top four teams will go through to the playoffs.</p>


Kolkata Knight Riders skipper Eoin Morgan praised his side despite losing a close match against the KL Rahul-led Punjab Kings team. In match 45 of the Indian Premier League 2021, PBKS registered a five-wicket crucial win over KKR at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Friday (October 1).

Kolkata Knight Riders skipper Eoin Morgan praised his side despite losing a close match against the KL Rahul-led Punjab Kings team. In match 45 of the Indian Premier League 2021, PBKS registered a five-wicket crucial win over KKR at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Friday (October 1). During the post-match presentation, Morgan said, "We have played some great cricket in the second half and have some positives to take away from tonight as well." "Two more games to go, we will fight hard and hopefully get a couple of good results and be in the playoffs," he added. ALSO READ | IPL 2021: KL Rahul reveals things that 'kill me as a captain' after Punjab Kings beat Kolkata Knight Riders A look at the Points Table after Match 45 of #VIVOIPL. Which two teams do you reckon will join #CSK and #DelhiCapitals out there? pic.twitter.com/AuxGtgMXtk — IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) October 1, 2021 × Not our night but we'll be back stronger.#KKRvPBKS #KKR #AmiKKR #IPL2021 pic.twitter.com/gu7HgWfYET — KolkataKnightRiders (@KKRiders) October 1, 2021 × Morgan feels "in real-time" the catch by Rahul Tripathi was clean and also reflected on the fielding error that cost them the match. "Initially we didn't field as well, put catches down. Myself early too. We probably had a par score on the wicket. Kings played well, we fought back, but catches have cost us. I thought in real-time that the Tripathi catch was out," said Morgan. "But when you slow it down, the third umpire decided otherwise. We got on with it once he made his call. Hopefully, we play hard in the back end, get a few results and qualify into the playoffs," he added. ALSO READ | Tim Paine says Ashes going ahead, with or without Joe Root, slams 'expert on everything' Kevin Pietersen During the match, KKR looked set for a big total in with Venkatesh Iyer smashing 67 off 49 balls but Punjab restricted them to 165 for 7 with Morgan out for two. Punjab Kings needed 24 runs in the last three overs and Rahul and Shahrukh Khan helped the side register a win over KKR despite a wobble in the last over. With this win, Punjab is now placed fifth position, level on 10 points with fourth-placed KKR and Mumbai Indians in sixth. The top four teams will go through to the playoffs.

IPL 2021: 'We will fight hard and hopefully be in the playoffs,' says KKR skipper Eoin Morgan

<p>Punjab Kings boosted their chances of making the IPL play-offs with a five-wicket win over Kolkata Knight Riders as effective death over bowling and smart batting by skipper KL Rahul and Shahrukh Khan shaped their crucial victory in the Indian Premier League here on Friday.</p>

<p>Rahul scored 67 runs off 55 balls and shared a 70-run stand with fellow opener Mayank Agarwal (40), knocking off a 166-run target with three balls to spare.</p>

<p>Shahrukh produced an impactful 9-ball 22-run knock when it mattered and finished the match with a six.</p>

<p>Venkatesh Iyer hit a fluent 67 while Nitish Rana produced a fiery 31 off 18 balls before Punjab Kings managed to stop KKR at 165 for seven.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2021-kl-rahul-reveals-things-that-kill-me-as-a-captain-after-punjab-kings-beat-kolkata-knight-riders-417500">IPL 2021: KL Rahul reveals things that 'kill me as a captain' after Punjab Kings beat Kolkata Knight Riders</a></strong></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">WHAT A WIN! 👏 👏<br />
<br />
Yet another nail-biter as <a href="https://twitter.com/PunjabKingsIPL?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PunjabKingsIPL</a> pull off a 5 wicket win over <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KKR?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KKR</a> in Dubai. 👍 👍 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/VIVOIPL?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#VIVOIPL</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KKRvPBKS?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KKRvPBKS</a><br />
<br />
Scorecard 👉 <a href="https://t.co/lUTQhNzjsM">https://t.co/lUTQhNzjsM</a> <a href="https://t.co/3J2N1X6a4G">pic.twitter.com/3J2N1X6a4G</a></p>
— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) <a href="https://twitter.com/IPL/status/1444002032671621121?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 1, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="und">+𝟮 <a href="https://t.co/gu8mBViqUA">pic.twitter.com/gu8mBViqUA</a></p>
— Punjab Kings (@PunjabKingsIPL) <a href="https://twitter.com/PunjabKingsIPL/status/1444002337664634882?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 1, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>Invited to bat, the in-form KKR batsmen controlled the proceedings for a major part of their innings and had it not been some excellent death over spells by Mohammed Shami (1/23) and Arshdeep Singh (3/32), KKR would have got a bigger score on the board.</p>

<p>Iyer and Rahul Tripathi (34 off 26 balls) raised a 72-run stand, stroking the ball around with ease while Rana's cameo was also crucial for KKR since the run-rate had taken a hit at that time after two quick wickets.</p>

<p>The Punjab batsmen did not set the field on fire at the start of the chase as all they could manage 46 runs in the powerplay but did not lose a wicket.</p>

<p>Of the two batsmen, it was Agarwal who was hitting the ball at a good a strike rate while Rahul was going a-run-a-ball.</p>

<p>Varun Chakravarthy separated the openers by having Agarwal caught at in extra cover by Eoin Morgan, though it was a fierce shot.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tim-paine-says-ashes-going-ahead-with-or-without-joe-root-slams-expert-on-everything-kevin-pietersen-417479">Tim Paine says Ashes going ahead, with or without Joe Root, slams 'expert on everything' Kevin Pietersen</a></strong></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">WHAT A WIN! 👏 👏<br />
<br />
Yet another nail-biter as <a href="https://twitter.com/PunjabKingsIPL?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PunjabKingsIPL</a> pull off a 5 wicket win over <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KKR?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KKR</a> in Dubai. 👍 👍 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/VIVOIPL?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#VIVOIPL</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KKRvPBKS?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KKRvPBKS</a><br />
<br />
Scorecard 👉 <a href="https://t.co/lUTQhNzjsM">https://t.co/lUTQhNzjsM</a> <a href="https://t.co/3J2N1X6a4G">pic.twitter.com/3J2N1X6a4G</a></p>
— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) <a href="https://twitter.com/IPL/status/1444002032671621121?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 1, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>Nicholas Pooran (12) was dropped at 1 by Tripathi in the same region but Chakravarthy ensured that it wasn't a costly miss as he dismissed the West Indian soon after.</p>

<p>Gripping the ball had become difficult for the bowlers due to the dew but Punjab batsmen were still happy working the ball around and getting an odd big shot in between.</p>

<p>Rahul raised his half-century with one such shot off a slower one from Southee when he cleared the square leg region.</p>

<p>Rahul seemed to have hit one straight to fielder but the third-umpire ruled him not out. He got out in the first ball of the final over but Shahrukh finished the job to calm a nervous dugout.</p>

<p>PBKS moved to fifth in the table with 10 points while KKR stayed in fourth with same number of points.</p>

<p>Earlier, left-arm pacer Arshdeep has been a top performer for Punjab this season and he delivered again by cleaning up Shubhman Gill (7) with a peach of delivery that breached the defence of the batsman in the third over.</p>

<p>Iyer, who has been a revelation this season, continued his good run with some fluent drives on both sides of the wicket despite that the ball was stopping a bit before coming on to the bat.</p>

<p>The batsmen's positive approach and lack of control over the line by the Punjab pacers meant that run-rate kept soaring for KKR.</p>

<p>The partnership was finally broken by spinner Ravi Bishnoi, who had Tripathi caught in the deep. The leg-spinner was also economical ending with figures of two for 22 in four overs.</p>

<p>Iyer completed his fifty with a single off Allen and then lofted the West Indian bowler for a six to raise team's hundred in the 13th over.</p>

<p>Two quick wickets fell when Bishnoi got rid of Iyer, who went for a big shot, and Shami trapped rival skipper Eoin Morgan (2), who shuffled a bit towards the off side but missed the line of the dipping ball that caught him in front of the wicket.</p>


Punjab Kings boosted their chances of making the IPL play-offs with a five-wicket win over Kolkata Knight Riders as effective death over bowling and smart batting by skipper KL Rahul and Shahrukh Khan shaped their crucial victory in the Indian Premier League here on Friday.

Punjab Kings boosted their chances of making the IPL play-offs with a five-wicket win over Kolkata Knight Riders as effective death over bowling and smart batting by skipper KL Rahul and Shahrukh Khan shaped their crucial victory in the Indian Premier League here on Friday. Rahul scored 67 runs off 55 balls and shared a 70-run stand with fellow opener Mayank Agarwal (40), knocking off a 166-run target with three balls to spare. Shahrukh produced an impactful 9-ball 22-run knock when it mattered and finished the match with a six. Venkatesh Iyer hit a fluent 67 while Nitish Rana produced a fiery 31 off 18 balls before Punjab Kings managed to stop KKR at 165 for seven. ALSO READ | IPL 2021: KL Rahul reveals things that 'kill me as a captain' after Punjab Kings beat Kolkata Knight Riders WHAT A WIN! 👏 👏 Yet another nail-biter as @PunjabKingsIPL pull off a 5 wicket win over #KKR in Dubai. 👍 👍 #VIVOIPL #KKRvPBKS Scorecard 👉 https://t.co/lUTQhNzjsM pic.twitter.com/3J2N1X6a4G — IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) October 1, 2021 × +𝟮 pic.twitter.com/gu8mBViqUA — Punjab Kings (@PunjabKingsIPL) October 1, 2021 × Invited to bat, the in-form KKR batsmen controlled the proceedings for a major part of their innings and had it not been some excellent death over spells by Mohammed Shami (1/23) and Arshdeep Singh (3/32), KKR would have got a bigger score on the board. Iyer and Rahul Tripathi (34 off 26 balls) raised a 72-run stand, stroking the ball around with ease while Rana's cameo was also crucial for KKR since the run-rate had taken a hit at that time after two quick wickets. The Punjab batsmen did not set the field on fire at the start of the chase as all they could manage 46 runs in the powerplay but did not lose a wicket. Of the two batsmen, it was Agarwal who was hitting the ball at a good a strike rate while Rahul was going a-run-a-ball. Varun Chakravarthy separated the openers by having Agarwal caught at in extra cover by Eoin Morgan, though it was a fierce shot. ALSO READ | Tim Paine says Ashes going ahead, with or without Joe Root, slams 'expert on everything' Kevin Pietersen WHAT A WIN! 👏 👏 Yet another nail-biter as @PunjabKingsIPL pull off a 5 wicket win over #KKR in Dubai. 👍 👍 #VIVOIPL #KKRvPBKS Scorecard 👉 https://t.co/lUTQhNzjsM pic.twitter.com/3J2N1X6a4G — IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) October 1, 2021 × Nicholas Pooran (12) was dropped at 1 by Tripathi in the same region but Chakravarthy ensured that it wasn't a costly miss as he dismissed the West Indian soon after. Gripping the ball had become difficult for the bowlers due to the dew but Punjab batsmen were still happy working the ball around and getting an odd big shot in between. Rahul raised his half-century with one such shot off a slower one from Southee when he cleared the square leg region. Rahul seemed to have hit one straight to fielder but the third-umpire ruled him not out. He got out in the first ball of the final over but Shahrukh finished the job to calm a nervous dugout. PBKS moved to fifth in the table with 10 points while KKR stayed in fourth with same number of points. Earlier, left-arm pacer Arshdeep has been a top performer for Punjab this season and he delivered again by cleaning up Shubhman Gill (7) with a peach of delivery that breached the defence of the batsman in the third over. Iyer, who has been a revelation this season, continued his good run with some fluent drives on both sides of the wicket despite that the ball was stopping a bit before coming on to the bat. The batsmen's positive approach and lack of control over the line by the Punjab pacers meant that run-rate kept soaring for KKR. The partnership was finally broken by spinner Ravi Bishnoi, who had Tripathi caught in the deep. The leg-spinner was also economical ending with figures of two for 22 in four overs. Iyer completed his fifty with a single off Allen and then lofted the West Indian bowler for a six to raise team's hundred in the 13th over. Two quick wickets fell when Bishnoi got rid of Iyer, who went for a big shot, and Shami trapped rival skipper Eoin Morgan (2), who shuffled a bit towards the off side but missed the line of the dipping ball that caught him in front of the wicket.

IPL 2021: Punjab Kings beat Kolkata Knight Riders by five wickets

<p>Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) will take on Punjab Kings (PBKS) in match no.45 of the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 at the Dubai International Stadium in Dubai on Friday (October 01). While KKR will be looking to cement their spot in the top four with a win, victory for PBKs would see them remain in the race for playoffs.</p>

<p>KKR have had a brilliant campaign in the second leg of the tournament so far and have managed three wins in their last four games in the UAE. They have five wins from eleven matches and are currently placed fourth on the table with 10 points. Punjab Kings have lost two and managed a solitary win in their last three games.</p>

<p>Punjab Kings are currently in a must-win situation as a loss against KKR would mean their IPL 2021 campaign will all but end early. The KL Rahul-led side lost their last game against Mumbai Indians by six wickets after a disappointing batting show while KKR are heading into the clash on the back of a win against Delhi Capitals by 3 wickets.</p>

<p>The last meeting between the two sides was a low-scoring affair at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad where KKR hammered PBKS by five wickets after restricting them on a low-key 123/9 in 20 overs. Prasidh Krishna was the star of the match for Eoin Morgan &amp; Co. with a three-wicket haul.</p>

<p>However, the young Indian pacer hasn't been able to replicate his impressive performances in the UAE and has struggled to deliver consistently. With their top-order in great form, KKR would hope for Venkatesh Iyer, Rahul Tripathi and Nitish Rana to continue their stellar run and the bowlers will have to step up against the likes of KL Rahul, Aiden Markram and Nicholas Pooran.</p>

<p>For PBKS, the middle-order has been a concern once again as Pooran is yet to fire while in the bowling department, Mohammed Shami and Ravi Bishnoi have been their top performers so far this season and will look to restrict KKR on a low total in Dubai on Friday.</p>

<p><strong>KKR vs PBKS today match prediction: </strong>KKR enjoy a massive advantage over PBKS when it comes to the head-to-head record between the two sides in IPL with 19 wins to their name in 28 meetings. However, PBKS will be desperate to return to winnings ways to stay alive in the competition and might edge KKR on Friday.</p>


Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) will take on Punjab Kings (PBKS) in match no.45 of the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 at the Dubai International Stadium in Dubai on Friday (October 01).

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) will take on Punjab Kings (PBKS) in match no.45 of the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 at the Dubai International Stadium in Dubai on Friday (October 01). While KKR will be looking to cement their spot in the top four with a win, victory for PBKs would see them remain in the race for playoffs. KKR have had a brilliant campaign in the second leg of the tournament so far and have managed three wins in their last four games in the UAE. They have five wins from eleven matches and are currently placed fourth on the table with 10 points. Punjab Kings have lost two and managed a solitary win in their last three games. Punjab Kings are currently in a must-win situation as a loss against KKR would mean their IPL 2021 campaign will all but end early. The KL Rahul-led side lost their last game against Mumbai Indians by six wickets after a disappointing batting show while KKR are heading into the clash on the back of a win against Delhi Capitals by 3 wickets. The last meeting between the two sides was a low-scoring affair at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad where KKR hammered PBKS by five wickets after restricting them on a low-key 123/9 in 20 overs. Prasidh Krishna was the star of the match for Eoin Morgan & Co. with a three-wicket haul. However, the young Indian pacer hasn't been able to replicate his impressive performances in the UAE and has struggled to deliver consistently. With their top-order in great form, KKR would hope for Venkatesh Iyer, Rahul Tripathi and Nitish Rana to continue their stellar run and the bowlers will have to step up against the likes of KL Rahul, Aiden Markram and Nicholas Pooran. For PBKS, the middle-order has been a concern once again as Pooran is yet to fire while in the bowling department, Mohammed Shami and Ravi Bishnoi have been their top performers so far this season and will look to restrict KKR on a low total in Dubai on Friday. KKR vs PBKS today match prediction: KKR enjoy a massive advantage over PBKS when it comes to the head-to-head record between the two sides in IPL with 19 wins to their name in 28 meetings. However, PBKS will be desperate to return to winnings ways to stay alive in the competition and might edge KKR on Friday.

KKR vs PBKS, IPL 2021 prediction today: Who will win Kolkata Knight Riders vs Punjab Kings match?

<p>R Ashwin had a heated exchange with Eoin Morgan and Tim Southee during match 41 of the IPL 2021 edition between Delhi Capitals (DC) and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at Sharjah on Tuesday (September 28). The incident happened during DC's innings when a Rahul Tripathi throw ricocheted&nbsp;off Pant and the wily off-spinner Ashwin went for another run in the process.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Thus, this didn't please Morgan and Southee as the two had a verbal spat with Ashwin following the spin-bowling all-rounder's dismissal. Even Pant joined in to defend his teammate before former KKR captain Dinesh Karthik came in the middle and tried to play the peace-maker. As the matter has once again led to talks regarding the 'Spirit of Cricket', Ashwin finally opened up on the whole controversy in a series of tweets on Thursday (September 30). Here's what the DC spinner wrote:</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2021-virender-sehwag-takes-a-dig-at-eoin-morgan-following-kkr-captains-heated-exchange-with-r-ashwin-417092">IPL 2021: Virender Sehwag takes a dig at Eoin Morgan following KKR captain's heated exchange with R Ashwin</a></strong></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">1. I turned to run the moment I saw the fielder throw and dint know the ball had hit Rishabh.<br />
2. Will I run if I see it!?<br />
Of course I will and I am allowed to.<br />
3. Am I a disgrace like Morgan said I was?<br />
Of course NOT.</p>
— Mask up and take your vaccine (@ashwinravi99) <a href="https://twitter.com/ashwinravi99/status/1443461524778012673?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 30, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">4. Did I fight?<br />
No, I stood up for myself and that’s what my teachers and parents taught me to do and pls teach your children to stand up for themselves.<br />
In Morgan or Southee’s world of cricket they can choose and stick to what they believe is right or wrong but do not have the</p>
— Mask up and take your vaccine(@ashwinravi99) <a href="https://twitter.com/ashwinravi99/status/1443461526808039427?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 30, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">right to take a moral high ground and use words that are derogatory.<br />
<br />
What’s even more surprising is the fact that people are discussing this and also trying to talk about who is the good and bad person here!<br />
<br />
To all the ‘Cricket is a gentleman’s game’ fans in the house’:⬇️⬇️⬇️</p>
— Mask up and take your vaccine (@ashwinravi99) <a href="https://twitter.com/ashwinravi99/status/1443461528464896009?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 30, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">There are millions of cricketers with several thought processes that play this great game to make it their careers, teach them that an extra run taken due to a poor throw aimed to get you out can make your career and an extra yard stolen by the non striker can break your career</p>
— Mask up and take your vaccine (@ashwinravi99) <a href="https://twitter.com/ashwinravi99/status/1443461530322972675?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 30, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Do not confuse them by telling them that you will be termed a good person if you refuse the run or warn the non striker, because all these people who are terming you good or bad have already made a living or they are doing what it takes to be successful elsewhere.</p>
— Mask up and take your vaccine (@ashwinravi99) <a href="https://twitter.com/ashwinravi99/status/1443461532285874179?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 30, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Give your heart and soul on the field and play within the rules of the game and shake your hands once the game is over.<br />
<br />
The above is the only ‘spirit of the game’ I understand.</p>
— Mask up and take your vaccine (@ashwinravi99) <a href="https://twitter.com/ashwinravi99/status/1443461534093561856?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 30, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/r-ashwin-reacts-sharply-after-rumours-of-him-complaining-against-virat-kohli-to-the-bcci-goes-viral-417047"><strong>R Ashwin reacts sharply after rumours of him complaining against Virat Kohli, to the BCCI, goes viral</strong></a></p>

<p>Talking about the DC versus KKR clash, the latter won the toss and asked DC to bat first. None of the Delhi batters managed to get going for long as they only managed 127-9 as Venkatesh Iyer, Sunil Narine and Lockie Ferguson took two wickets apiece. In reply, KKR were made to work hard for their runs but vital knocks from Nitish Rana, Narine and Shubman Gill led them to a 3-wicket win with 10 balls to spare.</p>

<p>DC are at the second position in the points table whereas KKR occupy the fourth spot following their win over Delhi.</p>


R Ashwin had a heated exchange with Eoin Morgan and Tim Southee during match 41 of the IPL 2021 edition between Delhi Capitals (DC) and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at Sharjah on Tuesday (September 28).

R Ashwin had a heated exchange with Eoin Morgan and Tim Southee during match 41 of the IPL 2021 edition between Delhi Capitals (DC) and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at Sharjah on Tuesday (September 28). The incident happened during DC's innings when a Rahul Tripathi throw ricocheted off Pant and the wily off-spinner Ashwin went for another run in the process. Thus, this didn't please Morgan and Southee as the two had a verbal spat with Ashwin following the spin-bowling all-rounder's dismissal. Even Pant joined in to defend his teammate before former KKR captain Dinesh Karthik came in the middle and tried to play the peace-maker. As the matter has once again led to talks regarding the 'Spirit of Cricket', Ashwin finally opened up on the whole controversy in a series of tweets on Thursday (September 30). Here's what the DC spinner wrote: ALSO READ | IPL 2021: Virender Sehwag takes a dig at Eoin Morgan following KKR captain's heated exchange with R Ashwin 1. I turned to run the moment I saw the fielder throw and dint know the ball had hit Rishabh. 2. Will I run if I see it!? Of course I will and I am allowed to. 3. Am I a disgrace like Morgan said I was? Of course NOT. — Mask up and take your vaccine (@ashwinravi99) September 30, 2021 × 4. Did I fight? No, I stood up for myself and that’s what my teachers and parents taught me to do and pls teach your children to stand up for themselves. In Morgan or Southee’s world of cricket they can choose and stick to what they believe is right or wrong but do not have the — Mask up and take your vaccine(@ashwinravi99) September 30, 2021 × right to take a moral high ground and use words that are derogatory. What’s even more surprising is the fact that people are discussing this and also trying to talk about who is the good and bad person here! To all the ‘Cricket is a gentleman’s game’ fans in the house’:⬇️⬇️⬇️ — Mask up and take your vaccine (@ashwinravi99) September 30, 2021 × There are millions of cricketers with several thought processes that play this great game to make it their careers, teach them that an extra run taken due to a poor throw aimed to get you out can make your career and an extra yard stolen by the non striker can break your career — Mask up and take your vaccine (@ashwinravi99) September 30, 2021 × Do not confuse them by telling them that you will be termed a good person if you refuse the run or warn the non striker, because all these people who are terming you good or bad have already made a living or they are doing what it takes to be successful elsewhere. — Mask up and take your vaccine (@ashwinravi99) September 30, 2021 × Give your heart and soul on the field and play within the rules of the game and shake your hands once the game is over. The above is the only ‘spirit of the game’ I understand. — Mask up and take your vaccine (@ashwinravi99) September 30, 2021 × ALSO READ | R Ashwin reacts sharply after rumours of him complaining against Virat Kohli, to the BCCI, goes viral Talking about the DC versus KKR clash, the latter won the toss and asked DC to bat first. None of the Delhi batters managed to get going for long as they only managed 127-9 as Venkatesh Iyer, Sunil Narine and Lockie Ferguson took two wickets apiece. In reply, KKR were made to work hard for their runs but vital knocks from Nitish Rana, Narine and Shubman Gill led them to a 3-wicket win with 10 balls to spare. DC are at the second position in the points table whereas KKR occupy the fourth spot following their win over Delhi.

IPL 2021: DC spinner R Ashwin opens up on heated altercation with KKR stars Eoin Morgan, Tim Southee

<p>Match 41 of the IPL 2021 edition saw the Rishabh Pant-led Delhi Capitals (DC) lock horns with the two-time winners Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at Sharjah. While the DC franchise were favourites to win versus Eoin Morgan &amp; Co., they conceded a three-wicket win to the KKR line-up in defence of a modest 128.</p>

<p>Though the IPL 2020 runners-up fought hard and gave their all, KKR managed to edge past them courtesy vital knocks from Shubman Gill, Sunil Narine and Nitish Rana. The clash, however, gained eyeballs for the heated exchange between R Ashwin and KKR captain Morgan. After Ashwin sneaked in another run&nbsp;when the ball ricocheted&nbsp;off his partner Pant, it didn't please bowler Tim Southee and Morgan.</p>

<p>Following his dismissal, Ashwin was, thus, caught in an altercation with Morgan and Southee as Dinesh Karthik played the peace-maker. After all this, former KKR captain opened up on the whole episode and told at the press conference, "I know that Rahul Tripathi threw the ball and it hit Rishabh Pant and then it ricocheted of that and Ashwin started to run. I do not think Morgan appreciates that, he is someone when the ball hits the batter, he expects them not to run because of the spirit of cricket."</p>

<p>As the episode as once again led to the never-ending talks around the 'Spirit of Cricket', former Indian opener-turned-commentator Virender Sehwag also reacted on the same. He took a jibe at England's limited-overs and KKR captain Morgan and tweeted, "On July 14th , 2019 when it ricocheted of Ben Stokes' bat in the final over, Mr. Morgan sat on a dharna outside Lord’s and refused to hold the World Cup trophy and New Zealand won. Haina? Bade aaye, ‘Doesn’t appreciate’ waale."</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2021-virender-sehwag-schools-pbks-skipper-kl-rahul-on-his-batting-after-mi-clash-416851">IPL 2021: Virender Sehwag schools PBKS skipper KL Rahul on his batting after MI clash</a></strong></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">On July 14th , 2019 when it ricocheted of Ben Stokes bat in the final over, Mr Morgan sat on a Dharna outside Lord’s and refused to hold the World cup trophy and New Zealand won. Haina ? Bade aaye, ‘doesn’t appreciate’ waale <a href="https://t.co/bTZuzfIY4S">pic.twitter.com/bTZuzfIY4S</a></p>
— Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) <a href="https://twitter.com/virendersehwag/status/1443171103573118979?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 29, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>For the unversed, a similar such incident had happened in the 2019 ODI World Cup final between England and New Zealand at Lord's. In the riveting final over, Martin Guptill's throw had hit Stokes' bat and went to the boundary as the runs were added to the eventual champions England's tally in their run-chase. Hence, Sehwag reminded Morgan of the CWC'19 final and has slammed him.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/r-ashwin-reacts-sharply-after-rumours-of-him-complaining-against-virat-kohli-to-the-bcci-goes-viral-417047">R Ashwin reacts sharply after rumours of him complaining against Virat Kohli, to the BCCI, goes viral</a></strong></p>

<p>Talking about the current standings of both DC and KKR, the Pant-led franchise are at the second position with 16 points and are very much certain to qualify&nbsp;for&nbsp;the playoffs. On the other hand, KKR find themselves at the fourth spot with three wins from four encounters ever since the season resumed in the UAE.</p>


Match 41 of the IPL 2021 edition saw the Rishabh Pant-led Delhi Capitals (DC) lock horns with the two-time winners Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at Sharjah. While the DC franchise were favourites to win versus Eoin Morgan & Co.

Match 41 of the IPL 2021 edition saw the Rishabh Pant-led Delhi Capitals (DC) lock horns with the two-time winners Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at Sharjah. While the DC franchise were favourites to win versus Eoin Morgan & Co., they conceded a three-wicket win to the KKR line-up in defence of a modest 128. Though the IPL 2020 runners-up fought hard and gave their all, KKR managed to edge past them courtesy vital knocks from Shubman Gill, Sunil Narine and Nitish Rana. The clash, however, gained eyeballs for the heated exchange between R Ashwin and KKR captain Morgan. After Ashwin sneaked in another run when the ball ricocheted off his partner Pant, it didn't please bowler Tim Southee and Morgan. Following his dismissal, Ashwin was, thus, caught in an altercation with Morgan and Southee as Dinesh Karthik played the peace-maker. After all this, former KKR captain opened up on the whole episode and told at the press conference, "I know that Rahul Tripathi threw the ball and it hit Rishabh Pant and then it ricocheted of that and Ashwin started to run. I do not think Morgan appreciates that, he is someone when the ball hits the batter, he expects them not to run because of the spirit of cricket." As the episode as once again led to the never-ending talks around the 'Spirit of Cricket', former Indian opener-turned-commentator Virender Sehwag also reacted on the same. He took a jibe at England's limited-overs and KKR captain Morgan and tweeted, "On July 14th , 2019 when it ricocheted of Ben Stokes' bat in the final over, Mr. Morgan sat on a dharna outside Lord’s and refused to hold the World Cup trophy and New Zealand won. Haina? Bade aaye, ‘Doesn’t appreciate’ waale." ALSO READ | IPL 2021: Virender Sehwag schools PBKS skipper KL Rahul on his batting after MI clash On July 14th , 2019 when it ricocheted of Ben Stokes bat in the final over, Mr Morgan sat on a Dharna outside Lord’s and refused to hold the World cup trophy and New Zealand won. Haina ? Bade aaye, ‘doesn’t appreciate’ waale pic.twitter.com/bTZuzfIY4S — Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) September 29, 2021 × For the unversed, a similar such incident had happened in the 2019 ODI World Cup final between England and New Zealand at Lord's. In the riveting final over, Martin Guptill's throw had hit Stokes' bat and went to the boundary as the runs were added to the eventual champions England's tally in their run-chase. Hence, Sehwag reminded Morgan of the CWC'19 final and has slammed him. ALSO READ | R Ashwin reacts sharply after rumours of him complaining against Virat Kohli, to the BCCI, goes viral Talking about the current standings of both DC and KKR, the Pant-led franchise are at the second position with 16 points and are very much certain to qualify for the playoffs. On the other hand, KKR find themselves at the fourth spot with three wins from four encounters ever since the season resumed in the UAE.

IPL 2021: Virender Sehwag takes a dig at Eoin Morgan following KKR captain's heated exchange with R Ashwin

<p>R Ashwin has been in the news following his heated exchange with Eoin Morgan and Tim Southee during Delhi Capitals (DC) - Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) clash in match 41 of the IPL 2021 edition, in the UAE on Tuesday (September 28).&nbsp;</p>

<p>During DC's innings, Ashwin looked to steal a another run when a throw from KKR's Rahul Tripathi had&nbsp;ricocheted off Rishabh Pant. The wily off-spinner was eager to take an extra run, which eventually got completed. This wasn't&nbsp;received well by Morgan and Southee and the two KKR stars had a go at Ashwin after his dismissal. The 34-year-old off-spinner also gave it back to the KKR duo before Dinesh Karthik played the peace-maker and tried to control things.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2021-virender-sehwag-takes-a-dig-at-eoin-morgan-following-kkr-captains-heated-exchange-with-r-ashwin-417092"><strong>IPL 2021: Virender Sehwag takes a dig at Eoin Morgan following KKR captain's heated exchange with R Ashwin</strong></a></p>

<p>While the incident has brought Ashwin into the news, reigniting talks regarding the 'Spirit of Cricket', the Indian star cricketer had headlined&nbsp;the news during the IPL 2019 edition as well. Back then, Ashwin was leading the Punjab Kings (then known as Kings XI Punjab) when they squared off against Rajasthan Royals (RR) at Jaipur. During RR's unsuccessful 185-run chase, Buttler was going all-out versus KXIP when Ashwin mankaded him; creating a huge stir in the cricketing fraternity and social media platforms.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2021-dc-spinner-r-ashwin-opens-up-on-heated-altercation-with-kkr-stars-eoin-morgan-tim-southee-417109">IPL 2021: DC spinner R Ashwin opens up on heated altercation with KKR stars Eoin Morgan, Tim Southee</a></strong></p>

<p><strong>Here's the throwback video of Ashwin mankading Buttler:</strong></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/_5a1S-vPjxE" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>It remains one of the most-talked about incidents in IPL in recent times. To date, there are contrasting views regarding the controversial mode of dismissal, i.e. mankading, despite it being within the laws of the game. For the unversed, many bowlers have resorted to mankading ever since Ashwin brought it back to the limelight. Nonetheless, there remain some bowlers who give a warning to the batters instead of opting to mankad them.</p>


R Ashwin has been in the news following his heated exchange with Eoin Morgan and Tim Southee during Delhi Capitals (DC) - Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) clash in match 41 of the IPL 2021 edition, in the UAE on Tuesday (September 28).

R Ashwin has been in the news following his heated exchange with Eoin Morgan and Tim Southee during Delhi Capitals (DC) - Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) clash in match 41 of the IPL 2021 edition, in the UAE on Tuesday (September 28). During DC's innings, Ashwin looked to steal a another run when a throw from KKR's Rahul Tripathi had ricocheted off Rishabh Pant. The wily off-spinner was eager to take an extra run, which eventually got completed. This wasn't received well by Morgan and Southee and the two KKR stars had a go at Ashwin after his dismissal. The 34-year-old off-spinner also gave it back to the KKR duo before Dinesh Karthik played the peace-maker and tried to control things. ALSO READ | IPL 2021: Virender Sehwag takes a dig at Eoin Morgan following KKR captain's heated exchange with R Ashwin While the incident has brought Ashwin into the news, reigniting talks regarding the 'Spirit of Cricket', the Indian star cricketer had headlined the news during the IPL 2019 edition as well. Back then, Ashwin was leading the Punjab Kings (then known as Kings XI Punjab) when they squared off against Rajasthan Royals (RR) at Jaipur. During RR's unsuccessful 185-run chase, Buttler was going all-out versus KXIP when Ashwin mankaded him; creating a huge stir in the cricketing fraternity and social media platforms. ALSO READ | IPL 2021: DC spinner R Ashwin opens up on heated altercation with KKR stars Eoin Morgan, Tim Southee Here's the throwback video of Ashwin mankading Buttler: × It remains one of the most-talked about incidents in IPL in recent times. To date, there are contrasting views regarding the controversial mode of dismissal, i.e. mankading, despite it being within the laws of the game. For the unversed, many bowlers have resorted to mankading ever since Ashwin brought it back to the limelight. Nonetheless, there remain some bowlers who give a warning to the batters instead of opting to mankad them.

Throwback: When R Ashwin created a huge stir by 'mankading' Jos Buttler during IPL 2019 - watch

<p>Match 41 of the IPL 2021 UAE leg will see the in-form Rishabh Pant-led Delhi Capitals (DC) face the two-time winners Eoin Morgan-led Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). The clash is expected to go down the wire as both sides have looked good in the second and final leg of IPL 14.&nbsp;</p>

<p>While the KKR franchise were down and in the bottom-half of the points table when the UAE leg commenced, they have won two out of three games. Their previous game brought an end to their two-match winning streak, however, they lost on the final ball of the match versus MS Dhoni-led Chennai Super Kings (CSK). On the other hand, the DC franchise seem to have all bases covered and are moving ahead very strongly in the tournament. They comfortably moved past Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) and Rajasthan Royals (RR) since this year's IPL resumed in the UAE.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/must-be-wondering-why-they-made-some-of-the-decisions-they-did-dc-co-owner-questions-selectors-over-indias-t20-world-cup-squad-416456">Must be wondering why they made some of the decisions they did: DC co-owner questions selectors over India's T20 World Cup squad</a></strong></p>

<p>While one may ponder that the law of averages can catch up with DC anytime soon, they will start as favourites in the afternoon game versus the two-time winners.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/sanju-samson-topples-shikhar-dhawan-to-take-orange-cap-list-of-top-5-run-getters-in-ipl-2021-so-far-416481">Sanju Samson topples Shikhar Dhawan to take Orange Cap: List of top 5 run-getters in IPL 2021 so far</a></strong></p>

<p><strong>Match prediction:</strong> The Sharjah Cricket Stadium will host the afternoon game. With smaller boundaries and conditions being good for batting, it is expected to be a high-scoring encounter; i.e. in the 180-185 range. It will be interesting to see how the DC's famed top-order handles KKR's wily bowling attack. The last time both sides met at the venue in IPL 2020, the match went down the wire before DC came on top by 18 runs. A similar sort of face-off is expected. DC to reclaim the top spot with a win versus KKR?</p>


Match 41 of the IPL 2021 UAE leg will see the in-form Rishabh Pant-led Delhi Capitals (DC) face the two-time winners Eoin Morgan-led Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR).

Match 41 of the IPL 2021 UAE leg will see the in-form Rishabh Pant-led Delhi Capitals (DC) face the two-time winners Eoin Morgan-led Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). The clash is expected to go down the wire as both sides have looked good in the second and final leg of IPL 14. While the KKR franchise were down and in the bottom-half of the points table when the UAE leg commenced, they have won two out of three games. Their previous game brought an end to their two-match winning streak, however, they lost on the final ball of the match versus MS Dhoni-led Chennai Super Kings (CSK). On the other hand, the DC franchise seem to have all bases covered and are moving ahead very strongly in the tournament. They comfortably moved past Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) and Rajasthan Royals (RR) since this year's IPL resumed in the UAE. ALSO READ | Must be wondering why they made some of the decisions they did: DC co-owner questions selectors over India's T20 World Cup squad While one may ponder that the law of averages can catch up with DC anytime soon, they will start as favourites in the afternoon game versus the two-time winners. ALSO READ | Sanju Samson topples Shikhar Dhawan to take Orange Cap: List of top 5 run-getters in IPL 2021 so far Match prediction: The Sharjah Cricket Stadium will host the afternoon game. With smaller boundaries and conditions being good for batting, it is expected to be a high-scoring encounter; i.e. in the 180-185 range. It will be interesting to see how the DC's famed top-order handles KKR's wily bowling attack. The last time both sides met at the venue in IPL 2020, the match went down the wire before DC came on top by 18 runs. A similar sort of face-off is expected. DC to reclaim the top spot with a win versus KKR?

DC vs KKR, IPL 2021 prediction today: Who will win Delhi Capitals vs Kolkata Knight Riders match?

<p>Delhi Capitals (DC) suffered their first defeat of the UAE leg of the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 on Tuesday (September 28). Kolkata Knight Riders chase down the target of 128 runs comfortably at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium in Sharjah to hand end DC's four-match unbeaten streak in the tournament.</p>

<p>The match witnessed some heated moments between the two sides as R Ashwin was involved in an on-field face-off with KKR pacer Tim Southee. While tempers flared during Ashwin's stay in the middle, DC's innings also saw a hilarious moment on the field when captain Rishabh Pant almost knocked off KKR wicket-keeper Dinesh Karthik's head.</p>

<p>The incident happened during the 17th over of DC's innings when Pant was batting in the middle. The left-hander tried to play a reverse slog against spinner &nbsp;Varun Chakravarthy but ended up missing the ball. The ball instead hit his back leg and was about to hit the stumps when Pant tried to stop it.</p>

<p>Pant swat his bat trying to stop the ball from hitting the stumps and ended up almost hitting Karthik in the process. Karthik, who was coming to collect the ball, escaped by inches and avoided what could have resulted in a serious injury had the bat hit his helmet.</p>

<p><strong>Watch video:</strong></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Rishabh Pant and Dinesh Karthik near miss<br />
Credits : <a href="https://twitter.com/DisneyPlusHS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DisneyPlusHS</a> <a href="https://t.co/WeHxKbZSyD">pic.twitter.com/WeHxKbZSyD</a></p>
— Phoenix (@Phoenix09004) <a href="https://twitter.com/Phoenix09004/status/1442827025123667974?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 28, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/video-r-ashwin-involved-in-heated-argument-with-southee-morgan-during-kkr-clash-dinesh-karthik-intervenes-416626">[VIDEO] Ashwin involved in heated argument with Southee, Morgan during KKR clash</a><br />
&nbsp;</p>

<p>Kolkata Knight Riders bounced back to winning ways after facing a last-ball defeat against Chennai Super Kings in their last game. Sunil Narine was the pick of the bowlers for KKR as he helped Eoin Morgan &amp; Co. restrict DC on 127/9 in 20 overs.</p>

<p>In reply, Nitish Rana's unbeaten 36 and Narine's 21 off 10 balls helped KKR chase down the target with ten balls to spare and stay in the top four. KKR are currently at the fourth spot on the points table with 10 points from as many matches.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


Delhi Capitals (DC) suffered their first defeat of the UAE leg of the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 on Tuesday (September 28). Kolkata Knight Riders chase down the target of 128 runs comfortably at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium in Sharjah to hand end DC's four-match unbeaten streak in the tournament.

Delhi Capitals (DC) suffered their first defeat of the UAE leg of the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 on Tuesday (September 28). Kolkata Knight Riders chase down the target of 128 runs comfortably at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium in Sharjah to hand end DC's four-match unbeaten streak in the tournament. The match witnessed some heated moments between the two sides as R Ashwin was involved in an on-field face-off with KKR pacer Tim Southee. While tempers flared during Ashwin's stay in the middle, DC's innings also saw a hilarious moment on the field when captain Rishabh Pant almost knocked off KKR wicket-keeper Dinesh Karthik's head. The incident happened during the 17th over of DC's innings when Pant was batting in the middle. The left-hander tried to play a reverse slog against spinner Varun Chakravarthy but ended up missing the ball. The ball instead hit his back leg and was about to hit the stumps when Pant tried to stop it. Pant swat his bat trying to stop the ball from hitting the stumps and ended up almost hitting Karthik in the process. Karthik, who was coming to collect the ball, escaped by inches and avoided what could have resulted in a serious injury had the bat hit his helmet. Watch video: Rishabh Pant and Dinesh Karthik near miss Credits : @DisneyPlusHS pic.twitter.com/WeHxKbZSyD — Phoenix (@Phoenix09004) September 28, 2021 × Also Read: [VIDEO] Ashwin involved in heated argument with Southee, Morgan during KKR clash Kolkata Knight Riders bounced back to winning ways after facing a last-ball defeat against Chennai Super Kings in their last game. Sunil Narine was the pick of the bowlers for KKR as he helped Eoin Morgan & Co. restrict DC on 127/9 in 20 overs. In reply, Nitish Rana's unbeaten 36 and Narine's 21 off 10 balls helped KKR chase down the target with ten balls to spare and stay in the top four. KKR are currently at the fourth spot on the points table with 10 points from as many matches.

Rishabh Pant almost knocks off Dinesh Karthik's head while trying to stop ball from hitting the stumps - WATCH