Delhi Capitals returned to winning ways after thrashing Kolkata Knight Riders by 7 wickets in match 25 after chasing 155 runs with 21 balls to spare.&nbsp;

Delhi Capitals won the toss and chose to bowl first. Kolkata Knight Riders' struggle with the bat continued as they were reduced to 109 for six. However, Andre Russell unleashed his brute force and powered KKR to 154 at the end of the innings.&nbsp;

Delhi Capitals opener Prithvi Shaw kicked off the chase of 155 runs in some style after smashing six consecutive boundaries in the first over against Kolkata Knight Riders. Shaw became the second batsman in IPL history to do so. He achieved it against Shivam Mavi, who conceded 25 runs in the first over as the first ball was wide.&nbsp;

Shaw joined his current DC teammate Ajinkya Rahane to the elite list of batsmen who smashed six consecutive boundaries.&nbsp;

Most expensive first over of an innings in IPL 
27 Abu Nechim MI v RCB, Chennai, 2011 
26 Harbhajan MI v KKR, Kolkata, 2013 
25 Shivam Mavi KKR v DC, Ahmedabad, 2021&nbsp; 
23 Varun Aaron RR v RCB, Bengaluru, 2019

The opening partners (Dhawan and Shaw) put up a 132-run stand. Shaw brought up a quickfire 50.&nbsp;

Skipper Pant's cameo and Marcus Stoinis took Delhi over the line. With this win, Delhi Capitals move to second spot in the points table.&nbsp;

Delhi Capitals returned to winning ways after thrashing Kolkata Knight Riders by 7 wickets in match 25 after chasing 155 runs with 21 balls to spare. Delhi Capitals won the toss and chose to bowl first.

Delhi Capitals returned to winning ways after thrashing Kolkata Knight Riders by 7 wickets in match 25 after chasing 155 runs with 21 balls to spare. Delhi Capitals won the toss and chose to bowl first. Kolkata Knight Riders' struggle with the bat continued as they were reduced to 109 for six. However, Andre Russell unleashed his brute force and powered KKR to 154 at the end of the innings. Delhi Capitals opener Prithvi Shaw kicked off the chase of 155 runs in some style after smashing six consecutive boundaries in the first over against Kolkata Knight Riders. Shaw became the second batsman in IPL history to do so. He achieved it against Shivam Mavi, who conceded 25 runs in the first over as the first ball was wide. Shaw joined his current DC teammate Ajinkya Rahane to the elite list of batsmen who smashed six consecutive boundaries. Most expensive first over of an innings in IPL 27 Abu Nechim MI v RCB, Chennai, 2011 26 Harbhajan MI v KKR, Kolkata, 2013 25 Shivam Mavi KKR v DC, Ahmedabad, 2021 23 Varun Aaron RR v RCB, Bengaluru, 2019 The opening partners (Dhawan and Shaw) put up a 132-run stand. Shaw brought up a quickfire 50. Skipper Pant's cameo and Marcus Stoinis took Delhi over the line. With this win, Delhi Capitals move to second spot in the points table.

IPL 2021: Prithvi Shaw stars as Delhi Capitals thrash Kolkata Knight Riders

Delhi Capitals opener Prithvi Shaw kicked off the chase of 155 runs in some style after smashing six consecutive boundaries in the first over against Kolkata Knight Riders. Shaw became the second batsman in IPL history to do so. He achieved it against Shivam Mavi, who conceded 25 runs in the first over as the first ball was wide.&nbsp;

IN PICS:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/ipl-2021-quinton-de-kock-shines-as-mumbai-indians-beat-rajasthan-royals-381485" hreflang="en">IPL 2021: Quinton de Kock shines as Mumbai Indians beat Rajasthan Royals</a>

Shaw joined his current DC teammate Ajinkya Rahane to the elite list of batsmen who smashed six consecutive boundaries.&nbsp;

<h2>Most expensive first over of an innings in IPL</h2>

27 Abu Nechim MI v RCB, Chennai, 2011 
26 Harbhajan MI v KKR, Kolkata, 2013 
25 Shivam Mavi KKR v DC, Ahmedabad, 2021&nbsp; 
23 Varun Aaron RR v RCB, Bengaluru, 2019

Netizens erupted after Shaw's smash-fest as it reminded many of vintage Virender Sehwag.&nbsp;

Let's take a look at some of the reaction.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Prithvi Shaw habits of hitting a four on the first ball of the Innings. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DCvKKR?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DCvKKR</a> Meanwhile Virendar Sehwag to Prithvi Shaw: <a href="https://t.co/zm88zK6cEK">pic.twitter.com/zm88zK6cEK</a>
— Ssrfan (@Ssrfan478780364) <a href="https://twitter.com/Ssrfan478780364/status/1387799010522525700?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 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>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
18 ball fifty for Prithvi Shaw including 9 fours and 1 sixes - 42 runs through the boundaries. What a freak in T20 format. <a href="https://t.co/vejH13AMxU">pic.twitter.com/vejH13AMxU</a>
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) <a href="https://twitter.com/CricCrazyJohns/status/1387806586748346373?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 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>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
I’m not Sachin Tendulkar, Virender Sehwag or Brian Lara, I’m Prithvi Shaw myself &amp; here to rule 🔥 <a href="https://t.co/uzsCz8yC1i">pic.twitter.com/uzsCz8yC1i</a>
— Nitin #MI💙 (@LoyalMIfan) <a href="https://twitter.com/LoyalMIfan/status/1387806590183481345?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 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>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
4⃣4⃣4⃣4⃣4⃣4⃣ 
 
Prithvi Shaw, ladies and gentlemen 🔥<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IPL2021?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IPL2021</a> <a href="https://t.co/Lh8pdxIAHQ">pic.twitter.com/Lh8pdxIAHQ</a>
— Wisden India (@WisdenIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/WisdenIndia/status/1387798996605804545?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 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>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
The Prithvi Shaw's Show 👑<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DCvsKKR?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DCvsKKR</a> <a href="https://t.co/62O6Xt9qHh">pic.twitter.com/62O6Xt9qHh</a>
— SHUBHAM (@RohitianShubham) <a href="https://twitter.com/RohitianShubham/status/1387799778713497611?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 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>

Delhi Capitals won the toss and chose to bowl first. Kolkata Knight Riders' struggle with the bat continued as they were reduced to 109 for six. However, Andre Russell unleashed his brute force and powered KKR to 154 at the end of the innings.&nbsp;

However, Prithvi Shaw's splendid start and a quickfire half-century landed a major blow to the KKR side.&nbsp;

Delhi Capitals opener Prithvi Shaw kicked off the chase of 155 runs in some style after smashing six consecutive boundaries in the first over against Kolkata Knight Riders.

Delhi Capitals opener Prithvi Shaw kicked off the chase of 155 runs in some style after smashing six consecutive boundaries in the first over against Kolkata Knight Riders. Shaw became the second batsman in IPL history to do so. He achieved it against Shivam Mavi, who conceded 25 runs in the first over as the first ball was wide. IN PICS: IPL 2021: Quinton de Kock shines as Mumbai Indians beat Rajasthan Royals Shaw joined his current DC teammate Ajinkya Rahane to the elite list of batsmen who smashed six consecutive boundaries. Most expensive first over of an innings in IPL 27 Abu Nechim MI v RCB, Chennai, 2011 26 Harbhajan MI v KKR, Kolkata, 2013 25 Shivam Mavi KKR v DC, Ahmedabad, 2021 23 Varun Aaron RR v RCB, Bengaluru, 2019 Netizens erupted after Shaw's smash-fest as it reminded many of vintage Virender Sehwag. Let's take a look at some of the reaction. Prithvi Shaw habits of hitting a four on the first ball of the Innings. #DCvKKR Meanwhile Virendar Sehwag to Prithvi Shaw: pic.twitter.com/zm88zK6cEK — Ssrfan (@Ssrfan478780364) April 29, 2021 × 18 ball fifty for Prithvi Shaw including 9 fours and 1 sixes - 42 runs through the boundaries. What a freak in T20 format. pic.twitter.com/vejH13AMxU — Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) April 29, 2021 × I’m not Sachin Tendulkar, Virender Sehwag or Brian Lara, I’m Prithvi Shaw myself & here to rule 🔥 pic.twitter.com/uzsCz8yC1i — Nitin #MI💙 (@LoyalMIfan) April 29, 2021 × 4⃣4⃣4⃣4⃣4⃣4⃣ Prithvi Shaw, ladies and gentlemen 🔥#IPL2021 pic.twitter.com/Lh8pdxIAHQ — Wisden India (@WisdenIndia) April 29, 2021 × The Prithvi Shaw's Show 👑#DCvsKKR pic.twitter.com/62O6Xt9qHh — SHUBHAM (@RohitianShubham) April 29, 2021 × Delhi Capitals won the toss and chose to bowl first. Kolkata Knight Riders' struggle with the bat continued as they were reduced to 109 for six. However, Andre Russell unleashed his brute force and powered KKR to 154 at the end of the innings. However, Prithvi Shaw's splendid start and a quickfire half-century landed a major blow to the KKR side.

IPL 2021: 4,4,4,4,4,4: Prithvi Shaw's smash-fest reminds netizens of vintage 'Viru'

Delhi Capitals will take on Kolkata Knight Riders in the 25th match of the Indian Premier League. It will be the second match of the doubleheader Thursday and will be played at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.&nbsp;

Despite a recent loss against RCB, Delhi Capitals maintain a clean record with four wins out of six matches and sit on the third spot of the IPL points table. The team will be hoping for Steve Smith, Marcus Stoinis and Kagiso Rabada to return to their match-winning forms as the team's responsibility lies on young skipper Rishabh Pant. Delhi Capitals opener, Prithvi Shaw and Shikhar Dhawan have produced some best opening partnership for the team and will be looking to continue to do so. Shimron Hetmyer's quick-fire fifty in the previous match proves that the West Indian is back in form and will be lethal for the opposition bowling attack. Kolkata Knight Riders, on the other hand, will have some morales boosted after a win over Punjab Kings. However, the team is yet to find its rhythm in its batting order. Skipper Eoin Morgan found some form in the last match and will be looking to continue his form. Shivam Mavi was clinical with his bowling against Punjab Kings the last match and will be seen as a threat for the Capitals' batsmen.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/faf-du-plessis-ruturaj-gaikwad-century-partnership-help-csk-beat-srh-381209" hreflang="en">Faf du Plessis-Ruturaj Gaikwad century partnership help CSK beat SRH</a>

Let's take a look at the means on how to live stream or view the match:&nbsp;

<h2>Where is the IPL 2021 match between Delhi Capitals vs Kolkata Knight Riders&nbsp;taking place?</h2>

The IPL 2021 match between&nbsp;Delhi Capitals vs Kolkata Knight Riders&nbsp;will take place at the Narendra Modi Stadium&nbsp;in Ahmedabad.

<h2>What time does the IPL 2021 match between Delhi Capitals vs Kolkata Knight Riders begin?</h2>

The IPL 2021 match between&nbsp;Delhi Capitals vs Kolkata Knight Riders&nbsp;begins at 7:30 PM IST&nbsp;on Thursday,&nbsp;April 29.

<h2>Where and how to watch live coverage of the IPL 2021 match between Delhi Capitals vs Kolkata Knight Riders?</h2>

The IPL 2021 match between&nbsp;Delhi Capitals vs Kolkata Knight Riders&nbsp;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 DC vs KKR will be available on Hotstar.

Delhi Capitals will take on Kolkata Knight Riders in the 25th match of the Indian Premier League. It will be the second match of the doubleheader Thursday and will be played at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.

Delhi Capitals will take on Kolkata Knight Riders in the 25th match of the Indian Premier League. It will be the second match of the doubleheader Thursday and will be played at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. Despite a recent loss against RCB, Delhi Capitals maintain a clean record with four wins out of six matches and sit on the third spot of the IPL points table. The team will be hoping for Steve Smith, Marcus Stoinis and Kagiso Rabada to return to their match-winning forms as the team's responsibility lies on young skipper Rishabh Pant. Delhi Capitals opener, Prithvi Shaw and Shikhar Dhawan have produced some best opening partnership for the team and will be looking to continue to do so. Shimron Hetmyer's quick-fire fifty in the previous match proves that the West Indian is back in form and will be lethal for the opposition bowling attack. Kolkata Knight Riders, on the other hand, will have some morales boosted after a win over Punjab Kings. However, the team is yet to find its rhythm in its batting order. Skipper Eoin Morgan found some form in the last match and will be looking to continue his form. Shivam Mavi was clinical with his bowling against Punjab Kings the last match and will be seen as a threat for the Capitals' batsmen. ALSO READ: Faf du Plessis-Ruturaj Gaikwad century partnership help CSK beat SRH Let's take a look at the means on how to live stream or view the match: Where is the IPL 2021 match between Delhi Capitals vs Kolkata Knight Riders taking place? The IPL 2021 match between Delhi Capitals vs Kolkata Knight Riders will take place at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. What time does the IPL 2021 match between Delhi Capitals vs Kolkata Knight Riders begin? The IPL 2021 match between Delhi Capitals vs Kolkata Knight Riders begins at 7:30 PM IST on Thursday, April 29. Where and how to watch live coverage of the IPL 2021 match between Delhi Capitals vs Kolkata Knight Riders? The IPL 2021 match between Delhi Capitals vs Kolkata Knight Riders 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 DC vs KKR will be available on Hotstar.

IPL 2021, DC vs KKR, Live Streaming: When and where to watch Delhi Capitals vs Kolkata Knight Riders?

Given the new struggles of Nitish Rana and Shubman Gill at the top of the order for Kolkata Knight Riders, Sunil Gavaskar has proposed another new pair for KKR. He believes there is a case for KKR to attempt Rahul Tripathi and Sunil Narine as openers in IPL 2021.

KKR enlisted their second win of the season against the Punjab Kings. However, they endured early blows, with Shubman Gill and Nitish Rana scoring 9 and 0, respectively.

Shubman Gill, specifically, has watched out of the structure, scoring only 89 runs in six games in IPL 2021. Sunil Gavaskar said in such a manner that KKR should hope to change their opening stand.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/kkrs-pat-cummins-donates-50000-to-pm-cares-fund-for-oxygen-supplies-urges-ipl-players-to-contribute-380530" hreflang="en">KKR's Pat Cummins donates $50,000 to PM Cares Fund for oxygen supplies, urges IPL players to contribute</a>

"I think KKR have to make up their minds whether Sunil Narine opens the batting with Shubman Gill or Rahul Tripathi opens the batting. With Shubman Gill also – struggling and not quite there; maybe there is a case for Tripathi to open with Sunil Narine," Sunil Gavaskar told Star Sports.

He also highlighted Nitish Rana has been successful at the no.3 spot in the past.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/indian-star-ashwin-withdraws-from-ipl-to-support-family-in-covid-fight-380524" hreflang="en">Indian star Ashwin withdraws from IPL to support family in Covid fight</a>

"Nitish Rana, in the years that he has been very successful for KKR, he has been batting at No.3. So, if Rahul Tripathi can open the batting, which he used to do earlier on for the other franchises, maybe that’s the way to go for Rana," Sunil Gavaskar added.

Given the new struggles of Nitish Rana and Shubman Gill at the top of the order for Kolkata Knight Riders, Sunil Gavaskar has proposed another new pair for KKR. He believes there is a case for KKR to attempt Rahul Tripathi and Sunil Narine as openers in IPL 2021.

Given the new struggles of Nitish Rana and Shubman Gill at the top of the order for Kolkata Knight Riders, Sunil Gavaskar has proposed another new pair for KKR. He believes there is a case for KKR to attempt Rahul Tripathi and Sunil Narine as openers in IPL 2021. KKR enlisted their second win of the season against the Punjab Kings. However, they endured early blows, with Shubman Gill and Nitish Rana scoring 9 and 0, respectively. Shubman Gill, specifically, has watched out of the structure, scoring only 89 runs in six games in IPL 2021. Sunil Gavaskar said in such a manner that KKR should hope to change their opening stand. ALSO READ: KKR's Pat Cummins donates $50,000 to PM Cares Fund for oxygen supplies, urges IPL players to contribute "I think KKR have to make up their minds whether Sunil Narine opens the batting with Shubman Gill or Rahul Tripathi opens the batting. With Shubman Gill also – struggling and not quite there; maybe there is a case for Tripathi to open with Sunil Narine," Sunil Gavaskar told Star Sports. He also highlighted Nitish Rana has been successful at the no.3 spot in the past. ALSO READ: Indian star Ashwin withdraws from IPL to support family in Covid fight "Nitish Rana, in the years that he has been very successful for KKR, he has been batting at No.3. So, if Rahul Tripathi can open the batting, which he used to do earlier on for the other franchises, maybe that’s the way to go for Rana," Sunil Gavaskar added.

'Shubman Gill is struggling': Sunil Gavaskar comes up with bold suggestion for KKR

With the second Covid-19 wave grappling India, Kolkata Knight Riders coach Brendon McCullum addressed his side in the dressing room, saying that his group should hope to play an energising brand of cricket to give fans and spectators some respite during these testing times.

“I know people out there are struggling with what’s going on out there at the moment. In terms of the pandemic and the situation, not just here in India but also abroad, heightened here in India. I understand it’s a difficult time, we are going to do our best and play a brand of cricket and style of cricket that gives people back home something to look forward to even if it’s just for a three-four hour period,” said McCullum while addressing his teammates in a video posted on the official Twitter handle of KKR.

“We are in a privileged position, we can give a little bit of hope even in these testing times,” he added.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/we-cant-be-doctors-but-we-can-be-helpers-jaydev-unadkat-on-playing-ipl-amid-covid-19-pandemic-380775" hreflang="en">'We can’t be doctors, but we can be helpers': Jaydev Unadkat on playing IPL amid COVID-19 pandemic</a>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
This is far bigger than cricket or KKR. 
Against this virus, we shall Korbo Lorbo Jeetbo 💪<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/StayHomeStaySafe?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#StayHomeStaySafe</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WearAMask?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WearAMask</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KKRHaiTaiyaar?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KKRHaiTaiyaar</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IPL2021?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IPL2021</a> <a href="https://t.co/0srHuGXg9h">pic.twitter.com/0srHuGXg9h</a>
— KolkataKnightRiders (@KKRiders) <a href="https://twitter.com/KKRiders/status/1386980376367616003?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 27, 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>

&nbsp;

Batting coach Abhishek Nayar, and players like Shubman Gill and Prasidh Krishna likewise urged people to remain inside and stay protected against this dangerous virus.

Yesterday, KKR pacer Pat Cummins donated $50,000 to the PM Cares Fund to help India's battle against the COVID-19 pandemic. Interacting in a post-match press conference after the success, skipper Eoin Morgan was found out if these conversations occurred in the dressing room, to which he answered:&nbsp;

“Yes, we’re constantly talking about this situation that’s unfolding outside of our bubble."

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-tournament-isnt-over-for-bcci-till-everyone-reaches-home-safely-coo-assures-players-380753" hreflang="en">IPL tournament isn't over for BCCI till everyone reaches home safely, COO assures players</a>

“It’s not nice to watch from afar considering how lucky we are in a bubble and not be affected by it very much. We obviously lend our support and heartfelt gratitude to everybody who is ill or going through tough times,” Eoin Morgan said.

With the second Covid-19 wave grappling India, Kolkata Knight Riders coach Brendon McCullum addressed his side in the dressing room, saying that his group should hope to play an energising brand of cricket to give fans and spectators some respite during these testing times.

With the second Covid-19 wave grappling India, Kolkata Knight Riders coach Brendon McCullum addressed his side in the dressing room, saying that his group should hope to play an energising brand of cricket to give fans and spectators some respite during these testing times. “I know people out there are struggling with what’s going on out there at the moment. In terms of the pandemic and the situation, not just here in India but also abroad, heightened here in India. I understand it’s a difficult time, we are going to do our best and play a brand of cricket and style of cricket that gives people back home something to look forward to even if it’s just for a three-four hour period,” said McCullum while addressing his teammates in a video posted on the official Twitter handle of KKR. “We are in a privileged position, we can give a little bit of hope even in these testing times,” he added. ALSO READ: 'We can’t be doctors, but we can be helpers': Jaydev Unadkat on playing IPL amid COVID-19 pandemic This is far bigger than cricket or KKR. Against this virus, we shall Korbo Lorbo Jeetbo 💪#StayHomeStaySafe #WearAMask #KKRHaiTaiyaar #IPL2021 pic.twitter.com/0srHuGXg9h — KolkataKnightRiders (@KKRiders) April 27, 2021 × Batting coach Abhishek Nayar, and players like Shubman Gill and Prasidh Krishna likewise urged people to remain inside and stay protected against this dangerous virus. Yesterday, KKR pacer Pat Cummins donated $50,000 to the PM Cares Fund to help India's battle against the COVID-19 pandemic. Interacting in a post-match press conference after the success, skipper Eoin Morgan was found out if these conversations occurred in the dressing room, to which he answered: “Yes, we’re constantly talking about this situation that’s unfolding outside of our bubble." ALSO READ: IPL tournament isn't over for BCCI till everyone reaches home safely, COO assures players “It’s not nice to watch from afar considering how lucky we are in a bubble and not be affected by it very much. We obviously lend our support and heartfelt gratitude to everybody who is ill or going through tough times,” Eoin Morgan said.

IPL 2021: Play a brand of cricket to give people some respite, says KKR's Brendon McCullum

Following the success against the Punjab Kings, Kolkata Knight Riders skipper Eoin Morgan discussed the COVID-19 pandemic in India, particularly its subsequent wave. He compared playing in the IPL during such difficult occasions to how Premier League and Bundesliga footballers took to the field regardless of the whole country is in lockdown.&nbsp;

The second wave of Covid has affected the country. The medical care sector is by all accounts totally swamped, with emergency clinics and clinical focuses running at full limit. The intense deficiency of oxygen and immunisations has additionally exacerbated the situation.&nbsp;

In this manner, there have been a lot of conversations in regards to the choice to proceed with the IPL when the whole country is languishing. A few players like Ravichandran&nbsp;Ashwin, Andrew Tye, Kane Richardson, and Adam Zampa have pulled out of the competition now as of late because of the pandemic. Addressing the press, KKR skipper Eoin Morgan accepts that the IPL gives a protected climate to everybody playing the game and contrasted the circumstance with when the UK initially arose out of lockdown and dynamic games were directed.

“I think when we first came out of the lockdown, I remember the first sport being on TV was probably in New Zealand and in Australia. It was the Rugby Union’s league and then slowly, the Bundesliga started and the Premier League started.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/shubman-gill-is-struggling-sunil-gavaskar-comes-up-with-bold-suggestion-for-kkr-380707" hreflang="en">'Shubman Gill is struggling': Sunil Gavaskar comes up with bold suggestion for KKR</a>

“And that almost displayed that you can play while the country is almost in full lockdown. So, certainly, there’s a template to make that happen, it has happened. But also, as long as it doesn’t disturb what’s happening in the public eye,” said Eoin Morgan.

On Monday, KKR pacer Pat Cummins donated $50,000 to the PM Cares Fund to help India's battle against the COVID-19 pandemic. Addressing the post-match press conference after the success, skipper Eoin Morgan answered:

“Yes, we’re constantly talking about this situation that’s unfolding outside of our bubble.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2021-dc-vs-rcb-preview-battle-for-top-spot-intensify-as-delhi-take-on-bangalore-380705" hreflang="en">IPL 2021, DC vs RCB Preview: Battle for top spot intensifies as Delhi take on Bangalore</a>

“It’s not nice to watch from afar considering how lucky we are in a bubble and not be affected by it very much. We obviously lend our support and heartfelt gratitude to everybody who is ill or going through tough times,” Morgan said.

Following the success against the Punjab Kings, Kolkata Knight Riders skipper Eoin Morgan discussed the COVID-19 pandemic in India, particularly its subsequent wave.

Following the success against the Punjab Kings, Kolkata Knight Riders skipper Eoin Morgan discussed the COVID-19 pandemic in India, particularly its subsequent wave. He compared playing in the IPL during such difficult occasions to how Premier League and Bundesliga footballers took to the field regardless of the whole country is in lockdown. The second wave of Covid has affected the country. The medical care sector is by all accounts totally swamped, with emergency clinics and clinical focuses running at full limit. The intense deficiency of oxygen and immunisations has additionally exacerbated the situation. In this manner, there have been a lot of conversations in regards to the choice to proceed with the IPL when the whole country is languishing. A few players like Ravichandran Ashwin, Andrew Tye, Kane Richardson, and Adam Zampa have pulled out of the competition now as of late because of the pandemic. Addressing the press, KKR skipper Eoin Morgan accepts that the IPL gives a protected climate to everybody playing the game and contrasted the circumstance with when the UK initially arose out of lockdown and dynamic games were directed. “I think when we first came out of the lockdown, I remember the first sport being on TV was probably in New Zealand and in Australia. It was the Rugby Union’s league and then slowly, the Bundesliga started and the Premier League started. ALSO READ: 'Shubman Gill is struggling': Sunil Gavaskar comes up with bold suggestion for KKR “And that almost displayed that you can play while the country is almost in full lockdown. So, certainly, there’s a template to make that happen, it has happened. But also, as long as it doesn’t disturb what’s happening in the public eye,” said Eoin Morgan. On Monday, KKR pacer Pat Cummins donated $50,000 to the PM Cares Fund to help India's battle against the COVID-19 pandemic. Addressing the post-match press conference after the success, skipper Eoin Morgan answered: “Yes, we’re constantly talking about this situation that’s unfolding outside of our bubble. ALSO READ: IPL 2021, DC vs RCB Preview: Battle for top spot intensifies as Delhi take on Bangalore “It’s not nice to watch from afar considering how lucky we are in a bubble and not be affected by it very much. We obviously lend our support and heartfelt gratitude to everybody who is ill or going through tough times,” Morgan said.

IPL 2021: Premier League, Bundesliga displayed sports can continue amid lockdown, says Morgan

After an assurance-boosting victory against the Mumbai Indians, the Punjab Kings will commence their Ahmedabad leg of IPL 2021 versus the Kolkata Knight Riders at Narendra Modi Stadium.&nbsp;

Punjab Kings are coming on the back of a spirit-boosting nine-wicket win over Mumbai Indians. Kolkata Knight Riders, in the meantime, have persevered through an extreme beginning to their mission, losing four games on the jog subsequent to winning their opener.&nbsp;

This venue facilitated two Test matches among India and England this year, where the spinners ruled. In any case, the batsmen dominated the bowlers in the ensuing 5-match T20I series.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/jadeja-playing-well-opens-many-options-for-team-india-says-kohli-380198" hreflang="en">Jadeja playing well opens many options for Team India, says Kohli</a>

<h2>Head to Head&nbsp;</h2>

Across the 13 IPL seasons up until now, KKR has confronted Punjab Kings for 27 matches up until this point. Out of which KKR have&nbsp;arisen successful multiple times totally ruling Punjab Kings. The Punjab Kings have been able to win only 9 of them.

<h2>Punjab Kings&nbsp;</h2>

Punjab Kings skipper KL Rahul played four matches at Narendra Modi Stadium during the England T20I series. The right-hand batsman grappled as he scored just 15 runs at a strike rate of 48.38.&nbsp;

KL Rahul's Punjab teammate Chris Jordan scalped four wickets for England in the five T20Is against India.&nbsp;

The Punjab Kings shouldn't go amiss much from their victorious blend. Jhye Richardson could return to the side instead of Fabian Allen, taking a gander at the conditions on offer. Else, they should handle an unaltered XI.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/inappropriate-adam-gilchrist-questions-ipl-amid-indias-covid-19-crisis-380194" hreflang="en">'Inappropriate?': Adam Gilchrist questions IPL amid India's COVID-19 crisis</a>

Probable XI: KL Rahul, Mayank Agarwal, Chris Gayle, Nicholas Pooran, Deepak Hooda, Moises Henriques, Shahrukh Khan, Jhye Richardson/Riley Meredith, Mohammed Shami, Arshdeep Singh, Ravi Bishnoi.

<h2>Kolkata Knight Riders&nbsp;</h2>

Shubman Gill has three half-centuries in five innings against Punjab, having scored 209 runs at an average of 104.50 and the youngster would be keen to start off well.&nbsp;

If the top three can give a strong stage, Eoin Morgan, Andre Russell, and Dinesh Karthik have sufficient capability to assemble a high rise. However, for that to occur, the Knight Riders should guarantee the triplet face enough balls to have an effect.&nbsp;

Sunil Narine has bagged 28 wickets against Punjab. His 28 wickets have come at an average of 18.18 while he has an economy of 6.97 against Punjab Kings.

Probable XI: Nitish Rana, Shubman Gill, Rahul Tripathi, Eoin Morgan, Dinesh Karthik, Sunil Narine, Andre Russell, Pat Cummins, Harbhajan Singh, Varun Chakravarthy, Shivam Mavi

It will be intriguing to see how different players of the two teams perform at this enigmatic venue, Punjab Kings, with their momentum, start as the top picks. They look more settled collectively, and if their top-order fires, they'll extravagant their odds of beating a striving Kolkata Knight Riders team.

After an assurance-boosting victory against the Mumbai Indians, the Punjab Kings will commence their Ahmedabad leg of IPL 2021 versus the Kolkata Knight Riders at Narendra Modi Stadium.

After an assurance-boosting victory against the Mumbai Indians, the Punjab Kings will commence their Ahmedabad leg of IPL 2021 versus the Kolkata Knight Riders at Narendra Modi Stadium. Punjab Kings are coming on the back of a spirit-boosting nine-wicket win over Mumbai Indians. Kolkata Knight Riders, in the meantime, have persevered through an extreme beginning to their mission, losing four games on the jog subsequent to winning their opener. This venue facilitated two Test matches among India and England this year, where the spinners ruled. In any case, the batsmen dominated the bowlers in the ensuing 5-match T20I series. ALSO READ: Jadeja playing well opens many options for Team India, says Kohli Head to Head Across the 13 IPL seasons up until now, KKR has confronted Punjab Kings for 27 matches up until this point. Out of which KKR have arisen successful multiple times totally ruling Punjab Kings. The Punjab Kings have been able to win only 9 of them. Punjab Kings Punjab Kings skipper KL Rahul played four matches at Narendra Modi Stadium during the England T20I series. The right-hand batsman grappled as he scored just 15 runs at a strike rate of 48.38. KL Rahul's Punjab teammate Chris Jordan scalped four wickets for England in the five T20Is against India. The Punjab Kings shouldn't go amiss much from their victorious blend. Jhye Richardson could return to the side instead of Fabian Allen, taking a gander at the conditions on offer. Else, they should handle an unaltered XI. ALSO READ: 'Inappropriate?': Adam Gilchrist questions IPL amid India's COVID-19 crisis Probable XI: KL Rahul, Mayank Agarwal, Chris Gayle, Nicholas Pooran, Deepak Hooda, Moises Henriques, Shahrukh Khan, Jhye Richardson/Riley Meredith, Mohammed Shami, Arshdeep Singh, Ravi Bishnoi. Kolkata Knight Riders Shubman Gill has three half-centuries in five innings against Punjab, having scored 209 runs at an average of 104.50 and the youngster would be keen to start off well. If the top three can give a strong stage, Eoin Morgan, Andre Russell, and Dinesh Karthik have sufficient capability to assemble a high rise. However, for that to occur, the Knight Riders should guarantee the triplet face enough balls to have an effect. Sunil Narine has bagged 28 wickets against Punjab. His 28 wickets have come at an average of 18.18 while he has an economy of 6.97 against Punjab Kings. Probable XI: Nitish Rana, Shubman Gill, Rahul Tripathi, Eoin Morgan, Dinesh Karthik, Sunil Narine, Andre Russell, Pat Cummins, Harbhajan Singh, Varun Chakravarthy, Shivam Mavi It will be intriguing to see how different players of the two teams perform at this enigmatic venue, Punjab Kings, with their momentum, start as the top picks. They look more settled collectively, and if their top-order fires, they'll extravagant their odds of beating a striving Kolkata Knight Riders team.

IPL 2020, PBKS vs KKR Preview: Punjab Kings strive to build winning momentum vs Kolkata Knight Riders

The bottom-placed teams in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021&nbsp;- Kolkata Knight Riders and Rajasthan Royals - take on one another in what will be their last game at the Wankhede Stadium Mumbai. The two sides will hope to benefit as much as possible from the batting-friendly pitch prior to moving to the nearly more slow surfaces of Ahmedabad and Delhi.&nbsp;

On great batting wickets like in Mumbai, Rajasthan Royals neglected to misuse the conditions and take advantage of their batting-weighty unit. The Knights haven't had the option to place in a total execution at this point, moving from Chennai to Mumbai.

The two teams will frantically be searching for success after a helpless beginning to their mission. Both RR and KKR have won only one of their four matches, with RR falling off a whipping by RCB, while KKR persevered through a nearby loss against CSK.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-maxwell-to-dhawan-five-players-who-have-rocked-ipl-2021-so-far-379570" hreflang="en">From Maxwell to Dhawan: Five players who have rocked IPL 2021 so far</a>

<h2>Rajasthan Royals vs Kolkata Knight Riders: Head-to-Head stats</h2>

Since the time of RR's re-visitation of IPL in 2018, KKR have&nbsp;ruled the apparatuses against them, winning six of the seven matches between the two teams. By and large, the sides have played 22 games against one another with KKR, the usurper as of late.

<h2>Rajasthan Royals.</h2>

It might provoke RR to roll out a couple of improvements for the KKR clash, with one of them being leaving out Manan Vohra. The opener has scored only 42 runs in his four matches for the Rajasthan Royals in IPL 2021. The debut IPL champions could surely think about supplanting him with Yashasvi Jaiswal, as it would likewise give them left and right-hand batting blend at the top of the order.&nbsp;

David Miller, Sanju Samson, and Jos Buttler need to venture up and convey with the bat. RR additionally need&nbsp;to get a strike bowler like Andrew Tye into their XI, as they have battled to get wickets.&nbsp;

Rajasthan Royals have a benefit over KKR, as they've played four of their games at the Wankhede. Be that as it may, Buttler ought to guarantee Rajasthan Royals don't lose an excessive number of wickets in the powerplay, while Chris Morris should assist get some early wickets with the ball.

Probable XI:&nbsp;Jos Buttler, Yashasvi Jaiswal/Manan Vohra, Sanju Samson (c &amp; wk), Shivam Dube, David Miller, Riyan Parag, Rahul Tewatia, Chris Morris, Shreyas Gopal, Chetan Sakariya, Mustafizur Rahman

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/rajasthan-royals-pacer-jofra-archer-ruled-out-of-ipl-2021-confirms-ecb-379543" hreflang="en">Rajasthan Royals pacer Jofra Archer ruled out of IPL 2021, confirms ECB</a>

<h2>Kolkata Knight Riders</h2>

Kolkata Knight Riders, then again, don't have workforce issues yet would be anxious to assemble a team performance against Rajasthan Royals. Their top-order has flamed out subsequent to beginning the competition on a high, and Eoin Morgan will trust Nitish Rana&nbsp;and Co. can give them a strong beginning tonight.&nbsp;

The captain himself is enduring an onslaught, having failed to fire this season. Eoin Morgan personally has a decent record against Rajasthan Royals. He has gone past fifty in four of his last five innings against the Rajasthan Royals, and it very well may be simply the ideal game for the southpaw to play himself back into the structure.&nbsp;

They do, nonetheless, have a ton of expanding openings in their program. Their pacers were extremely incapable against CSK, so acquiring somebody like Lockie Ferguson may not be an ill-conceived notion. Shubman Gill likewise needs to venture up and convey at the top.

Probable XI:&nbsp;Nitish Rana, Shubman Gill, Rahul Tripathi, Eoin Morgan (c), Dinesh Karthik (wk), Sunil Narine, Andre Russell, Pat Cummins, Kamlesh Nagarkoti/Shivam Mavi, Varun Chakravarthy, Prasidh Krishna.

With a win instrumental in restoring their individual missions, the two teams will hope to battle it fervently in this match, which implies a cracking challenge could result at the Wankhede.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/ab-de-villiers-glenn-maxwell-took-the-game-away-kkrs-brendon-mccullum-378656/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

&nbsp;

The bottom-placed teams in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 - Kolkata Knight Riders and Rajasthan Royals - take on one another in what will be their last game at the Wankhede Stadium Mumbai.

The bottom-placed teams in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 - Kolkata Knight Riders and Rajasthan Royals - take on one another in what will be their last game at the Wankhede Stadium Mumbai. The two sides will hope to benefit as much as possible from the batting-friendly pitch prior to moving to the nearly more slow surfaces of Ahmedabad and Delhi. On great batting wickets like in Mumbai, Rajasthan Royals neglected to misuse the conditions and take advantage of their batting-weighty unit. The Knights haven't had the option to place in a total execution at this point, moving from Chennai to Mumbai. The two teams will frantically be searching for success after a helpless beginning to their mission. Both RR and KKR have won only one of their four matches, with RR falling off a whipping by RCB, while KKR persevered through a nearby loss against CSK. ALSO READ: From Maxwell to Dhawan: Five players who have rocked IPL 2021 so far Rajasthan Royals vs Kolkata Knight Riders: Head-to-Head stats Since the time of RR's re-visitation of IPL in 2018, KKR have ruled the apparatuses against them, winning six of the seven matches between the two teams. By and large, the sides have played 22 games against one another with KKR, the usurper as of late. Rajasthan Royals. It might provoke RR to roll out a couple of improvements for the KKR clash, with one of them being leaving out Manan Vohra. The opener has scored only 42 runs in his four matches for the Rajasthan Royals in IPL 2021. The debut IPL champions could surely think about supplanting him with Yashasvi Jaiswal, as it would likewise give them left and right-hand batting blend at the top of the order. David Miller, Sanju Samson, and Jos Buttler need to venture up and convey with the bat. RR additionally need to get a strike bowler like Andrew Tye into their XI, as they have battled to get wickets. Rajasthan Royals have a benefit over KKR, as they've played four of their games at the Wankhede. Be that as it may, Buttler ought to guarantee Rajasthan Royals don't lose an excessive number of wickets in the powerplay, while Chris Morris should assist get some early wickets with the ball. Probable XI: Jos Buttler, Yashasvi Jaiswal/Manan Vohra, Sanju Samson (c & wk), Shivam Dube, David Miller, Riyan Parag, Rahul Tewatia, Chris Morris, Shreyas Gopal, Chetan Sakariya, Mustafizur Rahman ALSO READ: Rajasthan Royals pacer Jofra Archer ruled out of IPL 2021, confirms ECB Kolkata Knight Riders Kolkata Knight Riders, then again, don't have workforce issues yet would be anxious to assemble a team performance against Rajasthan Royals. Their top-order has flamed out subsequent to beginning the competition on a high, and Eoin Morgan will trust Nitish Rana and Co. can give them a strong beginning tonight. The captain himself is enduring an onslaught, having failed to fire this season. Eoin Morgan personally has a decent record against Rajasthan Royals. He has gone past fifty in four of his last five innings against the Rajasthan Royals, and it very well may be simply the ideal game for the southpaw to play himself back into the structure. They do, nonetheless, have a ton of expanding openings in their program. Their pacers were extremely incapable against CSK, so acquiring somebody like Lockie Ferguson may not be an ill-conceived notion. Shubman Gill likewise needs to venture up and convey at the top. Probable XI: Nitish Rana, Shubman Gill, Rahul Tripathi, Eoin Morgan (c), Dinesh Karthik (wk), Sunil Narine, Andre Russell, Pat Cummins, Kamlesh Nagarkoti/Shivam Mavi, Varun Chakravarthy, Prasidh Krishna. With a win instrumental in restoring their individual missions, the two teams will hope to battle it fervently in this match, which implies a cracking challenge could result at the Wankhede. ×

IPL 2021, RR vs KKR Preview: - Rajasthan Royals and Kolkata Knight Riders fight for a turnaround

Gautam Gambhir has reprimanded the Kolkata Knight Riders' top order following their 18-run rout against the Chennai Super Kings on Wednesday.&nbsp;

The previous KKR captain felt that the establishment's top-request, containing Nitish Rana (9), Shubman Gill (0), Rahul Tripathi (8), and Eoin Morgan (7), 'froze' in the powerplay overs and lost their wickets.&nbsp;

Gautam Gambhir added that Pat Cummins (66*) wouldn't have run out of accomplices eventually if KKR's cutting-edge batsmen played all the more steadily.

"The top order [needs to be blamed]. Eventually, they [the lower order] ran out of partners. It's not that they couldn't have chased this total but they just ran out of partners. If No. 6, 7, and 8 can take you this close then it really shows that there was no application. Chasing 220, there are certain venues like Wankhade or Chinnaswamy where you don't need to panic," said&nbsp;Gautam Gambhir.

Gautam Gambhir referred to the case of the 2014 IPL last in Bengaluru, where KKR pursued 200 to win the title. He reviewed his changing area motivational speech, which helped the then-KKR batsmen perform under tension.

"I remember in 2014 IPL final we were actually chasing 200. And I got into the dressing room during the innings break and I said only one thing: 'We will never be able to win the game in the first five overs but we can easily lose it in the first 5-6 overs. Even if we need 50 or 60 in the last five overs, even 80, we are still in the game. But don't go bang-bang thinking we have to chase this in the first 6 overs and end up losing 5-6 wickets'. That is exactly what KKR did today," added Gautam Gambhir.

Batting first, CSK scored 220 in Mumbai. Accordingly, KKR had a go at being excessively forceful in the powerplay overs and were reduced to 31-5 at one phase.&nbsp;

Andre Russell, Dinesh Karthik, and Pat Cummins all played fearless appearances to help KKR's odds of prearranging a doubtful success. Notwithstanding, the tailenders lost their wickets to runouts and Cummins was left abandoned at 66*, with the Kolkata-based establishment losing the challenge by 18 runs.&nbsp;

Gautam Gambhir likewise engaged the chance of KKR getting packaged out for 70 or 80 runs, had their lower-request not terminated against CSK. He commented that it was the obligation of the top-request to establish the framework for the large hitters to complete the game.

"They [the lower-order] took the game this close, they could have been all out for 70 or 80 as well. Because of the kind of batters Russell and Dinesh Karthik are, they will watch the ball and hit it. At 36-5, had Russell played a big shot which wouldn't have come off they could have been 40-6. So they could have been beaten by 150-odd runs as well. You need to give a platform to guys like Russell, Karthik, and Pat Cummins where they can come and explode. Yes, they might take you this close, they might win you the game as well. But it's actually the responsibility of the top order to give them the foundation," concluded Gautam Gambhir.

KKR is presently 6th in the IPL 2021 focuses table and needs to succeed at least six or seven of their next 10 games to have a shot at completing in the season finisher spots. They will next play Rajasthan Royals on April 24th.

Gautam Gambhir has reprimanded the Kolkata Knight Riders' top order following their 18-run rout against the Chennai Super Kings on Wednesday. The previous KKR captain felt that the establishment's top-request, containing Nitish Rana (9), Shubman Gill (0), Rahul Tripathi (8), and Eoin Morgan (7), 'froze' in the powerplay overs and lost their wickets.

Gautam Gambhir has reprimanded the Kolkata Knight Riders' top order following their 18-run rout against the Chennai Super Kings on Wednesday. The previous KKR captain felt that the establishment's top-request, containing Nitish Rana (9), Shubman Gill (0), Rahul Tripathi (8), and Eoin Morgan (7), 'froze' in the powerplay overs and lost their wickets. Gautam Gambhir added that Pat Cummins (66*) wouldn't have run out of accomplices eventually if KKR's cutting-edge batsmen played all the more steadily. "The top order [needs to be blamed]. Eventually, they [the lower order] ran out of partners. It's not that they couldn't have chased this total but they just ran out of partners. If No. 6, 7, and 8 can take you this close then it really shows that there was no application. Chasing 220, there are certain venues like Wankhade or Chinnaswamy where you don't need to panic," said Gautam Gambhir. Gautam Gambhir referred to the case of the 2014 IPL last in Bengaluru, where KKR pursued 200 to win the title. He reviewed his changing area motivational speech, which helped the then-KKR batsmen perform under tension. "I remember in 2014 IPL final we were actually chasing 200. And I got into the dressing room during the innings break and I said only one thing: 'We will never be able to win the game in the first five overs but we can easily lose it in the first 5-6 overs. Even if we need 50 or 60 in the last five overs, even 80, we are still in the game. But don't go bang-bang thinking we have to chase this in the first 6 overs and end up losing 5-6 wickets'. That is exactly what KKR did today," added Gautam Gambhir. Batting first, CSK scored 220 in Mumbai. Accordingly, KKR had a go at being excessively forceful in the powerplay overs and were reduced to 31-5 at one phase. Andre Russell, Dinesh Karthik, and Pat Cummins all played fearless appearances to help KKR's odds of prearranging a doubtful success. Notwithstanding, the tailenders lost their wickets to runouts and Cummins was left abandoned at 66*, with the Kolkata-based establishment losing the challenge by 18 runs. Gautam Gambhir likewise engaged the chance of KKR getting packaged out for 70 or 80 runs, had their lower-request not terminated against CSK. He commented that it was the obligation of the top-request to establish the framework for the large hitters to complete the game. "They [the lower-order] took the game this close, they could have been all out for 70 or 80 as well. Because of the kind of batters Russell and Dinesh Karthik are, they will watch the ball and hit it. At 36-5, had Russell played a big shot which wouldn't have come off they could have been 40-6. So they could have been beaten by 150-odd runs as well. You need to give a platform to guys like Russell, Karthik, and Pat Cummins where they can come and explode. Yes, they might take you this close, they might win you the game as well. But it's actually the responsibility of the top order to give them the foundation," concluded Gautam Gambhir. KKR is presently 6th in the IPL 2021 focuses table and needs to succeed at least six or seven of their next 10 games to have a shot at completing in the season finisher spots. They will next play Rajasthan Royals on April 24th.

IPL 2021 - Gautam Gambhir criticizes KKR's top-order for loss against CSK

Kolkata Knight Riders' skipper Eoin Morgan has hit a bit of a rough patch as the Englishman has failed to perform for his team with the bat, however, he is optimistic and has no doubts he will rediscover his form soon and said that he is just waiting for something to click.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/rcb-vs-rr-ipl-2021-wankhede-stadium-pitch-report-head-to-head-stats-mumbai-weather-forecast-all-you-need-to-know-379209" hreflang="en">RCB vs RR, IPL 2021: Wankhede pitch report, Mumbai weather and stats</a>

"Everything is about the process. I'm going about things in an extremely positive way," Morgan told reporters after the loss.

"I've been here a long time now, obviously been here on international duty for a month pre-IPL, and I've been practising well.

"It's a matter of time before something comes together.

IN PICS:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/ipl-2021-chennai-super-kings-win-a-thriller-against-kolkata-knight-riders-379122" hreflang="en">IPL 2021- Chennai Super Kings win a thriller against Kolkata Knight Riders</a>

Morgan has been struggling to score runs in the IPL 2021, the England captain has scores of seven, 29, seven, and two in the last four matches.&nbsp;

His team lost their third in four matches after suffering an 18-run loss against Dhoni-led Chennai Super Kings on Wednesday. Kolkata witnessed a top order collapse against CSK, however, quickfire knocks from Russell, Karthik, and Cummins saved KKR from a crushing defeat.&nbsp;

"If you look at the position that we were in after the powerplay onwards and only falling 20 runs short, you don't have to be an optimist to think that we would have been in a really good position if we batted better at the top of the order," added England's World Cup-winning captain.

(Inputs from Agency)

Kolkata Knight Riders' skipper Eoin Morgan has hit a bit of a rough patch as the Englishman has failed to perform for his team with the bat, however, he is optimistic and has no doubts he will rediscover his form soon and said that he is just waiting for something to click.

Kolkata Knight Riders' skipper Eoin Morgan has hit a bit of a rough patch as the Englishman has failed to perform for his team with the bat, however, he is optimistic and has no doubts he will rediscover his form soon and said that he is just waiting for something to click. ALSO READ: RCB vs RR, IPL 2021: Wankhede pitch report, Mumbai weather and stats "Everything is about the process. I'm going about things in an extremely positive way," Morgan told reporters after the loss. "I've been here a long time now, obviously been here on international duty for a month pre-IPL, and I've been practising well. "It's a matter of time before something comes together. IN PICS: IPL 2021- Chennai Super Kings win a thriller against Kolkata Knight Riders Morgan has been struggling to score runs in the IPL 2021, the England captain has scores of seven, 29, seven, and two in the last four matches. His team lost their third in four matches after suffering an 18-run loss against Dhoni-led Chennai Super Kings on Wednesday. Kolkata witnessed a top order collapse against CSK, however, quickfire knocks from Russell, Karthik, and Cummins saved KKR from a crushing defeat. "If you look at the position that we were in after the powerplay onwards and only falling 20 runs short, you don't have to be an optimist to think that we would have been in a really good position if we batted better at the top of the order," added England's World Cup-winning captain. (Inputs from Agency)

IPL 2021- 'It's a matter of time': KKR skipper Eoin Morgan on being out of form

Chennai Super Kings continue their dominance as they beat Kolkata Knight Riders by 18 runs in match 15 of the Indian Premier League at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/i-think-my-captaincy-is-going-great-rishabh-pant-on-leading-delhi-capitals-379095" hreflang="en">'I think my captaincy is going great': Rishabh Pant on leading Delhi Capitals</a>

Kolkata Knight Riders won the toss and chose to bowl first. However, the decision backfired as the opening duo of CSK (Gaikwad and du Plessis) put up a 115-run partnership. Faf du Plessis smashed 95 runs in 60 balls, followed by Gaikwad who scored 64 runs in 42 balls. Moeen Ali, MS Dhoni, and Ravindra Jadeja's cameo powered Chennai Super Kings to 220 runs at the end of the innings.&nbsp;

KKR, on the other hand, had a terrible start as their batsmen kept falling cheaply. At one moment, KKR were certainly down and out as they were reduced to 31-5. However, last-minute heroics from Pat Cummins, Dinesh Karthik, and Andre Russell kept KKR in the game.&nbsp;

Pat Cummins smashed 30 runs off Sam Curran's over was the highest this season. The Aussie smashed unbeaten 66 runs in 34 runs including four 4s and six 6s. However, he fell short as he ran out of partners as last-minute run outs bundled KKR out. Deepak Chahar scalped four crucial wickets and conceded just 29 runs.

Chennai Super Kings go on top of the table after an all-around performance and the best net run-rate. Despite their last-minute heroics, they sit in the sixth position. &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Chennai Super Kings continue their dominance as they beat Kolkata Knight Riders by 18 runs in match 15 of the Indian Premier League at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.

Chennai Super Kings continue their dominance as they beat Kolkata Knight Riders by 18 runs in match 15 of the Indian Premier League at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. ALSO READ: 'I think my captaincy is going great': Rishabh Pant on leading Delhi Capitals Kolkata Knight Riders won the toss and chose to bowl first. However, the decision backfired as the opening duo of CSK (Gaikwad and du Plessis) put up a 115-run partnership. Faf du Plessis smashed 95 runs in 60 balls, followed by Gaikwad who scored 64 runs in 42 balls. Moeen Ali, MS Dhoni, and Ravindra Jadeja's cameo powered Chennai Super Kings to 220 runs at the end of the innings. KKR, on the other hand, had a terrible start as their batsmen kept falling cheaply. At one moment, KKR were certainly down and out as they were reduced to 31-5. However, last-minute heroics from Pat Cummins, Dinesh Karthik, and Andre Russell kept KKR in the game. Pat Cummins smashed 30 runs off Sam Curran's over was the highest this season. The Aussie smashed unbeaten 66 runs in 34 runs including four 4s and six 6s. However, he fell short as he ran out of partners as last-minute run outs bundled KKR out. Deepak Chahar scalped four crucial wickets and conceded just 29 runs. Chennai Super Kings go on top of the table after an all-around performance and the best net run-rate. Despite their last-minute heroics, they sit in the sixth position.

IPL 2021: Chennai Super Kings go on top as they beat Kolkata Knight Riders

Kolkata Knight Riders will take on Chennai Super Kings in match 15 of the Indian Premier League 2021 on Wednesday at the Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/very-important-to-follow-protocols-virat-kohli-gives-message-to-india-amid-covid-19-spike-watch-378864" hreflang="en">'Very important to follow protocols': Virat Kohli gives message to India amid Covid-19 spike - Watch</a>

Kolkata Knight Riders will be looking to bounce back to winning ways after losing two consecutive matches despite beginning the campaign with a win. Eoin Morgan is under a lot of fire as the team collapsed in the latter stages of the game handing the match to the opposition despite a strong start.&nbsp;

IN PICS:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-harbhajan-sreesanth-slap-gate-to-ms-dhonis-anger-top-ipl-controversies-through-the-years-378405" hreflang="en">From Harbhajan-Sreesanth slap gate to MS Dhoni's anger: Top IPL controversies through the years</a>

Chennai Super Kings, on the other hand, returned to their former glory as they dominated Punjab Kings and Rajasthan Royals and are third in the points table.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/ab-de-villiers-glenn-maxwell-took-the-game-away-kkrs-brendon-mccullum-378656/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

&nbsp;

<h2>PITCH REPORT:&nbsp;</h2>

Wankhede Stadium is a batsmen's paradise, however, it has much to offer to the pacers. KKR batsmen should enjoy the conditions after a tough pitch in Chennai. Teams will continue to prefer to chase.

<h2>WEATHER FORECAST:</h2>

Clear skies in Mumbai, so no signs of rain. However, the temperature will hot and humid and around 30 degrees celsius. The dew factor will kick in during the second innings.&nbsp;

<h2>HEAD-TO-HEAD:&nbsp;</h2>

Chennai Super Kings dominate the head-to-head stat against Kolkata Knight Riders (14-8).&nbsp;

<h2>Squads:</h2>

Kolkata Knight Riders Squad: Nitish Rana, Shubman Gill, Rahul Tripathi, Eoin Morgan(c), Dinesh Karthik(w), Shakib Al Hasan, Andre Russell, Pat Cummins, Harbhajan Singh, Varun Chakravarthy, Prasidh Krishna, Sunil Narine, Lockie Ferguson, Shivam Mavi, Ben Cutting, Karun Nair, Pawan Negi, Kuldeep Yadav, Gurkeerat Singh Mann, Sheldon Jackson, Sandeep Warrier, Tim Seifert, Rinku Singh, Venkatesh Iyer, Kamlesh Nagarkoti, Vaibhav Arora

Chennai Super Kings Squad: Ruturaj Gaikwad, Faf du Plessis, Moeen Ali, Suresh Raina, Ambati Rayudu, Ravindra Jadeja, MS Dhoni(w/c), Sam Curran, Dwayne Bravo, Shardul Thakur, Deepak Chahar, Lungi Ngidi, Robin Uthappa, Cheteshwar Pujara, Karn Sharma, Imran Tahir, Jason Behrendorff, Krishnappa Gowtham, Mitchell Santner, Ravisrinivasan Sai Kishore, Hari Nishanth, N Jagadeesan, KM Asif, Harishankar Reddy, Bhagath Varma

Kolkata Knight Riders will take on Chennai Super Kings in match 15 of the Indian Premier League 2021 on Wednesday at the Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai. ALSO READ: 'Very important to follow protocols': Virat Kohli gives message to India amid Covid-19 spike - Watch Kolkata Knight Riders will be looking to bounce back to winning ways after losing two consecutive matches despite beginning the campaign with a win.

Kolkata Knight Riders will take on Chennai Super Kings in match 15 of the Indian Premier League 2021 on Wednesday at the Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai. ALSO READ: 'Very important to follow protocols': Virat Kohli gives message to India amid Covid-19 spike - Watch Kolkata Knight Riders will be looking to bounce back to winning ways after losing two consecutive matches despite beginning the campaign with a win. Eoin Morgan is under a lot of fire as the team collapsed in the latter stages of the game handing the match to the opposition despite a strong start. IN PICS: From Harbhajan-Sreesanth slap gate to MS Dhoni's anger: Top IPL controversies through the years Chennai Super Kings, on the other hand, returned to their former glory as they dominated Punjab Kings and Rajasthan Royals and are third in the points table. × PITCH REPORT: Wankhede Stadium is a batsmen's paradise, however, it has much to offer to the pacers. KKR batsmen should enjoy the conditions after a tough pitch in Chennai. Teams will continue to prefer to chase. WEATHER FORECAST: Clear skies in Mumbai, so no signs of rain. However, the temperature will hot and humid and around 30 degrees celsius. The dew factor will kick in during the second innings. HEAD-TO-HEAD: Chennai Super Kings dominate the head-to-head stat against Kolkata Knight Riders (14-8). Squads: Kolkata Knight Riders Squad: Nitish Rana, Shubman Gill, Rahul Tripathi, Eoin Morgan(c), Dinesh Karthik(w), Shakib Al Hasan, Andre Russell, Pat Cummins, Harbhajan Singh, Varun Chakravarthy, Prasidh Krishna, Sunil Narine, Lockie Ferguson, Shivam Mavi, Ben Cutting, Karun Nair, Pawan Negi, Kuldeep Yadav, Gurkeerat Singh Mann, Sheldon Jackson, Sandeep Warrier, Tim Seifert, Rinku Singh, Venkatesh Iyer, Kamlesh Nagarkoti, Vaibhav Arora Chennai Super Kings Squad: Ruturaj Gaikwad, Faf du Plessis, Moeen Ali, Suresh Raina, Ambati Rayudu, Ravindra Jadeja, MS Dhoni(w/c), Sam Curran, Dwayne Bravo, Shardul Thakur, Deepak Chahar, Lungi Ngidi, Robin Uthappa, Cheteshwar Pujara, Karn Sharma, Imran Tahir, Jason Behrendorff, Krishnappa Gowtham, Mitchell Santner, Ravisrinivasan Sai Kishore, Hari Nishanth, N Jagadeesan, KM Asif, Harishankar Reddy, Bhagath Varma

KKR vs CSK, IPL 2021: Wankhede Stadium pitch report, Head-to-head stats, Mumbai weather forecast- All you need to know

After stumbling to a 38-run loss against Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) coach Brendon McCullum on Sunday said that his side could have bowled Varun Chakravarthy for an extra over at the start when Glenn Maxwell had just come out to bat.

IN PICS:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-harbhajan-sreesanth-slap-gate-to-ms-dhonis-anger-top-ipl-controversies-through-the-years-378405" hreflang="en">From Harbhajan-Sreesanth slap gate to MS Dhoni's anger: Top IPL controversies through the years</a>

Maxwell and AB de Villiers` knocks of 78 and 76 were backed up a spirited bowling performance as Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) defeated Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) by 38 runs on Sunday here at the MA Chidambaram Stadium.

Varun Chakravarthy had taken the wickets of Virat Kohli and Rajat Patidar in his very first over, but skipper Eoin Morgan did not give him a consecutive second over even when Maxwell walked out to bat, and as fate had it, RCB scored 204/4 with Maxwell registering 78 runs.

"Yeah, look, in hindsight if we had our time again we probably would have bowled Varun Chakravarthy in the next over when Maxwell had just come out to bat. But look we were trying to save Varun`s overs for AB de Villiers as well when he came to the crease. In retrospect, we should have bowled him for another over but there were many other aspects where we couldn`t just tidy up which would have given us a much better chance against a confident team like RCB," said McCullum while replying to an ANI query during a virtual press conference.

When asked about Sunil Narine being called back into the KKR team, McCullum said: "Sunil Narine stood on the rope before our first game which means he has had an injury where he was not 100 per cent fit. He certainly comes into our calculations, he was touch and go for this game against RCB but we opted for Shakib who has been good for us and he gives us an extra bit of batting. After three games, the guys have played well, we have not got the results, we probably would need some fresh legs for slightly different wickets in Mumbai."

"We probably expect to make one or two changes in our next game, but overall I think, we have shown we have a good chance in this tournament if we tidy up. There was some tremendous batting from Maxwell and ABD on the surface which was probably the best we have seen in Chennai, but it was still tricky at times but both these batsmen took the surface out of the equation," he added.

Earlier, RCB might have been 9/2 in the second over, but Maxwell and de Villiers` knocks of 78 and 76 ensured that the side posts a total of 204/4 in the allotted twenty overs. Along with Maxwell and de Villiers, Devdutt Padikkal and Kyle Jamieson also played knocks of 25 and 11 respectively. For KKR, Varun Chakravarthy returned with two wickets.

"In the past, we have not been made to plan much as Maxwell has not been in top form but it appears, he has come this year with a really refreshed attitude. He is taking the game on, we have seen him being successful in the Big Bash and Australia. He took the game away from us in a crunch situation but if we had our time again, we would have tried few different things," said McCullum.

KKR has now lost two games out of three and they will next take on MS Dhoni-led Chennai Super Kings (CSK) on Wednesday.

After stumbling to a 38-run loss against Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) coach Brendon McCullum on Sunday said that his side could have bowled Varun Chakravarthy for an extra over at the start when Glenn Maxwell had just come out to bat.

After stumbling to a 38-run loss against Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) coach Brendon McCullum on Sunday said that his side could have bowled Varun Chakravarthy for an extra over at the start when Glenn Maxwell had just come out to bat. IN PICS: From Harbhajan-Sreesanth slap gate to MS Dhoni's anger: Top IPL controversies through the years Maxwell and AB de Villiers` knocks of 78 and 76 were backed up a spirited bowling performance as Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) defeated Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) by 38 runs on Sunday here at the MA Chidambaram Stadium. Varun Chakravarthy had taken the wickets of Virat Kohli and Rajat Patidar in his very first over, but skipper Eoin Morgan did not give him a consecutive second over even when Maxwell walked out to bat, and as fate had it, RCB scored 204/4 with Maxwell registering 78 runs. "Yeah, look, in hindsight if we had our time again we probably would have bowled Varun Chakravarthy in the next over when Maxwell had just come out to bat. But look we were trying to save Varun`s overs for AB de Villiers as well when he came to the crease. In retrospect, we should have bowled him for another over but there were many other aspects where we couldn`t just tidy up which would have given us a much better chance against a confident team like RCB," said McCullum while replying to an ANI query during a virtual press conference. When asked about Sunil Narine being called back into the KKR team, McCullum said: "Sunil Narine stood on the rope before our first game which means he has had an injury where he was not 100 per cent fit. He certainly comes into our calculations, he was touch and go for this game against RCB but we opted for Shakib who has been good for us and he gives us an extra bit of batting. After three games, the guys have played well, we have not got the results, we probably would need some fresh legs for slightly different wickets in Mumbai." "We probably expect to make one or two changes in our next game, but overall I think, we have shown we have a good chance in this tournament if we tidy up. There was some tremendous batting from Maxwell and ABD on the surface which was probably the best we have seen in Chennai, but it was still tricky at times but both these batsmen took the surface out of the equation," he added. Earlier, RCB might have been 9/2 in the second over, but Maxwell and de Villiers` knocks of 78 and 76 ensured that the side posts a total of 204/4 in the allotted twenty overs. Along with Maxwell and de Villiers, Devdutt Padikkal and Kyle Jamieson also played knocks of 25 and 11 respectively. For KKR, Varun Chakravarthy returned with two wickets. "In the past, we have not been made to plan much as Maxwell has not been in top form but it appears, he has come this year with a really refreshed attitude. He is taking the game on, we have seen him being successful in the Big Bash and Australia. He took the game away from us in a crunch situation but if we had our time again, we would have tried few different things," said McCullum. KKR has now lost two games out of three and they will next take on MS Dhoni-led Chennai Super Kings (CSK) on Wednesday.

IPL 2021: Narine will come into our calculations for the coming games, says McCullum

IPL 2021- Royal Challengers thump Knight Riders to extend their unbeaten streak

Sunrisers Hyderabad coach Trevor Bayliss talks about the match against Kolkata Knight Riders, Kane Williamson's exclusion, Jonny Bairstow's batting position and SRH's failure to chase down the total vs KKR.

Kane Williamson will come into the calculation at some point: Trevor Bayliss

Kolkata Knight Riders captain Eoin Morgan talks about KKR's thumping win over Sunrisers Hyderabad, Nitish Rana's special knock, Andre Russell's fitness, Dinesh Karthik's batting position and more.

Dinesh Karthik is happy with his batting position: Eoin Morgan

IPL 2021-  Big knocks from Rana and Tripathi help KKR beat SRH

Bangladesh all-rounder Shakib al Hasan is all set to wear the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2021-kkr-team-preview-kolkata-look-to-find-old-glory-under-morgans-leadership-376676">Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR)</a> colours again after the franchise signed him up for INR 3.2 crore at the auction for the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021. Ahead of KKR’s IPL 2021 opener against Sunrisers Hyderabad, skipper Eoin Morgan opened up about the role of Shakib in the 14th&nbsp;edition of the T20 tournament. <o:p></o:p>

Shakib, who was part of KKR for six years from 2011 to 2017, missed out on previous edition of IPL due to a ban imposed on him by the ICC. Before that, Shakib was with SRH in 2018 and 2019.<o:p></o:p>

The southpaw is expected to be a crucial member of KKR in IPL 2021 with his left-arm spin and quality batting providing balance to the XI.

ALSO READ;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/babar-azam-is-like-sachin-tendulkar-virat-kohli-can-follow-him-to-improve-technique-aaqib-javed-376815" hreflang="en">Babar Azam is like Sachin Tendulkar; Virat Kohli can follow him to improve technique: Aaqib Javed</a>

"Given that we have a bit more travel this year and we go from venue to venue, it's important to have strength and depth in the squad. Shakib Al Hasan gives us a different dynamic in the team," Morgan told KKR's official website.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Gunning for number 1⃣3⃣ against tonight's opponents 💪🏼<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SRHvKKR?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SRHvKKR</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KKRHaiTaiyaar?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KKRHaiTaiyaar</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IPL2021?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IPL2021</a> <a href="https://t.co/bWA87pweuK">pic.twitter.com/bWA87pweuK</a>
— KolkataKnightRiders (@KKRiders) <a href="https://twitter.com/KKRiders/status/1381136832029544449?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 11, 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>

"Given that we play at different venues where the conditions change quite a lot, you have a spin-bowling all-rounder who had success in international cricket and IPL at different stages," he added.<o:p></o:p>

<o:p></o:p>

“If called upon, he can definitely deliver.” <o:p></o:p>

The KKR skipper further backed veteran Sunil Narine to play an integral role and have another successful season with the Kolkata outfit while comparing his qualities with Shakib.<o:p></o:p>

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/list-of-five-major-records-rcb-captain-virat-kohli-can-break-in-ipl-2021-375916" hreflang="en">List of five major records RCB captain Virat Kohli can break in IPL 2021</a>

"Shakib and Sunil Narine are no different. In big moments of the game, particularly last year, you would throw Sunil the ball, or you would get him in with the bat because he has been in that situation over and over again.<o:p></o:p>

"He believes in himself and in the team to go and get through and win that situation," he signed off.<o:p></o:p>

Bangladesh all-rounder Shakib al Hasan is all set to wear the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) colours again after the franchise signed him up for INR 3.2 crore at the auction for the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021.

Bangladesh all-rounder Shakib al Hasan is all set to wear the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) colours again after the franchise signed him up for INR 3.2 crore at the auction for the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021. Ahead of KKR’s IPL 2021 opener against Sunrisers Hyderabad, skipper Eoin Morgan opened up about the role of Shakib in the 14th edition of the T20 tournament. Shakib, who was part of KKR for six years from 2011 to 2017, missed out on previous edition of IPL due to a ban imposed on him by the ICC. Before that, Shakib was with SRH in 2018 and 2019. The southpaw is expected to be a crucial member of KKR in IPL 2021 with his left-arm spin and quality batting providing balance to the XI. ALSO READ; Babar Azam is like Sachin Tendulkar; Virat Kohli can follow him to improve technique: Aaqib Javed "Given that we have a bit more travel this year and we go from venue to venue, it's important to have strength and depth in the squad. Shakib Al Hasan gives us a different dynamic in the team," Morgan told KKR's official website. Gunning for number 1⃣3⃣ against tonight's opponents 💪🏼#SRHvKKR #KKRHaiTaiyaar #IPL2021 pic.twitter.com/bWA87pweuK — KolkataKnightRiders (@KKRiders) April 11, 2021 × "Given that we play at different venues where the conditions change quite a lot, you have a spin-bowling all-rounder who had success in international cricket and IPL at different stages," he added. “If called upon, he can definitely deliver.” The KKR skipper further backed veteran Sunil Narine to play an integral role and have another successful season with the Kolkata outfit while comparing his qualities with Shakib. ALSO READ: List of five major records RCB captain Virat Kohli can break in IPL 2021 "Shakib and Sunil Narine are no different. In big moments of the game, particularly last year, you would throw Sunil the ball, or you would get him in with the bat because he has been in that situation over and over again. "He believes in himself and in the team to go and get through and win that situation," he signed off.

He can definitely deliver: Eoin Morgan banking on star all-rounder to have quality IPL 2021

Shubman Gill has said that Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) will look to avoid the net run-rate trap in Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 after missing out on playoff qualification in the previous edition of the tournament, played in the UAE.

KKR finished IPL 2020 with 14 points under their belt but were level with Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) and Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB). KKR had a net run rate of -0.214 in what was one of the tightest finishes to an IPL league stage. However, RCB qualified for the playoffs on a net run rate of 0.172.

Shubman expressed the pain of missing out by such a tight margin but said that the team would look to improve and avoid a similar situation in the ongoing edition of the T20 tournament.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/guru-vs-chela-ravi-shastri-expresses-his-excitement-for-dhoni-vs-pant-clash-in-ipl-2021-376637" hreflang="en">'Guru vs Chela': Ravi Shastri expresses his excitement for Dhoni vs Pant clash in IPL 2021</a>

"Missing qualification on net run rate, by the barest of margins, always hurts. But there is always room for improvement. And that's what we will try to do this year and not leave it to the net run rate," Gill told The National.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/ipl-2021-fascinating-stats-from-tournament-history-375646/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

KKR would look to flourish under the full-time captaincy of Eoin Morgan and all eyes would be on Gill as to how he goes about his business in the new season.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/watching-cricket-from-home-twitter-brings-an-extravagant-experience-with-new-features-376633" hreflang="en">Watching cricket from home? Twitter brings an extravagant experience with new features</a>

"You get to practice before any tournament starts, that's where you kind of adjust. You get enough time in practice sessions and match simulation, practice matches. So that is enough time to adjust," Gill said.

"The way I see it, it has been a good six seven months. The last time I played IPL, and after that I have played plenty of cricket which has given me a lot of confidence."

KKR start their IPL 2021 campaign against Sunrisers Hyderabad in Chennai on Saturday.

<o:p></o:p>

Shubman Gill has said that Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) will look to avoid the net run-rate trap in Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 after missing out on playoff qualification in the previous edition of the tournament, played in the UAE.

Shubman Gill has said that Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) will look to avoid the net run-rate trap in Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 after missing out on playoff qualification in the previous edition of the tournament, played in the UAE. KKR finished IPL 2020 with 14 points under their belt but were level with Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) and Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB). KKR had a net run rate of -0.214 in what was one of the tightest finishes to an IPL league stage. However, RCB qualified for the playoffs on a net run rate of 0.172. Shubman expressed the pain of missing out by such a tight margin but said that the team would look to improve and avoid a similar situation in the ongoing edition of the T20 tournament. ALSO READ: 'Guru vs Chela': Ravi Shastri expresses his excitement for Dhoni vs Pant clash in IPL 2021 "Missing qualification on net run rate, by the barest of margins, always hurts. But there is always room for improvement. And that's what we will try to do this year and not leave it to the net run rate," Gill told The National. × KKR would look to flourish under the full-time captaincy of Eoin Morgan and all eyes would be on Gill as to how he goes about his business in the new season. ALSO READ: Watching cricket from home? Twitter brings an extravagant experience with new features "You get to practice before any tournament starts, that's where you kind of adjust. You get enough time in practice sessions and match simulation, practice matches. So that is enough time to adjust," Gill said. "The way I see it, it has been a good six seven months. The last time I played IPL, and after that I have played plenty of cricket which has given me a lot of confidence." KKR start their IPL 2021 campaign against Sunrisers Hyderabad in Chennai on Saturday.

'Always hurts...': KKR's Shubman Gill hopes to avoid net run rate trap in playoff race

The Indian Premier League (IPL) is back in India with the 14th edition of the tournament set to roll on Friday.

While there is a massive buzz surrounding the cash-rich tournament among fans and cricket fraternity, IPL 2021 will witness a few tweaks amid challenging times.

From player changes to new guidelines, here are 10 things different in Indian Premier League 2021 ( IPL)

1. Length of innings

Strict guidelines have been issued to teams to finish their bowling innings in 90 minutes. Within this, there will be five minutes of strategic time-out. As a result, an innings will now last&nbsp;85 minutes. Otherwise, the match will have to be finished as per the overs bowled within this time. The move comes after many matches in previous editions were played beyond the permitted time.

2. Hour-long Super Over

It has been decided to extend the match for only an hour after the designated time ends. In the last IPL, a match ended in a tie even in the Super Over, which resulted in another Super Over. After the new regulations by the BCCI, Super Overs will have to be played within an hour of a tied match. If the winner is not decided within this hour, both teams taking part will claim one point each. The decision has been taken so that the games don't go beyond the stipulated time.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/show-must-go-on-how-will-bcci-pull-off-ipl-2021-the-second-tournament-in-the-pandemic-era-376252" hreflang="en">Show must go on: India awaits IPL 2021 amid COVID-19 pandemic worries</a>

3. Third umpire to watch short run&nbsp;

The duty of monitoring short run will now go to the third umpire. Rule 18 of the Laws of Cricket states that “a run is "short" if either, or both, batsmen fail to make good their ground -- cross the crease-- in turning for a further run. In IPL 2020, the on-field umpire mistakenly called a run by Chris Jordan short - which led to Kings XI Punjab - now Punjab Kings - losing the match by a narrow margin.

4. On-field umpire's soft signal scrapped

If an on-field umpire leaves a decision to the third umpire, he does not have to convey his own decision, known as a soft signal.&nbsp;Earlier, if the third umpire could not take a decision, the on-field umpire's decision was taken as final. That has now been scrapped. The move comes after controversy surrounding soft signal in the series between India and England, where skipper Virat Kohli had expressed his disappointment regarding the rule.

5. Who calls no-balls?

As per the updated IPL guidelines, the third umpire can overrule the no-ball decision made by the on-field umpire. The move comes to cut short human errors. Earlier, the third-umpire couldn't interfere in on-field no-ball calls.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/from-rabada-to-archer-key-players-set-to-miss-first-ipl-2021-match-of-their-teams-376238" hreflang="en">Key players set to miss first IPL 2021 match of their teams</a>

6. Name change

Punjab team has gone for a change of name and a refreshed brand presence. The XI is out from Kings XI Punjab, and it's now Punjab Kings. This is the first time in IPL history that the Punjab team has gone for a name change. It remains to be seen whether this will bring a change in fortune for the KL Rahul-led side.

7. Captain woes for Delhi Capitals

Shreyas Iyer, the captain of the Delhi Capitals, was ruled out of IPL 2021 due&nbsp;to a shoulder injury. Rishabh Pant has been named as the skipper in Iyer's absence. Interestingly, Pant had led Delhi's Ranji Trophy team, consisting of the likes of Gautam Gambhir, Nitish Rana, Navdeep Saini,&nbsp;to the final of the tournament in 2017.

8. Change of look

Most teams have new sponsors, and therefore, change in jersey.&nbsp;&nbsp;The overall design is also different for Mumbai Indians and Punjab Kings while the likes of Royal Challengers Bangalore and Rajashtan Royals have gone for a fresh look. Even Chennai Super Kings added a bit of flair to their jersey by adding camouflage shoulder strips as a tribute to the Indian armed forces.

9. Injury issues

Rajasthan Royals pacer Jofra Archer is not playing, at least initially, due to injury. The English star had surgery on his finger recently. His absence is seen as weakening the bowling attack of the team. However, the speedster is expected to return in the second phase of IPL 2021.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/vvs-laxman-to-wion-delhi-capitals-captaincy-will-help-rishabh-pant-reach-his-potential-376136" hreflang="en">VVS Laxman to WION: DC captaincy will help Rishabh Pant</a>

10. No home venues

IPL 2021 will be played across six venues: Chennai, Mumbai, Kolkata, New Delhi, Bengaluru and Ahmedabad. No teams will be able to play matches at their home venue as BCCI didn't want to hand an unfair advantage to any team. While the first leg will start at Chennai and Mumbai, the tournament will shift to Bengaluru, Kolkata and New Delhi in the next phase. Ahmedabad is scheduled to host the playoffs and final of IPL 2021.

The Indian Premier League (IPL) is back in India with the 14th edition of the tournament set to roll on Friday. While there is a massive buzz surrounding the cash-rich tournament among fans and cricket fraternity, IPL 2021 will witness a few tweaks amid challenging times.

The Indian Premier League (IPL) is back in India with the 14th edition of the tournament set to roll on Friday. While there is a massive buzz surrounding the cash-rich tournament among fans and cricket fraternity, IPL 2021 will witness a few tweaks amid challenging times. From player changes to new guidelines, here are 10 things different in Indian Premier League 2021 ( IPL) 1. Length of innings Strict guidelines have been issued to teams to finish their bowling innings in 90 minutes. Within this, there will be five minutes of strategic time-out. As a result, an innings will now last 85 minutes. Otherwise, the match will have to be finished as per the overs bowled within this time. The move comes after many matches in previous editions were played beyond the permitted time. 2. Hour-long Super Over It has been decided to extend the match for only an hour after the designated time ends. In the last IPL, a match ended in a tie even in the Super Over, which resulted in another Super Over. After the new regulations by the BCCI, Super Overs will have to be played within an hour of a tied match. If the winner is not decided within this hour, both teams taking part will claim one point each. The decision has been taken so that the games don't go beyond the stipulated time. ALSO READ: Show must go on: India awaits IPL 2021 amid COVID-19 pandemic worries 3. Third umpire to watch short run The duty of monitoring short run will now go to the third umpire. Rule 18 of the Laws of Cricket states that “a run is "short" if either, or both, batsmen fail to make good their ground -- cross the crease-- in turning for a further run. In IPL 2020, the on-field umpire mistakenly called a run by Chris Jordan short - which led to Kings XI Punjab - now Punjab Kings - losing the match by a narrow margin. 4. On-field umpire's soft signal scrapped If an on-field umpire leaves a decision to the third umpire, he does not have to convey his own decision, known as a soft signal. Earlier, if the third umpire could not take a decision, the on-field umpire's decision was taken as final. That has now been scrapped. The move comes after controversy surrounding soft signal in the series between India and England, where skipper Virat Kohli had expressed his disappointment regarding the rule. 5. Who calls no-balls? As per the updated IPL guidelines, the third umpire can overrule the no-ball decision made by the on-field umpire. The move comes to cut short human errors. Earlier, the third-umpire couldn't interfere in on-field no-ball calls. ALSO READ: Key players set to miss first IPL 2021 match of their teams 6. Name change Punjab team has gone for a change of name and a refreshed brand presence. The XI is out from Kings XI Punjab, and it's now Punjab Kings. This is the first time in IPL history that the Punjab team has gone for a name change. It remains to be seen whether this will bring a change in fortune for the KL Rahul-led side. 7. Captain woes for Delhi Capitals Shreyas Iyer, the captain of the Delhi Capitals, was ruled out of IPL 2021 due to a shoulder injury. Rishabh Pant has been named as the skipper in Iyer's absence. Interestingly, Pant had led Delhi's Ranji Trophy team, consisting of the likes of Gautam Gambhir, Nitish Rana, Navdeep Saini, to the final of the tournament in 2017. 8. Change of look Most teams have new sponsors, and therefore, change in jersey. The overall design is also different for Mumbai Indians and Punjab Kings while the likes of Royal Challengers Bangalore and Rajashtan Royals have gone for a fresh look. Even Chennai Super Kings added a bit of flair to their jersey by adding camouflage shoulder strips as a tribute to the Indian armed forces. 9. Injury issues Rajasthan Royals pacer Jofra Archer is not playing, at least initially, due to injury. The English star had surgery on his finger recently. His absence is seen as weakening the bowling attack of the team. However, the speedster is expected to return in the second phase of IPL 2021. ALSO READ: VVS Laxman to WION: DC captaincy will help Rishabh Pant 10. No home venues IPL 2021 will be played across six venues: Chennai, Mumbai, Kolkata, New Delhi, Bengaluru and Ahmedabad. No teams will be able to play matches at their home venue as BCCI didn't want to hand an unfair advantage to any team. While the first leg will start at Chennai and Mumbai, the tournament will shift to Bengaluru, Kolkata and New Delhi in the next phase. Ahmedabad is scheduled to host the playoffs and final of IPL 2021.

IPL 2021: What is new, what has changed, who is in, who is out? Ten things different this time

Chennai will witness on Friday the first clash of Indian Premier League 2021, the second avatar of the pandemic-era tournament in eight months, after the 2020 edition had to be postponed to November and moved to UAE.

The inaugural match of the cricketing extravaganza will see the clash between reigning champions Mumbai Indians and Royal Challengers Bangalore.

Last year's final was held on November 10th in Dubai.

For the Indian players who are national team members, it's been relentless cricket since then. From Dubai, they went straight to Australia for a full-fledged tour. After returning from Australia, they hosted a gruelling series against&nbsp;England. The last game was on March 28th.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/vvs-laxman-to-wion-ipl-biggest-game-changer-for-indian-cricket-376128" hreflang="en">VVS Laxman to WION: IPL biggest game-changer for Indian cricket</a>

After that, they went into their respective IPL team camps. First to the bio-secure bubbles, then training, and now, back to action. In short, the pandemic has not stopped the play for them.

But COVID-19 is very much in the minds of cricketers and organisers alike. Several players, some coaches and officials have tested positive for the coronavirus in the past months. There are going to be restrictions on attendance, and calls have been made to relocate matches.

One of the venues is in Mumbai, which is facing one of the worst spikes of Covid cases.

IN PICS |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-ms-dhoni-to-imran-tahir-five-oldest-players-in-ipl-2021-375933" hreflang="en">From MS Dhoni to Imran Tahir: Five oldest players in IPL 2021</a>

Matches in Mumbai are scheduled from April 10 to 25, at Wankhede stadium. Some local residents have already written a letter to Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray, asking for a change of location in view of the spike. Though spectators are not allowed, there are concerns about large number of people gathering to see the cricketers passing by in their buses.&nbsp;

There are also worries that the tournament could turn into a super-spreader event.

But the show, it appears, will go on. IPL 2021 will be held in six cities - Mumbai, Chennai, Bengaluru, Ahmedabad, New Delhi, and Kolkata. The final will be played at the Narendra Modi Cricket Stadium Ahmedabad on May 30th. &nbsp;

And the Board of Control for Cricket in India is leaving no stones unturned to pull it off.

“COVID-19 cases are increasing, so BCCI has taken all precautions for IPL," assured BCCI Vice President Rajeev Shukla

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/from-rabada-to-archer-key-players-set-to-miss-first-ipl-2021-match-of-their-teams-376238" hreflang="en">Key players set to miss first IPL 2021 match of their teams</a>

"Only six venues have been kept for the tournament, bio-bubble has been created, members of the squad have also been increased. The tournament will go on without any audience,” he added.

The Indian cricketing body has ruled out shifting IPL from Mumbai. But it has put in place a number of restrictions and precautionary measures.

Besides the decision to have no spectators, BCCI will ensure that the squads, support staff and other stakeholders are in bio-bubbles till the tournament finishes. There will be 'bio-bubble enforcers' and Covid tests on a regular basis for all involved in the event.

Check-in counters specifically for the IPL squads and support staff have been requested at airports of the hosting cities. &nbsp;

Bio-bubble integrity officers will make it mandatory for players and staff to wear masks before leaving hotel rooms. They will have to wear masks in order to use the common areas of the hotels. It will be ensured that they wear masks before leaving the grounds.

A few players and officials have already tested positive for the dreaded virus.&nbsp;This includes former India wicketkeeper Kiran More&nbsp;and Royal Challengers Bangalore’s Australian all-rounder Daniel Sams.

In spite of the odds, BCCI is hoping to repeat the feat it pulled off in the UAE last year.&nbsp;

It's indeed all fingers crossed, for bringing to you what was known as the father of all entertainment.

Chennai will witness on Friday the first clash of Indian Premier League 2021, the second avatar of the pandemic-era tournament in eight months, after the 2020 edition had to be postponed to November and moved to UAE.

Chennai will witness on Friday the first clash of Indian Premier League 2021, the second avatar of the pandemic-era tournament in eight months, after the 2020 edition had to be postponed to November and moved to UAE. The inaugural match of the cricketing extravaganza will see the clash between reigning champions Mumbai Indians and Royal Challengers Bangalore. Last year's final was held on November 10th in Dubai. For the Indian players who are national team members, it's been relentless cricket since then. From Dubai, they went straight to Australia for a full-fledged tour. After returning from Australia, they hosted a gruelling series against England. The last game was on March 28th. ALSO READ: VVS Laxman to WION: IPL biggest game-changer for Indian cricket After that, they went into their respective IPL team camps. First to the bio-secure bubbles, then training, and now, back to action. In short, the pandemic has not stopped the play for them. But COVID-19 is very much in the minds of cricketers and organisers alike. Several players, some coaches and officials have tested positive for the coronavirus in the past months. There are going to be restrictions on attendance, and calls have been made to relocate matches. One of the venues is in Mumbai, which is facing one of the worst spikes of Covid cases. IN PICS | From MS Dhoni to Imran Tahir: Five oldest players in IPL 2021 Matches in Mumbai are scheduled from April 10 to 25, at Wankhede stadium. Some local residents have already written a letter to Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray, asking for a change of location in view of the spike. Though spectators are not allowed, there are concerns about large number of people gathering to see the cricketers passing by in their buses. There are also worries that the tournament could turn into a super-spreader event. But the show, it appears, will go on. IPL 2021 will be held in six cities - Mumbai, Chennai, Bengaluru, Ahmedabad, New Delhi, and Kolkata. The final will be played at the Narendra Modi Cricket Stadium Ahmedabad on May 30th. And the Board of Control for Cricket in India is leaving no stones unturned to pull it off. “COVID-19 cases are increasing, so BCCI has taken all precautions for IPL," assured BCCI Vice President Rajeev Shukla ALSO READ: Key players set to miss first IPL 2021 match of their teams "Only six venues have been kept for the tournament, bio-bubble has been created, members of the squad have also been increased. The tournament will go on without any audience,” he added. The Indian cricketing body has ruled out shifting IPL from Mumbai. But it has put in place a number of restrictions and precautionary measures. Besides the decision to have no spectators, BCCI will ensure that the squads, support staff and other stakeholders are in bio-bubbles till the tournament finishes. There will be 'bio-bubble enforcers' and Covid tests on a regular basis for all involved in the event. Check-in counters specifically for the IPL squads and support staff have been requested at airports of the hosting cities. Bio-bubble integrity officers will make it mandatory for players and staff to wear masks before leaving hotel rooms. They will have to wear masks in order to use the common areas of the hotels. It will be ensured that they wear masks before leaving the grounds. A few players and officials have already tested positive for the dreaded virus. This includes former India wicketkeeper Kiran More and Royal Challengers Bangalore’s Australian all-rounder Daniel Sams. In spite of the odds, BCCI is hoping to repeat the feat it pulled off in the UAE last year. It's indeed all fingers crossed, for bringing to you what was known as the father of all entertainment.

Show must go on: How will BCCI pull off IPL 2021, the second tournament in the pandemic era?

Harbhajan Singh is set to be back on the cricket field with Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021, scheduled to start on April 9. Harbhajan, who didn't play IPL 2020 due to personal reasons, was signed by KKR during the auction and all eyes will be on the World Cup-winning off-spinner in the lucrative T20 tournament.&nbsp;

Harbhajan, who hasn't played professional cricket since the final of IPL 2019, received backing from KKR captain Eoin Morgan as he said that he adds plenty of experience and value to the team.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Now, Harbhajan has said that many have asked why he is still playing at the age of 40 but added he is not here to prove anything to anyone but for his own satisfaction.&nbsp;

"A lot of people think 'Bhai yeh&nbsp;kyun&nbsp;khel&nbsp;raha&nbsp;hain?' Arrey bhai ye&nbsp;unki&nbsp;soch&nbsp;hai, meri&nbsp;naahi. Meri&nbsp;soch&nbsp;hai&nbsp;ki&nbsp;main&nbsp;abhi&nbsp;khel&nbsp;sakta&nbsp;hoon,&nbsp;toh&nbsp;main&nbsp;khelunga&nbsp;(People think 'why is he playing' but that's your opinion. From where I see myself, I want to play and I will play)," Harbhajan told&nbsp;PTI in an interview.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2021-punjab-kings-more-balanced-squad-than-last-season-wasim-jaffer-to-wion-374488" hreflang="en">IPL 2021: Punjab Kings more balanced squad than last season - Wasim Jaffer to WION</a>

"I have got nothing to prove to anyone. My intention is to play well, enjoy my stint out there in the middle and playing cricket still gives me that satisfaction.&nbsp;

"I have set a standard for myself and if I don't meet that, I don't need anyone else but I will blame myself. I need to ask myself, did I put in the optimum effort that was required," he said just before moving into the team bubble."&nbsp;

Harbhajan will join the likes of Sunil Narine, Varun Chakravarthy, Kuldeep Yadav among others in the spin-heavy KKR outfit. The 40-year-old sounded confident ahead of IPL 2021 as he said with experience under his belt, he knows what to do in what conditions.&nbsp;&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/i-am-lucky-that-i-will-be-playing-under-mahi-bhai-cheteshwar-pujara-ahead-of-ipl-2021-374456" hreflang="en">'I am lucky that I will be playing under Mahi bhai': Cheteshwar Pujara ahead of IPL 2021</a>

"These questions are asked because I haven't played a lot of cricket of late so teams are a bit defensive at auction and they don't want to bid for me," Harbhajan said.&nbsp;

"But let me remind you all that when I did well for CSK in the 2019 IPL, I hadn't played any domestic cricket. I came to the camp, prepared and went into the match. At my level and experience, I know what needs to be done.&nbsp;

"I don't need to play domestic cricket for Punjab and stop a young talent from flourishing. That boy needs that chance more than me," he added.&nbsp;

Kolkata knight Riders will&nbsp;start&nbsp;their&nbsp;IPL 2021&nbsp;campaign against Sunrisers Hyderabad in Chennai on April 11&nbsp;

Harbhajan Singh is set to be back on the cricket field with Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021, scheduled to start on April 9.

Harbhajan Singh is set to be back on the cricket field with Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021, scheduled to start on April 9. Harbhajan, who didn't play IPL 2020 due to personal reasons, was signed by KKR during the auction and all eyes will be on the World Cup-winning off-spinner in the lucrative T20 tournament. Harbhajan, who hasn't played professional cricket since the final of IPL 2019, received backing from KKR captain Eoin Morgan as he said that he adds plenty of experience and value to the team. Now, Harbhajan has said that many have asked why he is still playing at the age of 40 but added he is not here to prove anything to anyone but for his own satisfaction. "A lot of people think 'Bhai yeh kyun khel raha hain?' Arrey bhai ye unki soch hai, meri naahi. Meri soch hai ki main abhi khel sakta hoon, toh main khelunga (People think 'why is he playing' but that's your opinion. From where I see myself, I want to play and I will play)," Harbhajan told PTI in an interview. ALSO READ: IPL 2021: Punjab Kings more balanced squad than last season - Wasim Jaffer to WION "I have got nothing to prove to anyone. My intention is to play well, enjoy my stint out there in the middle and playing cricket still gives me that satisfaction. "I have set a standard for myself and if I don't meet that, I don't need anyone else but I will blame myself. I need to ask myself, did I put in the optimum effort that was required," he said just before moving into the team bubble." Harbhajan will join the likes of Sunil Narine, Varun Chakravarthy, Kuldeep Yadav among others in the spin-heavy KKR outfit. The 40-year-old sounded confident ahead of IPL 2021 as he said with experience under his belt, he knows what to do in what conditions. ALSO READ: 'I am lucky that I will be playing under Mahi bhai': Cheteshwar Pujara ahead of IPL 2021 "These questions are asked because I haven't played a lot of cricket of late so teams are a bit defensive at auction and they don't want to bid for me," Harbhajan said. "But let me remind you all that when I did well for CSK in the 2019 IPL, I hadn't played any domestic cricket. I came to the camp, prepared and went into the match. At my level and experience, I know what needs to be done. "I don't need to play domestic cricket for Punjab and stop a young talent from flourishing. That boy needs that chance more than me," he added. Kolkata knight Riders will start their IPL 2021 campaign against Sunrisers Hyderabad in Chennai on April 11

I have set a standard for myself: Harbhajan Singh answers critics ahead of KKR stint in IPL 2021

Ahead of the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) captain&nbsp;Eoin Morgan gave an update on his fitness as he said the gap between the ODI series between India-England and IPL gave him the best time to recover. Morgan, England's limited-overs skipper, missed the final two ODIs against India&nbsp;after sustaining a split webbing between his thumb and index finger in the series opener.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Morgan's injury required four stitches and KKR fans were in worry whether the talismanic&nbsp;leader will miss a few games early in IPL 2021 due to the injury.&nbsp;However, Morgan has said that he is feeling a lot better now and is looking forward to his progress in the coming days. The southpaw added that doctors would be removing the stitches on Thursday.&nbsp;

"Yeah, I feel a lot better than I did a week ago. The plan moving forward is to remove the stitches tomorrow and progress with my batting in the coming days and fielding on the back of that. Given the time frame I have available, it's looking very good," said Morgan during a virtual press conference on Wednesday.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/sunrisers-hyderabad-sign-jason-roy-as-mitchell-marsh-pulls-out-of-ipl-2021-374521" hreflang="en">Sunrisers Hyderabad sign Jason Roy as Mitchell Marsh pulls out of IPL 2021</a>

There plenty of debates surrounding KKR's batting order and team composition during IPL 2020 where the Kolkata outfit narrowly missed out on the playoffs. Morgan is of the view that KKR have plenty of versatility that&nbsp;gives them the opportunity to shuffle things around. However, he admitted that they need to make the right call during matches.&nbsp;

"We are all due to get together quite soon towards the end of the week in which we will discuss our plans and thoughts and actually talk about our strengths as a squad and team. Last year, we saw the versatility within our middle order and the flexibility to promote myself, DK, or Sunil. If we play well, there will be a lot of teams that will not enjoy playing against us. We need to make the right call in when to play the best hand and that is one thing we learnt from the last year."&nbsp;&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2021-punjab-kings-more-balanced-squad-than-last-season-wasim-jaffer-to-wion-374488" hreflang="en">IPL 2021: Punjab Kings more balanced squad than last season - Wasim Jaffer to WION</a>

"The IPL is the biggest tournament in the world which has the biggest of players. A competitive campaign or successful campaign is the battle with the injuries or illness along the way. Whether you like it or not, it does happen throughout a season. Planning needs to be put across to strengthen your team across all areas. We did that in this auction and we are hoping to best position ourselves to have a versatile team when it comes to selection," he added.&nbsp;&nbsp;

IPL will begin on April 9 with Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) and Mumbai Indians locking horns&nbsp;in the tournament opener. KKR will play their first game on April 11 against SunRisers Hyderabad.&nbsp;

Ahead of the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) captain Eoin Morgan gave an update on his fitness as he said the gap between the ODI series between India-England and IPL gave him the best time to recover.

Ahead of the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) captain Eoin Morgan gave an update on his fitness as he said the gap between the ODI series between India-England and IPL gave him the best time to recover. Morgan, England's limited-overs skipper, missed the final two ODIs against India after sustaining a split webbing between his thumb and index finger in the series opener. Morgan's injury required four stitches and KKR fans were in worry whether the talismanic leader will miss a few games early in IPL 2021 due to the injury. However, Morgan has said that he is feeling a lot better now and is looking forward to his progress in the coming days. The southpaw added that doctors would be removing the stitches on Thursday. "Yeah, I feel a lot better than I did a week ago. The plan moving forward is to remove the stitches tomorrow and progress with my batting in the coming days and fielding on the back of that. Given the time frame I have available, it's looking very good," said Morgan during a virtual press conference on Wednesday. ALSO READ: Sunrisers Hyderabad sign Jason Roy as Mitchell Marsh pulls out of IPL 2021 There plenty of debates surrounding KKR's batting order and team composition during IPL 2020 where the Kolkata outfit narrowly missed out on the playoffs. Morgan is of the view that KKR have plenty of versatility that gives them the opportunity to shuffle things around. However, he admitted that they need to make the right call during matches. "We are all due to get together quite soon towards the end of the week in which we will discuss our plans and thoughts and actually talk about our strengths as a squad and team. Last year, we saw the versatility within our middle order and the flexibility to promote myself, DK, or Sunil. If we play well, there will be a lot of teams that will not enjoy playing against us. We need to make the right call in when to play the best hand and that is one thing we learnt from the last year." ALSO READ: IPL 2021: Punjab Kings more balanced squad than last season - Wasim Jaffer to WION "The IPL is the biggest tournament in the world which has the biggest of players. A competitive campaign or successful campaign is the battle with the injuries or illness along the way. Whether you like it or not, it does happen throughout a season. Planning needs to be put across to strengthen your team across all areas. We did that in this auction and we are hoping to best position ourselves to have a versatile team when it comes to selection," he added. IPL will begin on April 9 with Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) and Mumbai Indians locking horns in the tournament opener. KKR will play their first game on April 11 against SunRisers Hyderabad.

KKR captain Eoin Morgan provides update on his split webbing injury ahead of IPL 2021

Bollywood actor Shah Rukh Khan continues to grow the Knight Riders brand globally as the owner of the Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise Kolkata Knight Riders gas expanded the franchise family by acquiring Los Angeles team for the forthcoming Major League Cricket (MLC) in the United States of America.

Reportedly, Knight Riders have now entered the United States of America market by buying the MLC franchise and will represent Knight Riders franchise. Major League Cricket has taken cue from the successful Major League Soccer (MLS) and is set to follow similar footstep by introducing USA’s first professional cricket T20 league.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/exclusive-australia-looking-a-cut-above-indian-team-john-buchanan-346722" hreflang="en">Exclusive | Australia looking a cut above Indian team: John Buchanan</a>

SRK’s latest team in MLC is set to be called LA Knight Riders.

“For several years now, we have been expanding the Knight Riders brand globally, and closely watching the potential for T20 cricket in the USA. We are convinced that Major League Cricket has all the pieces in place to execute on its plans and we look forward to making our partnership an enormous success in the coming years,” Shah Rukh Khan was quoted as saying in a statement as per Mumbai Mirror.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/aaron-finch-names-3-players-who-can-replace-david-warner-in-3rd-odi-vs-india-346640" hreflang="en">Aaron Finch names 3 players who can replace David Warner in 3rd ODI vs India</a> 
 
The Major League Cricket will be a six-team tournament in the US where Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco, Washington DC, Chicago and Dallas will participate in the inaugural edition of the tournament.&nbsp;

Venky Mysore, who is the Kolkata Knight Riders and Red Chillies Entertainment CEO asserted that the franchise owners are gearing up for the fresh&nbsp;

Bollywood actor Shah Rukh Khan continues to grow the Knight Riders brand globally as the owner of the Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise Kolkata Knight Riders gas expanded the franchise family by acquiring Los Angeles team for the forthcoming Major League Cricket (MLC) in the United States of America.

Bollywood actor Shah Rukh Khan continues to grow the Knight Riders brand globally as the owner of the Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise Kolkata Knight Riders gas expanded the franchise family by acquiring Los Angeles team for the forthcoming Major League Cricket (MLC) in the United States of America. Reportedly, Knight Riders have now entered the United States of America market by buying the MLC franchise and will represent Knight Riders franchise. Major League Cricket has taken cue from the successful Major League Soccer (MLS) and is set to follow similar footstep by introducing USA’s first professional cricket T20 league. ALSO READ: Exclusive | Australia looking a cut above Indian team: John Buchanan SRK’s latest team in MLC is set to be called LA Knight Riders. “For several years now, we have been expanding the Knight Riders brand globally, and closely watching the potential for T20 cricket in the USA. We are convinced that Major League Cricket has all the pieces in place to execute on its plans and we look forward to making our partnership an enormous success in the coming years,” Shah Rukh Khan was quoted as saying in a statement as per Mumbai Mirror. ALSO READ: Aaron Finch names 3 players who can replace David Warner in 3rd ODI vs India The Major League Cricket will be a six-team tournament in the US where Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco, Washington DC, Chicago and Dallas will participate in the inaugural edition of the tournament. Venky Mysore, who is the Kolkata Knight Riders and Red Chillies Entertainment CEO asserted that the franchise owners are gearing up for the fresh

Cricket in Hollywood: Shah Rukh Khan-owned Knight Riders buy Los Angeles franchise for MLC

Kolkata Knight Riders knock Rajasthan Royals out of the tournament after beating them by 60 runs in the 54th match of IPL 2020 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/chennai-super-kings-end-ipl-2020-campaign-with-9-wicket-win-knock-kings-xi-punjab-out-339458" hreflang="en">Chennai Super Kings end IPL 2020 campaign with 9-wicket win, knock Kings XI Punjab out</a>

Rajasthan won the toss and chose to bowl first. Kolkata Knight Rider's lost their in-form batsman Nitish Rana on the very second ball. However, a 72-run partnership between Shubman Gill and Rahul Tripathi stabilised the innings for KKR. Eoin Morgan's blistering half-century (68 runs off 35 balls) powered Kolkata to a very competitive 191 runs by the end of the innings.&nbsp;

Rajasthan Royals began the chase on a terrible note as they lost five wickets in the powerplay itself. Buttler and Tewatia tried to stabilise the innings. However, Buttler's wicket applied serious breaks to Rajasthan's chase. They suffered a mammoth loss by 60 runs.&nbsp;

With this win, KKR jumped to the fourth position and hope to make it into playoffs unless Sunrisers Hyderabad beat Mumbai Indians. Rajasthan Royals finished at the bottom of the table with the loss. Pat Cummins was adjudged the Player of the Match for his match-winning bowling figures. The Aussie scalped four wickets which include Uthappa, Stokes and Smith.&nbsp;

Kolkata Knight Riders knock Rajasthan Royals out of the tournament after beating them by 60 runs in the 54th match of IPL 2020 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.

Kolkata Knight Riders knock Rajasthan Royals out of the tournament after beating them by 60 runs in the 54th match of IPL 2020 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. Also read: Chennai Super Kings end IPL 2020 campaign with 9-wicket win, knock Kings XI Punjab out Rajasthan won the toss and chose to bowl first. Kolkata Knight Rider's lost their in-form batsman Nitish Rana on the very second ball. However, a 72-run partnership between Shubman Gill and Rahul Tripathi stabilised the innings for KKR. Eoin Morgan's blistering half-century (68 runs off 35 balls) powered Kolkata to a very competitive 191 runs by the end of the innings. Rajasthan Royals began the chase on a terrible note as they lost five wickets in the powerplay itself. Buttler and Tewatia tried to stabilise the innings. However, Buttler's wicket applied serious breaks to Rajasthan's chase. They suffered a mammoth loss by 60 runs. With this win, KKR jumped to the fourth position and hope to make it into playoffs unless Sunrisers Hyderabad beat Mumbai Indians. Rajasthan Royals finished at the bottom of the table with the loss. Pat Cummins was adjudged the Player of the Match for his match-winning bowling figures. The Aussie scalped four wickets which include Uthappa, Stokes and Smith.

Pat Cummins show help Kolkata Knight Riders knock Rajasthan Royals out of IPL 2020

Kolkata Knight Riders' hopes for play-offs were dented after Chennai pulled off a last-minute win. KKR find themselves in a sticky position as a seventh loss this season has opened their chances of being knocked out.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2020-mumbai-indians-post-cheeky-tweet-after-yadavs-stare-off-with-kohli-339014" hreflang="en">IPL 2020: Mumbai Indians post cheeky tweet after Yadav's stare-off with Kohli</a>

However, KKR's team mentor David Hussey believes that the team is still "breathing" in the tournament and are still confident of qualifying into the playoffs this season.&nbsp;

During the post-match press conference, he said: "We have put ourselves in this position by losing games. But we are still breathing in the competition."

"In a few days' time, we are going to recharge our batteries and come out and play free-flowing cricket. You never know what could happen, results go our way and we can shock a few teams in the playoffs," he added.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2020-jadejas-final-fireworks-help-chennai-to-thrilling-ipl-win-338959" hreflang="en">IPL 2020: Jadeja's final fireworks help Chennai to thrilling IPL win</a>

"Every defeat is difficult. But full credit to Chennai, they deserved the win. They bowled and fielded well and then they chased the total. I thought 175 was par... full credit to Chennai. Their second-wicket partnership batsmen Rayudu and the youngster from Maharashtra (Gaikwad) was sublime and went a long way in winning the game for Chennai," Hussey spoke about the last-ball defeat against CSK.

When asked about Rana's performance for KKR this season, he said: "Yeah...Rana. He has had a very good tournament. A very consistent tournament. In the last few innings he has been a consistent player for KKR."

Kolkata Knight Riders' hopes for play-offs were dented after Chennai pulled off a last-minute win. KKR find themselves in a sticky position as a seventh loss this season has opened their chances of being knocked out.

Kolkata Knight Riders' hopes for play-offs were dented after Chennai pulled off a last-minute win. KKR find themselves in a sticky position as a seventh loss this season has opened their chances of being knocked out. Also read: IPL 2020: Mumbai Indians post cheeky tweet after Yadav's stare-off with Kohli However, KKR's team mentor David Hussey believes that the team is still "breathing" in the tournament and are still confident of qualifying into the playoffs this season. During the post-match press conference, he said: "We have put ourselves in this position by losing games. But we are still breathing in the competition." "In a few days' time, we are going to recharge our batteries and come out and play free-flowing cricket. You never know what could happen, results go our way and we can shock a few teams in the playoffs," he added. Also read: IPL 2020: Jadeja's final fireworks help Chennai to thrilling IPL win "Every defeat is difficult. But full credit to Chennai, they deserved the win. They bowled and fielded well and then they chased the total. I thought 175 was par... full credit to Chennai. Their second-wicket partnership batsmen Rayudu and the youngster from Maharashtra (Gaikwad) was sublime and went a long way in winning the game for Chennai," Hussey spoke about the last-ball defeat against CSK. When asked about Rana's performance for KKR this season, he said: "Yeah...Rana. He has had a very good tournament. A very consistent tournament. In the last few innings he has been a consistent player for KKR."

'You never know': KKR's mentor David Hussey still confident of playoff spot despite 7th loss

Mandeep Singh batted through the innings just two days after the death of his father to see Punjab Kings XI to a fifth straight Indian Premier League.

Singh hit 66 and Chris Gayle 51 as unfancied Punjab beat Kolkata Knight Riders by eight wickets and moved into the playoff places for the first time.

Punjab had lost five games before the current winning streak. They have beaten table toppers Mumbai Indians and Delhi Capitals to force their way into contention.

Shubman Gill hit 57 and captain Eoin Morgan 40, but Kolkata managed only 149-9 off their 20 overs.&nbsp;

Singh led the latest Punjab victorious onslaught as they reached 150-2 with seven balls to spare.

He put on 47 for the first wicket with captain KL Rahul and then 100 with Gayle, who smashed five sixes in his 51.&nbsp;

"This was very special. My father always used to tell me you should remain not out in the game. This one is for him," said Singh who pointed to the sky &nbsp;on reaching his 50, in tribute to his athletics coach father.

Singh said he had to convince Rahul to let him play a slower game while the captain and Gayle went for the runs.&nbsp;

"I told Rahul, 'if I play my natural game, I can see this through'. So he was okay with me taking my time and he went after the bowling."

Rahul and Gayle understood Singh's emotions.

"I am just so proud of him, he made everyone emotional," said Rahul.

"It was so good to see him look up to the sky. We knew it was a message to his dad," said Gayle.

The defeat was a double blow for Kolkata who lost fourth place on run rate to Punjab.&nbsp;

Both teams have 12 points from 12 games with two to go.

Mandeep Singh batted through the innings just two days after the death of his father to see Punjab Kings XI to a fifth straight Indian Premier League. Singh hit 66 and Chris Gayle 51 as unfancied Punjab beat Kolkata Knight Riders by eight wickets and moved into the playoff places for the first time.

Mandeep Singh batted through the innings just two days after the death of his father to see Punjab Kings XI to a fifth straight Indian Premier League. Singh hit 66 and Chris Gayle 51 as unfancied Punjab beat Kolkata Knight Riders by eight wickets and moved into the playoff places for the first time. Punjab had lost five games before the current winning streak. They have beaten table toppers Mumbai Indians and Delhi Capitals to force their way into contention. Shubman Gill hit 57 and captain Eoin Morgan 40, but Kolkata managed only 149-9 off their 20 overs. Singh led the latest Punjab victorious onslaught as they reached 150-2 with seven balls to spare. He put on 47 for the first wicket with captain KL Rahul and then 100 with Gayle, who smashed five sixes in his 51. "This was very special. My father always used to tell me you should remain not out in the game. This one is for him," said Singh who pointed to the sky on reaching his 50, in tribute to his athletics coach father. Singh said he had to convince Rahul to let him play a slower game while the captain and Gayle went for the runs. "I told Rahul, 'if I play my natural game, I can see this through'. So he was okay with me taking my time and he went after the bowling." Rahul and Gayle understood Singh's emotions. "I am just so proud of him, he made everyone emotional," said Rahul. "It was so good to see him look up to the sky. We knew it was a message to his dad," said Gayle. The defeat was a double blow for Kolkata who lost fourth place on run rate to Punjab. Both teams have 12 points from 12 games with two to go.

Mandeep Singh overcomes family tragedy to put Punjab back into IPL race

'Shaky' Kolkata Knight Riders and 'rejuvenated' Kings XI Punjab will square off for the play-off spot in the 46th match of IPL 2020 at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium on Monday.

'Shaky' Kolkata Knight Riders and 'rejuvenated' Kings XI Punjab will square off for the play-off spot in the 46th match of IPL 2020 at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium on Monday. Also read: IPL 2020: Stokes ton keeps Royals in hunt for IPL play-offs, Chennai out Kolkata Knight Riders come in the game after beating Delhi Capitals (DC) by 59 runs. However, inconsistency has been a worry for the Knight Riders. They managed to win six matches out of 11 games and are on the fourth spot in the IPL points table. But KKR's record at Sharjah has been poor as they were beaten by DC and RCB. Nitish Rana and Sunil Narine were the match-winners for the KKR in the past match. Narine managed to choke Kings XI in the previous match and snatched a win from the jaws of defeat. Kings XI Punjab, on the other hand, have staged a comeback in the league after winning four consecutive matches. From being at the bottom of the table to climbing onto the fifth position. In the previous match, they managed to defend a total of 126 at Dubai against Sunrisers. Their captain, KL Rahul, is currently the orange cap holder. Bowling duo of Chris Jordan and Arshdeep Singh have been lethal. Mayank Agarwal's availability is still in question as he missed out the previous fixture due to injury. Glen Maxwell could sit this one out and James Neesham could be called in. Probable XI: KKR: Shubman Gill, Nitish Rana, Rahul Tripathi, Dinesh Karthik (wk), Sunil Narine, Eoin Morgan (c), Pat Cummins, Shivam Mavi/Kamlesh Nagarkoti, Lockie Ferguson, Prasidh Krishna, Varun Chakravarthy KXIP: KL Rahul (c, wk), Mayank Agarwal/Mandeep Singh, Chris Gayle, Nicholas Pooran, Glenn Maxwell/James Neesham, Deepak Hooda, Chris Jordan, M Ashwin, Ravi Bishnoi, Mohammed Shami, Arshdeep Singh

IPL 2020: Kings XI Punjab will take on Kolkata Knight Riders for playoff spot

Kolkata Knight Riders take on Delhi Capitals in the 42nd match of IPL 2020 at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi. It will be the first match of the doubleheader Saturday.

Kolkata Knight Riders take on Delhi Capitals in the 42nd match of IPL 2020 at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi. It will be the first match of the doubleheader Saturday. Delhi Capitals have had a great season. DC are second on the points table with 7 wins and 3 losses. Shikhar Dhawan has been in sublime form after scoring back-to-back centuries. Past four innings of Shikhar Dhawan were 106*, 101*, 57 and 69*. Kagiso Rabada is the purple cap holder with 21 wickets in 10 games and a bowler-friendly venue like Abu Dhabi will make him lethal. Shaw has had a poor season, but he smashed 66 off 41 balls during his side’s previous encounter against KKR and that shall give him confidence as he looks to return to form. KKR has had a shaky season. They are fourth on IPL's points table with 5 wins and losses. KKR's batting order has been the Achilles' heel. Skipper Eoin Morgan will be looking to play a pivotal role for the club. Lockie Ferguson has been a game-changer for the franchise. He scalped four wickets from his two matches for KKR this season. Probable XI: KKR: Shubman Gill, Rahul Tripathi, Nitish Rana, Dinesh Karthik (w), Eoin Morgan, Andre Russell/Tom Banton, Pat Cummins/Sunil Narine, Lockie Ferguson, Kuldeep Yadav, Prasidh Krishna, Varun Chakravarthy DC: Prithvi Shaw, Shikhar Dhawan, Shreyas Iyer (c), Rishabh Pant (wk), Marcus Stoinis, Shimron Hetmyer, Daniel Sams, Axar Patel, Ravichandran Ashwin, Kagiso Rabada/Anrich Nortje, Tushar Deshpande

IPL 2020: Kolkata Knight Riders take on injury-plagued Delhi Capitals

Kolkata Knight Riders beat Delhi Capitals by 59 runs in the 42nd match of IPL 2020 on Saturday at the &nbsp;Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi, and still are in the race for the play-offs.&nbsp;

Delhi Capitals won the toss and opted to bowl. Kolkata Knight Riders were off to a bad start as they were down to 42/3 within 8 overs. However, the quick 115-partnership between Sunil Narine and Nitish Rana powered KKR to 194/6 by the end of 20 overs. The total was very competitive for a bowling-friendly venue like Abu Dhabi.&nbsp;

Delhi Capitals, on the other hand, were off to a bad start as the openers fell within first 3 overs. Shreyas Iyer and Rishabh Pant tried to revive DC with a 63-run partnership, but Chakravarthy's 5-wicket haul helped KKR beat the dominant Capitals by 59 runs. Pat Cummins scalped three wickets, including the openers, for the Knight Riders. This is Delhi's second-consecutive defeat.&nbsp;

With this win, Kolkata remains in the fourth in the IPL points table with 12 points, whereas, Delhi Capitals stay on second with 14 points in the pocket. &nbsp;

Varun Chakravarthy was adjudged the Player of the Match for scalping 5 wickets.&nbsp;

Kolkata Knight Riders beat Delhi Capitals by 59 runs in the 42nd match of IPL 2020 on Saturday at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi, and still are in the race for the play-offs.

Kolkata Knight Riders beat Delhi Capitals by 59 runs in the 42nd match of IPL 2020 on Saturday at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi, and still are in the race for the play-offs. Delhi Capitals won the toss and opted to bowl. Kolkata Knight Riders were off to a bad start as they were down to 42/3 within 8 overs. However, the quick 115-partnership between Sunil Narine and Nitish Rana powered KKR to 194/6 by the end of 20 overs. The total was very competitive for a bowling-friendly venue like Abu Dhabi. Delhi Capitals, on the other hand, were off to a bad start as the openers fell within first 3 overs. Shreyas Iyer and Rishabh Pant tried to revive DC with a 63-run partnership, but Chakravarthy's 5-wicket haul helped KKR beat the dominant Capitals by 59 runs. Pat Cummins scalped three wickets, including the openers, for the Knight Riders. This is Delhi's second-consecutive defeat. With this win, Kolkata remains in the fourth in the IPL points table with 12 points, whereas, Delhi Capitals stay on second with 14 points in the pocket. Varun Chakravarthy was adjudged the Player of the Match for scalping 5 wickets.

IPL 2020: Rana and Chakravarthy shine as Kolkata register thumping victory against Delhi

Kolkata Knight Riders coach Brendon McCullum said his batsmen will have to address their lack of intent after managing only 84 runs from 20 overs in Wednesday’s eight-wicket Indian Premier League (IPL) defeat by Royal Challengers Bangalore.

Kolkata’s total in seam-friendly conditions in Abu Dhabi was the lowest score in the IPL by a team playing its full quota of 20 overs, with Mumbai Indians’ 94-8 against Rajasthan Royals in 2011 the previous record.

Bangalore’s Mohammed Siraj was the pick of the bowlers, giving away eight runs in his four overs and picking up three wickets.

“RCB bowled really well. Siraj bowled an excellent line and length and I think he was able to present the seam and ask a few questions of us, questions which in the past we have answered better than we did,” McCullum told reporters.

“Before the game we talked about wanting to show strong intent at the top of the order and we lacked intent. That’s something we’re going to have to address... you have to be creative to get yourselves into the game.

“You’re not going to win too many games from 40-6... we’ve got to bounce back. That could be the nature of this tournament with the conditions being slightly challenging... find a way to pick yourselves up and get a result after a poor one.”

Twice champions Kolkata are fourth in the table with 10 points from as many games, while Bangalore are second on 14 points, trailing leaders Delhi Capitals only on net run rate.

Kolkata Knight Riders coach Brendon McCullum said his batsmen will have to address their lack of intent after managing only 84 runs from 20 overs in Wednesday’s eight-wicket Indian Premier League (IPL) defeat by Royal Challengers Bangalore.

Kolkata Knight Riders coach Brendon McCullum said his batsmen will have to address their lack of intent after managing only 84 runs from 20 overs in Wednesday’s eight-wicket Indian Premier League (IPL) defeat by Royal Challengers Bangalore. Kolkata’s total in seam-friendly conditions in Abu Dhabi was the lowest score in the IPL by a team playing its full quota of 20 overs, with Mumbai Indians’ 94-8 against Rajasthan Royals in 2011 the previous record. Bangalore’s Mohammed Siraj was the pick of the bowlers, giving away eight runs in his four overs and picking up three wickets. “RCB bowled really well. Siraj bowled an excellent line and length and I think he was able to present the seam and ask a few questions of us, questions which in the past we have answered better than we did,” McCullum told reporters. “Before the game we talked about wanting to show strong intent at the top of the order and we lacked intent. That’s something we’re going to have to address... you have to be creative to get yourselves into the game. “You’re not going to win too many games from 40-6... we’ve got to bounce back. That could be the nature of this tournament with the conditions being slightly challenging... find a way to pick yourselves up and get a result after a poor one.” Twice champions Kolkata are fourth in the table with 10 points from as many games, while Bangalore are second on 14 points, trailing leaders Delhi Capitals only on net run rate.

IPL 2020: McCullum wants more from Kolkata batsman