RCB KKR: Kolkata knocks RCB out of IPL 2021

RCB KKR, IPL 2021: In his last match as a captain, Virat Kohli fails to resurface any magical moment for himself and his team. They were handed a defeat in a low-scoring eliminator match against KKR.

Having performed below expectations till now Sunil Narine serves hot picking up four wickets and a momentum-shifting cameo to turn the match around. Experience is a skill that never fades, He picks up the man of the match for his powerful display.

Looking very alert right from the start Virat and Padikkal jumped out to a solid start. With Virat being more aggressive Devdutt was anchoring at the other end.

However, Lockie Ferguson got the better of Devdutt Padikkal to gong their comeback. striking again in the 19th over, Ferguson got Shahbaz Ahmed with a pacey full toss which Ahmed failed to capitalise on.

RCB then never really recovered from the recurrent blows by KKR only reaching 138 runs. Glenn Maxwell, AB de Villiers, Dan Christian all failed to make an impact. Coming from a high game Srikar Bharat was sluggish in his batting playing leisurely with a strike rate of 56.25. That was the pressure KKR built around the middle overs.

The pressure was generating from both ends, with every bowler doing their part effectively and efficiently. Mysterious Varun although missing on wicket bowled economically.

Needing 139 runs to eliminate RCB, Shubman Gill started the proceeding breathing fire. Moving and dancing down the track even against the pace attack. While Venkatesh Iyer played the role just like Devdutt anchoring the innings.

Annoyed with their fielding effort RCB missed many opportunities to put a down sharp fight till the end. Harshal Patel came to get the wicket of dangerous Gill. He again got a wicket this time Iyer becoming his victim.

He could have become the highest wicket-taker in the history of IPL in a season but two drop catches tied him up with Bravo at 32 wickets. A frustrating night for Bangalore camp.

Nitish Rana scored valuable 23 runs to make sure KKR gets to the target safely. However, RCB with the wickets of Narine and Karthik came back to the game which was still tilted towards KKR.

It was a bad captaincy decision to hand Dan Christian the final over. Virat Kohli could have used Shahbaz Ahmed somewhere in between to free up some overs of his strike bowlers. Only Garton had an over left, which could be an interesting one if he would have bowled the last over.

Mohammed Siraj bowled a marvelous spell picking up two wickets and only giving 19 runs.

Nevertheless, an amazing encounter between the two. Virat Kohli leaving the captaincy next season and also a mega auction too will be interesting for RCB and also for their fans.

KKR will now play in the second qualifier against DC, who lost to CSK in the first qualifiers.

Watch the IPL 2021 eliminator between RCB KKR.

RCB KKR: post match presentation.

Virat Kohli:

“During the middle overs, KKR spinners dominated the game, which was the difference. We started pretty well but could not make the most of it in the middle overs. Our bowlers fought till the very end and just a huge over in the middle took the game away from us. He(Narine) has been a really good asset and he showed his value in this match. Alongside him, Varun Chakravarthy and Shakib Al Hasan were also exceptional.”

“I tried my best to create a culture in this franchise where the youngsters can come and play with freedom. This is a great time to regroup and hopes we build a strong side for the coming years. For me, Loyalty matters, and I will stay with Bangalore till the last day I play in this League.”

Eoin Morgan:

“Sunil Narine makes it look vert easy. The bowlers did a good job to get us back in the game. It’s a huge privilege to have world-class spinners on the team. (about KKR depth in batting) When it comes off, it looks quite strong and deep. It’s onwards and upwards for us. It was about adjusting to the conditions and seeing what the wicket does for us. I am looking forward to the next match against Delhi. Narine is a true legend of T20 cricket and we are delighted to have him.”

Sunil Narine:

“It was a match-winning performance and I am very happy for the team. I like to do what the team requires. I enjoyed all my wickets but Kohli’s wicket was very important. With my new bowling action, I am not yet like before but I am getting there. It was a good performance from the whole team and hopes to win two more games.”