Hogg, Uthappa and Russell topple CSK
Brad Hogg took four key wickets to flummox the Chennai Super Kings batsmen, following which Robin Uthappa and Andrew Russell motored past the target of 166
Brad Hogg took four key wickets to flummox the Chennai Super Kings batsmen, following which Robin Uthappa and Andrew Russell motored past the target of 166
Scorer: Thilak Ram | Commentator: Vishal Dikshit
11.37pm KKR had a bigger score to chase today compared to Tuesday, but they did it well on their home ground. Their bowlers, led by Hogg, started things again and made sure the target was not a huge total. Uthappa started well today again and made sure he was there till the end today. KKR lost three in quick succession as Mohit, Negi and More bowled very well. However, it's not easy to stop Andre Russell, who uses such brute force when he gets going.
MS Dhoni: It was a very good score. We were there because of Negi. We lost wickets early but we are trying to explore that, we are a bit conservative. It was a very good effort but if Jadeja had bowled slightly better, I though this wicket would suit him, otherwise a good effort. Wrist spinners get more purchase on such pitches but Negi bowled well, despite giving runs, and his bowling was very good. Ashwin would've loved to bowl here. Once we are back in Chennai we'll know how he is healing.
Gautam Gambhir: It was an important test for us after we missed out on the last game. It was a test of our character and temperament, coming back and performing here was a tremendous effort. I told the team it was an important test if we want to play like defending champions, I wanted them to play freely and that's what Russell and Uthappa did. We wanted to be positive and we picked wickets and then chased it down. At one point I thought we could contain them to 140-150 but in this format and on this quick outfield it doesn't always happen. The firepower we have I knew we can chase it down. A lot of credit to Russell and Robin. One of them had to bat long, last couple of times I did it, one of the top three have to do it and that's what happened. Robin played a very sensible role especially with Russell you can easily get carried away.
Man of the Match Russell My role was to play positive and a few balls hit the middle and went over cover, can't ask for a better start. We were emphasising on watching the ball. My problem is sometimes I get to the ball and get excited, that's what he was reminding me of. We didn't have a lot of time to think after Chennai and we just made use of the home conditions.
Phew! That's all we have from the 30th match, from Kolkata, and tomorrow we will bring you two more matches tomorrow. Do join us at 1600 local time. Until then, it's goodbye and good luck from Vishal D, ciao!
Manoj: "I feel Robin should be MOM here. It was a tough wicket to bat on and he played some classy shots. Treat to the eyes"
Mayank: "Brad Hogg should be awarded Man of the Match instead of Utthappa"
Raghu Kokku: "Kudos to Dhoni. The way he has confidence in his players. Name a captain who would give last over to a debutant."
Scores level. Two balls to go. All the fielders come in, will he go for the big shot?
Nik: "Good to see Uthappa staying till the end and finishing off"
Debutant More to bowl the last over, he has six to defend
Excellent last four balls from Mohit, CSK still have a slight chance
Now third man and fine leg come in, square leg goes deep
Kolkata Knight Riders opener Robin Uthappa has said he wants to be a "pillar" for his team and continue closing out games, like he did against Chennai Super Kings at Eden Gardens
After serving as the catalyst for KKR's 2014 IPL title run, Robin Uthappa's early season struggles typified the Knight Riders' fortunes. But Thursday's win over Super Kings showed last year's magic was still there just waiting to be stirred
Plays of the day from the IPL match between Kolkata Knight Riders and Chennai Super Kings in Kolkata
Brad Hogg took four key wickets to flummox the Chennai Super Kings batsmen, following which Robin Uthappa and Andrew Russell motored past the target of 166