Cricket

KKR Mentor Gambhir Lauds RCB's Character in Thrilling IPL EncounterKolkata Knight Riders (KKR) mentor Gautam Gambhir has praised Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) for their resilience and character in their narrow one-run defeat to KKR at the Eden Gardens on Sunday.In a match that ebbed and flowed, RCB displayed a fighting spirit despite losing early wickets. Phil Salt's blistering 48 off 14 balls gave them a solid start, while skipper Shreyas Iyer (50), Rinku Singh (24), Andre Russell (27*), and Ramandeep Singh (24*) contributed valuable runs.However, KKR's bowlers, led by Cameron Green (2/35), kept the pressure on, restricting RCB to 222/6.In the chase, RCB lost Virat Kohli and Faf Du Plessis cheaply. But a century partnership between Will Jacks (55) and Rajat Patidar (52) put them back in contention.Russell and Sunil Narine then turned the tide with their economical spells, taking three and two wickets, respectively. Karn Sharma's late heroics with three sixes in the final over proved futile as RCB fell short by a single run.Gambhir took to social media to commend RCB's performance. "Phenomenal display of character by RCB today," he wrote on his official X account.Russell was named Player of the Match for his all-round contribution. With this victory, KKR moved up to second place in the standings, while RCB remained at the bottom.

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) emerged victorious in a nail-biting one-run thriller against Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 on Sunday. The match reached its climax in the final over, where RCB needed 21 runs to win.Andre Russell dismissed Dinesh Karthik on the final ball of the 19th over, leaving RCB in a precarious position. However, Karn Sharma reignited their hopes with three consecutive sixes off Mitchell Starc, who had been acquired by KKR for a hefty Rs 24.75 crore.The drama continued as Starc dismissed Sharma on the penultimate delivery, giving KKR a glimmer of hope. RCB required three runs off the final ball, but Lockie Ferguson was run out before completing the second run, handing KKR a thrilling victory.The final over unfolded as follows:* 19.1: Sharma smashed Starc's first ball for a six over deep backward point.* 19.2: Sharma survived a close call after getting an inside edge, but the ball bounced just in front of the wicket-keeper.* 19.3: Sharma added another six to his tally, reading Starc's line perfectly and hitting the ball over deep extra cover.* 19.4: Sharma continued his onslaught with a third six, this time over deep backward point.* 19.5: Starc struck for KKR as Sharma played the shot straight back at the bowler, who completed a low catch.* 19.6: Ferguson and Mohammed Siraj ran for the final ball, but Ramandeep Singh's quick throw and Phil Salt's alert stumping sealed the victory for KKR.KKR's victory was a testament to their resilience and determination, while RCB's defeat was a heartbreaking end to a valiant effort.

Andre Russell: Rediscovering His Mojo with a Leaner, Fitter ApproachAs Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) prepare for their upcoming matches, all eyes are on Andre Russell, the towering Jamaican who has been in scintillating form. In their season opener against Sunrisers Hyderabad, Russell smashed a blistering 25-ball 64, showcasing his devastating power-hitting abilities.Russell's performance at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru holds special significance. In 2019, he played a pivotal role in KKR's victory over Royal Challengers Bangalore, scoring an unbeaten 13-ball 48 to guide his team to a five-wicket win.After a challenging period last year, Russell has returned to the IPL with renewed vigor and determination. He has shed weight, improved his fitness, and sharpened his batting skills."I think it's all about the mindset," Russell said. "I watched videos of my past performances and realized that I was clear in my thoughts towards every delivery. I allowed myself to be under pressure because I've been thinking too much."Russell has also been working diligently on his fitness. "I'm feeling good," he said. "I have four packs so I'm working on the next two. I'm working on being leaner and lighter, and it's working for my body and shows in my performance as well."In addition to his physical improvements, Russell has also made technical adjustments to his batting. "I was at the nets in Abu Dhabi and Sunil Narine mentioned something," he revealed. "Having a short stride is working for me. When I look at most big-hitters, they don't have a big stride. Now I have a bit more time to play the ball."With the T20 World Cup approaching, Russell is eager to continue his impressive form. His rediscovered mojo and unwavering determination make him a formidable force in the IPL and a key player for the West Indies.

Andre Russell, the explosive all-rounder, has come to the defense of Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) head coach Chandrakant Pandit, who has faced criticism for his coaching style. Former KKR all-rounder David Wiese had labeled Pandit's approach as "militant," suggesting it led to frustration among foreign players in the team during the previous IPL season.However, Russell, a key figure in KKR's squad, offered a contrasting perspective. "We've been working with him from last year. I think when you're working with a coach for the first time, you have to make sure that you adjust to their philosophy. There have to be rules. We are professionals. So, we don't complain," Russell said during a pre-match press meet in Bengaluru."I try to do the best for this franchise. He's been doing an amazing job, and we've gotten coming back as well," he added.Pandit, known for his disciplinarian approach, took over as KKR coach before IPL 2022 following Brendon McCullum's departure. Wiese had criticized Pandit's strict and regimented style, suggesting it clashed with the mindset of experienced overseas players.Russell, however, emphasized the importance of adapting to the coach's philosophy and maintaining professionalism. "He (Pandit) is known in India as a very militant type of coach. He is very strict, very disciplinarian that type of stuff," Wiese had said on the podcast 'Hitman for Hire: A year in the life of a franchise cricketer.'"Sometimes in franchise cricket, when you have overseas guys, who've played all over the world, they don't need anyone coming and telling them how they need to behave, what they need to wear and what they need to do the whole time. So, that was tough."Despite Wiese's concerns, Russell's support for Pandit suggests that the KKR dressing room is not as divided as some may have believed. The team will be hoping to put the coaching controversy behind them and focus on performing well in the upcoming IPL season.

Kolkata Knight Riders Triumph in IPL 2024 Opener, Shah Rukh Khan Celebrates with TeamKolkata Knight Riders (KKR) kicked off their Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 campaign with a thrilling victory over Sunrisers Hyderabad at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata on Saturday. The win was made even sweeter by a special visit from team co-owner and Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan.After the match, KKR shared a video on their official Twitter handle capturing the post-match celebrations in the team dressing room. The video begins with assistant coach Abhishek Nayar praising the team's performance, while Shah Rukh Khan stands quietly in the background.Nayar then invites Shah Rukh Khan to address the team, and the superstar responds with a heartfelt message. "All the best, congratulations, and God bless you all," he says. "Be healthy, keep playing as well as you do. Thank you Chandu (Chandrakant Pandit) Sir, Abhishek (Nayar), Venky Sir, and especially Gauti (Gautam Gambhir) for being back. God bless you all."KKR's victory was hard-fought, as they found themselves in a precarious position after losing four wickets within the first eight overs. However, Andre Russell's explosive batting turned the tide in their favor. The West Indian all-rounder smashed seven sixes and three fours in his unbeaten 25-ball 64, propelling KKR to a respectable total of 208/7.Sunrisers Hyderabad fought back valiantly, with Heinrich Klaasen leading the charge with a counter-attacking fifty. However, pacer Harshit Rana held his nerve in the final over, defending 12 runs and securing the victory for KKR.Shah Rukh Khan's presence in the dressing room after the match was a testament to his unwavering support for the team. His words of encouragement and appreciation will undoubtedly boost the morale of the players as they embark on the rest of the IPL season.

Kolkata Knight Riders' Andre Russell once again proved his worth at the Eden Gardens on Saturday, leading his team to a thrilling four-run victory over Sunrisers Hyderabad. Despite losing four wickets early on, Russell's explosive 25-ball 64, featuring seven sixes and three fours, propelled KKR to a formidable total of 208 for seven.Russell's teammate Phil Salt, who witnessed his power-hitting firsthand in The Hundred, expressed his admiration. "He's a phenomenal ball striker, the best in the world on his day," Salt said. "To see him do what he did is incredible."Sunrisers Hyderabad coach Daniel Vettori acknowledged Russell's impact, stating, "He takes the game away with his power and skill. At Eden, it's very tricky to challenge him."However, it was young Ramandeep Singh who laid the foundation for Russell's heroics. The 26-year-old's 35 runs off 17 balls, including a 54-run partnership with Salt, steadied the KKR innings."Ramandeep's innings set up the platform for Russell," Vettori said. "He put the pressure back on us."Salt also praised Ramandeep's contribution, saying, "He took the pressure off me and allowed me to play my game."Despite KKR's strong start, Heinrich Klaasen's counter-attacking fifty threatened to turn the tide. However, pacer Harshit Rana's two wickets in the final over, defending 12 runs, sealed the victory for KKR.Skipper Shreyas Iyer admitted to feeling nervous during the last over. "I had butterflies in my stomach," he said. "But I had belief in Harshit. This was his moment to become a hero."Rana's performance earned him a fine of 60% of his match fees for breaching the IPL Code of Conduct.

In a thrilling encounter during the IPL 2024 match between Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), young fast bowler Harshit Rana emerged as the hero, defending 13 runs in the final over to secure a nail-biting victory for KKR.Rana's composure under pressure was remarkable. Despite Heinrich Klaasen's blistering six off the first ball of the final over, Rana remained unfazed. He conceded a single before dismissing Shahbaz Ahmed, who attempted a match-winning six but was caught by Shreyas Iyer at long-on.Marco Jansen's single brought Klaasen back on strike, but Rana's clever off-cutter deceived the batsman, who miscued his shot. Suyash Sharma's brilliant effort at short third, diving full stretch to complete the catch, proved crucial.With 5 runs needed off the final ball, SRH skipper Pat Cummins faced Rana. The pacer's slower delivery outside the off stump proved too challenging for Cummins, who failed to make contact, sealing KKR's victory.Earlier, Andre Russell's all-round brilliance had propelled KKR to a competitive 208 for seven. Russell's unbeaten 64 off 25 balls, including seven sixes, and Phil Salt's 54 off 40 balls set the platform for KKR's total.SRH's chase was spearheaded by Klaasen's 63 off 29 balls, but Rana's heroics in the final over ultimately denied them victory.

Andre Russell's Six-Hitting Extravaganza Powers Kolkata Knight Riders to Massive TotalKolkata Knight Riders' Andre Russell unleashed a whirlwind knock against Sunrisers Hyderabad at Eden Gardens on Saturday, propelling his team to a formidable 208/7. The West Indian all-rounder's unbeaten 25-ball 64, studded with seven towering sixes and three fours, was a testament to his destructive power.Russell's onslaught began in the 16th over, when he took on Sunrisers leg-spinner Markande. He sent the ball soaring into the stands with three consecutive sixes, leaving Markande bewildered. The leg-spinner thought he had his revenge when Aiden Markram took a stunning catch at long-on, but replays showed that the ball had touched the ground, giving Russell a reprieve on 20.Undeterred, Russell continued his assault, targeting Bhuvneshwar Kumar in the 19th over. The pacer was smoked for two fours and two sixes, conceding a total of 26 runs. Russell's innings propelled KKR to a massive total, setting the stage for a thrilling contest.With his blistering knock, Russell became the ninth batter in IPL history to reach the milestone of 200 sixes. He achieved the feat in just 97 innings, highlighting his exceptional power-hitting ability. West Indies legend Chris Gayle leads the list with 357 sixes, followed by Rohit Sharma (257 sixes) and AB de Villiers (251 sixes).Russell's performance was a reminder of his match-winning capabilities. His ability to clear the boundary with ease makes him a formidable force in the IPL. Kolkata Knight Riders will be hoping that he can continue his destructive form throughout the tournament and help them secure a playoff berth.