Final thoughts? Cricket is a storyteller. It builds hope⦠then tests patience⦠then rewards composure. Kolkata Knight Riders walk away with two points and a statement. Sunrisers Hyderabad walk away with questions. What if they just⦠didnāt collapse? Because in T20⦠beginnings impress⦠endings decide.
KKR are on eighth in the points table with their third consecutive win, while SRH are on third with their fourth defeat in 10 matches for the moment.
Until then, I am Dev Rajawat, signing off, along with my co-commentators, Akshay Bhide, Darpan Tikiya, scorers, Manish Bishnoi, Paras Yadav, and statistician, Aman. Thatās it from our side. Thanks for joining. But there is one more match scheduled in today's doubleheader in the IPL. So, switch tabs, follow the fun. Goodbye from this tab! TAKE CARE! BREATHE AND SMILE! CIAO!!!!
Varun Chakaravarthy (Player of the Match): (On his injury and how he is feeling) "No, itās fine. Itās just impact pain, and Iām still not able to place my foot fully down. But I think in another three days, Iāll be fine.
(On how the injury happened while stopping the ball) No, it came very fast, and I had to stop it because it was hit very straight. Otherwise, it would have gone for a four.
(On his turnaround in form during the tournament) Iāve been saying this every year - initially, when the IPL starts, the first four matches are usually on flat wickets, so itās very tough for spinners to come into the game. It happens with every spinner; everyone finds it tough. But as the tournament goes on, the spinners start coming into the game, and thatās how it has been.
(On the plan to dismiss Travis Head) I just noticed that he was extending his hands very well, so I didnāt want him to do that. That was the simple plan.
(On the teamās consistency and overall performance) Yeah, the guys are coming together. Itās nice to see the batting group finishing games like this. I can see a lot of positive energy in the team. If we keep continuing like this, we can make a serious impact in the IPL."
PLAYER OF THE MATCH: VARUN CHAKARAVARTHY
Ajinkya Rahane (Kolkata Knight Riders Captain): "[Thoughts on the game] Very good game. Especially with the way we came back with the ball. It looked like they would get 190-200. It was a good wicket and I thought it would have been challenging to chase 190-200. Credit to the bowlers. They kept picking up wickets and made life difficult for them.
[On the bowling unit] The bowling unit has been doing well. They are bowling in partnerships. Credit must go to the bowling coaches, Bravo and Southee. Lots of talking and lots of planning. The bowlers are executing. You can go here and there and this format is all about that. But if you have are clear in mind, you will execute.
[Did the breaks between games help them?] Important thing for us going into the break was that victory. It was important. We had two or three practice sessions. We also had a good camp before the start of the tournament. It's about being mentally fresh. The support staff is doing really well. Even if we lost the first five games, the dressing room was calm.
[On Varun Chakaravarthy] He was struggling before the tournament. He works hard. Great attitude to keep doing hard work for the team. You want someone like him as a captain. I'm really happy for him. I'm sure he will continue his work as we move ahead in the tournament."
Most Dot Balls in the Match: Sunil Narine (12 Dot Balls)
Super Fours of the Match: Travis Head (9 Fours)
Super Sixes of the Match: Travis Head (3 Sixes)
Super Striker of the Match: Finn Allen (SR 223.08)
7:18 PM IST, Local Time: Time for the post-match presentation.