KKR Batters Lose Confidence as Bravo Defends Russell After Another Rough Loss

Kolkata Knight Riders had another night to forget as they lost to Gujarat Titans at Eden Gardens. The team was chasing a total of 199 but could muster only 159 for 8 in their innings. KKR mentor Dwayne Bravo conceded that the batters did not gauge the match conditions and did not apply themselves as well as they should have. He added that even though the bowlers did well to limit the opponents below 200 runs, the batting unit failed to come good when they needed to.

Bravo complemented the bowling unit for keeping the powerful Gujarat Titans to a chaseable target. He mentioned that Shubman Gill and Sai played superbly but the KKR bowlers reined things in and provided the side with a strong chance. But KKR were not able to make a good beginning in their batting innings. They lost both the openers early and had made only 45 runs in the powerplay. Even Gujarat Titans had the same score in their powerplay but their openers remained and developed the innings which proved to be the major difference.

In the following few overs in the powerplay period KKR was unable to develop the momentum. Ajinkya Rahane and Venkatesh Iyer contributed only 23 in four overs and then both were dismissed in rapid succession. That left KKR in deep trouble at 91 for 4 and things only continued to get worse. Despite having some big hitters remaining in the lineup such as Rinku Singh Andre Russell Ramandeep Singh Moeen Ali and Angkrish Raghuvanshi the target was far too big to be chased under duress.

Russell provided some hope with some sixes but his innings was short once again. He made 21 runs from 15 deliveries which was in fact his highest this season. But the same problem persisted as Russell got out to a leg spinner this time Rashid Khan. Even with this Bravo was fully backing Russell and stated that it was not a matter of one player but the entire team lacking confidence.

Bravo noted that Russell has been a good player for a very long time and that not getting out to leg spinners in a couple of games cannot be considered a big issue. He noted the actual problem is that the whole batting unit as a whole is doing poorly and going through a trough. Bravo pointed out that in a long and grueling tournament like the IPL the batsmen can lose confidence particularly if the team is not going well and that is what is currently happening with KKR.

In the opinion of Bravo the way out is not to pressure one player but to back the entire side. He said that the players should continue to train well and remain mentally alert. He noted that if the top order scores more runs and constructs good starts then players such as Russell will get a greater opportunity to play their natural finisher's role. When Russell is brought in with the needed run rate already at 14 or 15 per over it is extremely hard for even the best of players to perform.

Bravo also indicated that not all teams possess world class leg spinners such as Rashid Khan so this should not be a point of discussion. The actual emphasis should be placed on developing the team's overall batting line and providing the finishers such as Russell with a platform where they can bring the team home like previously.

While questioned about the pitch conditions Bravo did not point fingers at the surface. He clarified that the pitch was not an issue. Both teams batted on the same wicket and Gujarat Titans just played superior cricket on the day. He stated that KKR failed in all three aspects of the game and when that is the case the odds of winning get low. Gujarat's opening batsmen played sensibly and two of their best three scored half centuries that gave them the upper hand.

On the whole Bravo demonstrated much candor in acknowledging the flaws of the team while remaining upbeat and encouraging his players. He stressed team preparation and mental toughness as the ways to bounce back in the tournament. Though KKR's journey ahead seems difficult the team still has players who can change the course if they regain their rhythm and confidence once again.