IPL 2021, Eliminator: All-round Sunil Narine fires Kolkata Knight Riders to Qualifier 2

Fans would have been optimistic of a stellar performance from Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) skipper Virat Kohli, in the Eliminator of Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). Kohli was leading the Bangalore-based franchise in his final season as RCB captain in the cash-rich league, and would have been expected to do his best to bow out with a win. However, the limelight was dominated instead by West Indies cricketer Sunil Narine, who delivered a sensational performance across departments to help KKR qualify for Qualifier 2. The Kolkata-based franchise emerged victorious by a margin of four wickets, having been handed a paltry target of 139 runs to chase.

Narine smashed 26 runs from 15 deliveries in a clash, where almost all the remaining batsmen across sides failed to bat freely. The knock helped KKR earn a valuable advantage over their opponents, in the form of lessened pressure despite a few wickets being lost. Shubman Gill (29 from 18) was another vital contributor with the bat, in an innings comprising of four boundaries. Mohammed Siraj, Harshal Patel and Yuzvendra Chahal were the pick of the bowlers, accounting for two dismissals apiece. Harshal finished his IPL 2021 campaign with 32 wickets, equaling Dwayne Bravo for the most wickets in a single edition of the popular tournament.

“They kept bowling in tight areas and kept picking wickets”

“I think those middle overs where their spinners dominated the game was the difference. They kept bowling in tight areas and kept picking wickets. We had a great start and it was about quality bowling and not bad batting. They thoroughly deserve to win this one and be in the next round. The fight till the end with the ball has been the hallmark of our team. That one big over (22 runs) in the middle deflated our chances. We fought till the last over and made an amazing game out of it. 15 runs less with the bat and a couple of big overs with the ball cost us. Sunil Narine has always been a quality bowler and today he once again showed it. Shakib, Varun and him created pressure and didn’t allow our batsmen to get away in the middle,” said Kohli after the defeat as quoted by Cricbuzz.

“[On him leaving captaincy at RCB] I have tried my best to create a culture here where youngsters could come in and play with freedom and belief. It is something I have done with India as well. I have given my best. I don’t know how the response has been, but I have given 120% to this franchise every time, which is something I will now do as a player. It is a great time to regroup and restructure for the next three years with people who will take this ahead. [On him staying with RCB] Yes definitely, I don’t see myself playing anywhere else. Loyalty matters more to me than worldly pleasures. I would be in the RCB till the last day I play in the IPL,” he added.

Sunil Narine’s four-wicket haul helps KKR restrict RCB to 138

Narine accounted for a four-wicket haul, recording the dismissals of Virat Kohli, KS Bharat, Glenn Maxwell and AB de Villiers. The spinner was further economical as well, conceding just 21 runs. Narine’s heroics helped the Kolkata-based franchise restrict RCB to a total of 138 runs for the loss of seven wickets in 20 overs. The West Indies based cricketer certainly enjoyed assistance from Lockie Ferguson, who chipped in with two dismissals as well.

Kohli was the top run-getter for the Bangalore-based franchise, accumulating 39 runs off 33 deliveries in an innings comprising of five boundaries. None of the other batsmen barring fellow opener Devdutt Padikkal who scored 21 runs from 18 balls managed to leave much of an impact.