Kolkata Knight Riders’ Pat Cummins thinks there’s plenty of positives to take from their 18-run loss to Chennai Super Kings in Mumbai on Wednesday. Cummins scored 66 not out off 34 balls.
Chasing 221, KKR finished on 202 after being reduced to 31 for five at one stage.
“Yeah, it was an awesome game. I was surprised how many messages I got from my friends and a lot of people who were watching back in Australia. I think you always look back and think what you could have done differently to win but it’s pretty cool I think as always,” Cummins said on Thursday.
The fast bowler thinks their performance will give them fresh hope and belief going ahead in the tournament. “It’s really positive around here. Everyone's pumped. I am sure we get a win or two and we will be on our way and flying. But I think there’s a feeling that we can win from basically anywhere. We didn’t bowl our best last night and we still got so close. Good feeling,” said Cummins.
Despite being down in the dumps, Cummins was always positive about a victory. Andre Russell’s 54 off 22 balls had set the tone and Cummins provided the finishing touches before running out of partners.
“I was thinking how to win. I think when the game is completely gone, that’s when you start thinking about net run-rate. But I never felt like the game was completely gone... So, first mindset was always, how can we win from here?
“First thing I want to say is I am glad Andre (Russell) is in our team and I don’t have to bowl to him. I think he is one of those guys, whatever situation he is out there in, you will feel like ‘we can win here out of nowhere’,” he remarked.
“It was very different… Chennai spins. You got plenty of options as a bowler. It’s a bigger ground too. Here, it’s a small ground, faster outfield and wicket is so batter-friendly. So, it was good for a game like Thursday. 200-plus scores are great for the fans.”
Morgan fined
KKR captain Eoin Morgan was fined Rs 12 lakh for maintaining a slow over-rate during Wednesday's match.
“Kolkata Knight Riders captain Eoin Morgan has been fined after his team maintained a slow over rate during their IPL 2021 match against Chennai Super Kings at the Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai on April 21,” the IPL said in a statement. “As it was his team’s first offence of the season under the IPL’s Code of Conduct relating to minimum over rate offences, Mr Morgan was fined Rs 12 lakh.”
