Punjab Kings (PBKS) scaled Kolkata Knight Riders’ (KKR) impressive 261-6 with a stunning 262-2 to win by eight wickets with eight balls to spare in their last 2024 Indian Premier League (IPL) clash at the Eden Gardens.
It was the record-highest run-chase as the game too saw the most sixes hit in an IPL game.
KKR head coach Chandrakant Pandit is not ready to come down heavily on his bowlers despite going for a few more than their opponents.
“In the middle of the tournament, we can’t keep cribbing about it, we have to see what is in our control and how to execute our plans,” Pandit said at the pre-match press conference ahead of KKR’s clash against Delhi Capitals.
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It was a good start by the KKR opening pair again as Phil Salt (75 off 37 balls) and Sunil Narine (71 off 32 balls) came good. Venkatesh Iyer forged crucial partnerships too – 40 off 18 balls with Andre Russell and another 43 off 18 balls with skipper Shreyas Iyer.
Pandit credited the batters for performing consistently.
“We want to look at the positive side of it. The result may have gone the other way. But the team is playing well,” Pandit said.
“We played superb cricket. To put up 260-plus also requires equal effort. It’s not that the team is getting bowled out for 100-150 runs. We are full of confidence,” he added.
When asked about the playing surface at the Eden Gardens, Pandit highlighted Narine’s efforts, who kept Punjab in check by taking 1-24.
“The pitch condition is similar everywhere. (Sunil) Narine has given only 24 runs in four overs (against Punjab). Everywhere there have been big scores. On every pitch the total if you see is massive. One cannot complain about the wickets in particular,” Pandit said.
Giving an update on star pacer Mitchell Starc, who missed the last game against PBKS with a thumb injury in his bowling hand, Pandit said, “He is looking better now. He has recovered well. We will watch him in the nets and then take a call (about his availability).”
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