Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) captain Eoin Morgan has praised Shubman Gill, Venkatesh Iyer and Rahul Tripathi for their stunning shows in the second leg of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 in the UAE. KKR openers Shubman Gill and Venkatesh Iyer smashed the fifties in the tournament final against Chennai Super Kings (CSK). But their middle-order failed to contribute and they eventually lost.

While Venkatesh Iyer finished the tournament with 370 runs at an average of 41, striking at 128.5, Shubman Gill had finished as the team’s highest run-getter with 478 runs as well.

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While applauding the two batters, Eoin Morgan said at the post-match presentation ceremony: “I think they (Shubman Gill and Venkatesh Iyer) have been outstanding. Gill is a classy cricketer, and has had his experience with international cricket at the moment. Venkatesh Iyer is new to a platform like this. But he has a huge future ahead of him. He has a good head on his shoulders, and the two have been the cornerstones of our batting in the second phase of the tournament.”

From 91 for one in the 11th over, KKR reduced to 125 for eight in the 17th over to eventually lost the final by 27 runs. Moreover, an injury to Rahul Tripathi made things worse for them. However, Tripathi has a strike rate of over 140 and he had a great season too. he added.

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“He left everything out there. Unfortunately, he had an injury today, but he always tries to contribute in whichever way he can. I am extremely proud of the fight that we have shown. Things did not start off well, but the fight we showed epitomises Kolkata. The support we have enjoyed from our owners – Jay, Juhi, Shah Rukh and Venky, our CEO, has been outstanding. The support from the fans has been amazing as well, even after the first leg,” Eoin Morgan concluded.