Kolkata Knight Riders are currently placing at the top of the points table in IPL 2024. Their openers Phil Salt and Sunil Narine are one of the best opening pairs of this tournament. Their stunning knocks help the side win in most of the games and they have the best net run rate as well.
On Sunday in Lucknow, following the win, skipper Shreyas Iyer was in awe of the opening duo as well and he applauded both of them as well.
“They have been splendid for us, the way they are playing their shots is pure bliss. They are setting us up and giving momentum and no matter what the situation is, we are playing with a positive mindset,” said Iyer at the post-match presentation ceremony. “A lefty-righty combination makes thing difficult for the opposition, the bowlers have to change their plans and that makes a difference. It’s all about the freedom, to go out and express themselves. We want to go out and be positive whatever the situation is, sometimes it doesn’t work out but sometimes it does.”
However, it’s been a roller-coaster campaign for the Kolkata Knight Riders so far. After starting the season with three straight wins, they then lost three of their next five games which was also included a thriller to Rajasthan Royals and the highest T20 chase to Punjab Kings as well. Amidst all this, they played a good brand of cricket and they are now on a three-match winning streak again as they are on the verge towards a playoff berth and a potential top-two finish as well.
“The last six matches in the dressing room there has been havoc, teammates are coming in and asking skip what’s happening! We are losing tosses, but we are winning games… that’s what matters,” he said.
Meanwhile, one of the reasons for KKR’s dominance this season is because of Sunil Narine. While he has done it with the ball many times before, he did it with the bat this season. He smashed over 450 runs at a strike-rate of 180-plus and his unreal consistency has been the x-factor for KKR as well. Narine, however, credited his stunning transformation to the immense backing received from the team management.
“The most important thing is starting well and it’s good to have the backing of the support staff,” said Narine after winning yet another Player-of-the-Match award for the franchise. “I think you have to pick your strengths and pick your spots, sometimes it works out and sometimes it doesn’t. It’s going very well, Varun is picking up wickets, it’s making my job easier to keep things tight. He is a hard worker and it’s good to see him do well. The boys are anxious and eager to play, so no matter what the situation is they are up for the challenge and they are contributing for us.”
