"We Were Waiting For That One Russell Innings": KKR Captain Nitish Rana

09.05.2023 - 06:01 sports.ndtv.com

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) skipper Nitish Rana's wait for Andre Russell's return to form ended as the power-hitter played a brilliant knock to take his team to victory against Punjab Kings (PBKS) at Eden Gardens.

KKR won a thrilling match against PBKS in a last-over finish. A half-century by Nitish Rana and fiery cameos from Andre Russell and Rinku Singh helped Kolkata clinch a five-wicket win.

Andre Russell played a match-winning knock of 42 off 23 balls. Notably, he had not delivered a remarkable knock for his team till now.

In the post-match presentation, the KKR captain said, "10 matches have gone, we were all waiting for that one Russell innings to come.

cricket Kolkata Knight Riders Eden Gardens Punjab Kings Andre Russell Nitish Rana Kolkata

Kolkata Knight Riders nearly pulled off a sensational chase against Lucknow Super Giants, all because of the ever-reliable Rinku Singh. This time, however, Rinku's effort fell marginally short, with LSG securing a 1-run victory to qualify for the playoffs. The result might not have gone KKR's way but Rinku earned plenty of praise from the cricketing fraternity and fans on social media. Even Lucknow mentor Gautam Gambhir took to Twitter to post a 'sensational' tweet for the Knight Riders man.

"When Rinku Singh Is There...": Krunal Pandya, Nitish Rana Sum Up KKR Star's Impact In IPL 2023

Lucknow Super Giants captain Krunal Pandya on Saturday lauded his side's fighting spirit in their thrilling one-run win over Kolkata Knight Riders that took them to the IPL play-offs. LSG's regular skipper KL Rahul was ruled out of the tournament earlier this month after injuring his right thigh in a match against Royal Challengers Bangalore. Krunal was handed the captaincy and he did an impressive job, leading the side into the play-offs.

IPL 2023 - 'Rinku Singh Is The X-Factor For KKR, Not Andre Russell': Former India Great

As we enter the last weekend of the league stage in the IPL 2023, we are yet to have the remaining three teams to have qualified for the playoffs. The race to playoffs in IPL 2023 continues to get interesting as we enter the last weekend of the league stage of one of the toughest T20 events. Five teams are still in contention for the remaining three seats in the top four as four interesting battles in IPL 2023 await us in two days.

Are Sunil Narine, Andre Russell Perfect For KKR In Future? T20 World Cup-Winner's Grim Take

Former India all-rounder Yusuf Pathan feels that with long-time servants Sunil Narine and Andre Russell, the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) management should start to look beyond them. Narine and Russell have been long-time servants for KKR, having joined them in 2012 and 2014, respectively. However, their performances have not been up to the mark over the past few seasons. While Narine has managed only seven wickets in 12 games so far in IPL 2023, Russell has scored just 218 in as many games this year.

MS Dhoni's 'Special Gift' For Rinku Singh After KKR's Win Over CSK In IPL 2023

Following the conclusion of their set of home matches on Sunday, Chennai Super Kings stars took a lap of honour around the MA Chidambaram Stadium to thank the fans for their support. Though the match -- what could be CSK's final game of the season at home if they don't qualify for the playoffs -- ended in a loss to Kolkata Knight Riders, the players of the side made sure the fans didn't go their homes disappointed. MS Dhoni was the epi-centre of the lap of honour that took place at Chepauk on Sunday night.

Nitish Rana Fined Rs 24 Lakh For Maintaining Slow-Over Rate

Kolkata Knight Riders captain Nitish Rana has been fined Rs 24 lakh for maintaining a slow over-rate during their Indian Premier League match against Chennai Super Kings at Chepauk. "As it was his team's second offence of the season under the IPL's Code of Conduct relating to minimum over-rate offences, Mr. Rana has been fined Rs. 24 lakh and each member of the Playing XI, including the impact substitute, is fined Rs. 6 lakh or 25 percent of the match fee, whichever is lesser," read an IPL media advisory.