Mumbai : Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) defeated Mumbai Indians (MI) by 52 runs in Match 56 of the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2022 season at the Dr DY Patil Sports Academy in Navi Mumbai, on Monday. Chasing a target of 166 runs, MI were bowled out for 113 in 17.3 overs with Pat Cummins taking three wickets for KKR. Earlier, KKR posted 165 for nine in 20 overs with Venkatesh Iyer top-scoring with a knock of 43 runs off 24 balls. Jasprit Bumrah was in top form for MI and bagged a five-wicket haul.
Jasprit Bumrah, Player of the Match, said, ‘ Always a good feeling to contribute but the important thing is for the team to win. We had our chance to do that but couldn’t get it done. That’s the way it is. I don’t keep track of figures or goals, my aim is to stick to the process. Sometimes you bowl well but don’t get wickets. Can’t get desperate. Just want to contribute in whatever way I can. Well, it’s about rectifying our mistakes and doing better next season.’
Shreyas Iyer, said, ‘Very pleased because after losing the last game by a big margin, feels good to come back and win by a big margin is nice. We had a nice start in the powerplay and Venky targeted bowlers well. I personally felt that it wasn’t easy to start for a new batter. When we went into bowl, the plan was to hit the right areas and not give room. It is really difficult (to tell players about axings). Coach and at times, CEO is also obviously involved in team selections. Each and every player takes it well, and they have put in their best efforts. The win was comprehensive, and when I spoke to the players, they were pumped up to win the game today. I’m not satisfied (totally) but want to maintain this.’
Rohit Sharma, said, ‘I would take that total on that pitch. Was a great effort from the bowling unit, Bumrah was special. Disappointed the way we batted. Poor from the batters. Not really (difficulty of batting on this pitch). We are playing our fourth game here and we know what to expect here. We know seam bowlers will get some help from the pitch. We didn’t get partnerships and you need partnerships chasing a total like that. I don’t think so (if MI could have restricted KKR to a lower total). Looking at the way they batted in the first 10 overs, they were 100 runs in 10 or 11 overs. But the way we came back was brilliant. Great effort from Bumrah and the entire bowling unit. Batters let us down. It’s been that kind of a season where both departments weren’t consistent enough. It is something that we wanted to improve today but couldn’t do it.’