In the first-ever IPL match at the Narendra Modi Stadium on Monday, Kolkata Knight Riders put a stop to their losing streak in IPL 2021 by defeating Punjab Kings by five wickets. This was KKR’s second win of the season, while Punjab Kings suffered fourth defeat of IPL 2021. KKR moved to fifth in the points table and Punjab slipped to the fifth position.
While both teams have had their share of inconsistencies during IPL 2021, KKR managed to get the most out of the tricky wicket in Ahmedabad. Most batsmen got out while trying to hit big shots, but with the big boundaries, it seems like a hard job. Here are takeaways from Ahmedabad as KKR kickstarted their IPL 2021.
KKR’s middle-order showed a slight improvement on Monday
KKR got off to the chase in the worst possible manner as they were reduced to 17/3. Considering previous KKR performances in IPL 2021, there was a possibility that a collapse would have triggered.
However, Eoin Morgan and Rahul Tripathi managed to show more composure to chase down a modest total. They took time to settle and eventually scored freely to chase down a target of 124. This partnership should provide much more confidence to KKR while going forward in IPL 2021.
Gill and Gayle continue to struggle for consistency
Another match and another disappointing performance by Shubham Gill. The KKR opener has been going through a torrid run of form. He played two quality shots, but eventually got dismissed in s If they wish to make it to the playoffs, either KKR needs to make some changes or Shubham Gill needs to pull his socks up.
Meanwhile, Chris Gayle was dismissed for a duck. Punjab Kings rely on Gayle to provide the attacking impetus to their innings. However, the prolific T-20 batsman has struggled for consistency in IPL 2021. Punjab Kings will be hoping that he will soon hit top form and become the match-winner that he has always been.
KL Rahul’s woes in Ahmedabad continued on Monday
Punjab Kings skipper KL Rahul once again struggled at Narendra Modi Stadium. He struggled for India during the T-20 series. After scoring only 15 runs at a strike rate of 48.38 in four games, Rahul was dropped by Indian team in the fifth T-20 game against England. With the next few matches for Punjab at Ahmedabad, Rahul needs to get back to his best. He remains one of the reliable performers in the batting unit. If he continues to struggle at this venue, then Punjab will find it difficult to make it to playoffs. Moreover, playoffs are also going to take place at Narendra Modi Stadium.