The Indian Premier League (IPL) witnessed a thrilling encounter between Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), where KKR emerged victorious by the narrowest of margins, securing a one-run win.
At the heart of the controversy was the dismissal of RCB’s star batter, Virat Kohli. In a pivotal moment of the match, while chasing a challenging target of 223 at Eden Gardens, Kohli was dismissed off a waist-high delivery from KKR’s Harshit Rana. The decision to deem the ball legal sparked debate, with Salt acknowledging that it was a fortunate break for his team.
Salt, the English wicketkeeper-batter, highlighted the role of technology in the game, stating that using data and technology to make more precise decisions is ultimately beneficial. He hinted at the possibility of a future review to assess the effectiveness of these technological advancements.
KKR’s openers, Phil Salt and Sunil Narine, have been prolific run-scorers for the team, contributing the bulk of the runs in their seven matches. Their low-key approach and calculated decision-making have played a significant role in KKR’s success.
Narine, once known as a pinch-hitter, has undergone a transformation to become a confident top-order batter, inspired by the guidance of KKR mentor Gautam Gambhir. Salt praised Narine’s ability to take pressure off him and allow him to play at his own pace.
With meticulous planning and a focus on match-ups, Salt and Narine have been successful in selecting the right bowlers to attack and have produced impactful power plays for KKR.
