Buoyant feels and an increasingly settled team combination...

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Kolkata Knight Riders Official Instagram Page (@kkriders)

The Delhi slip-up

In my previous post, I expressed my concern about Delhi Daredevils finally being able to notch up some points against a fairly confident KKR side. My concern came true. I also expressed my desire to see us become a much better fielding unit. Unfortunately, that did not come true thanks to the dropped catches, and Shreyas Iyer made the most of them to play a match-winning knock. DD hammered us alright, but strangely, the loss did not create too much panic – both in a fan and among the camp. We were slated to play RCB next in Bangalore, and previous encounters (especially last year’s) ensured that the confidence was still sky high in spite of more losses than wins post the DD game.

The comeback with a ‘bang’ in Bangalore!

So Bangalore happened, and how! I was happy that DK showed faith in the same team that played against Delhi, and it was so heartening to see that faith pay off as Mavi put up an inspired comeback spell after being clobbered for 58 runs in the previous match. We put up a much better fielding effort, our openers gave us the start we needed, and our spinners led the way yet again. Yes, Narine had an ordinary game with the ball, but I was so happy to see the rest stand up and perform. Lynn is slowly coming into his own, and a matured knock by him (making the most of a dropped chance) ensured that we cruised to a victory comfortably in the end. Let’s make no mistake, DKs 23 off 10 was the turning point of the match for me, a match that seemed like it slowly drifting towards RCB after Nitish retired hurt and Russel threw away his wicket. Oh, and that winning shot from Gill had C.O.N.F.I.D.E.N.C.E written all over it – much needed before our next big match against CSK at home. Cannot wait for that one!

Bossman leading from the front

I’ve noticed a pattern with DK. He comes in late to bat owing to his position, but is quietly playing one captain’s knock after another. He may not have the big runs against his name, but he has played the consolidating role in all our victories thus far, and it makes a fan extremely happy to know that the captain of his team is performing well.

Team combination and all that jazz

If we can win the next match against an onward and upward CSK, it will send all the right feels within the team and of course, to fans as well. That team combination is slowly but surely coming into place, and I won’t be surprised to see us field the same eleven on 3^rd May. ‘KKR hai taiyyar’, one would imagine.