IPL 2024: Shreyas Iyer Reveals KKR Were 'Contemplating Whether' to Open With Sunil Narine

Shreyas Iyer revealed that Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) were contemplating whether to open with Sunil Narine as the West Indian went on to smash a 22-ball 47, with the help of two fours and five sixes.

The away side broke the trend of home sides winning so far in the 2024 Indian Premier League (IPL) as KKR beat defeated Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) by 7 wickets at the M.Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru on Friday.

IPL 2024: RCB vs KKR – HIGHLIGHTS

Narine had opened in KKR’s first game against Sunriser Hyderabad (SRH), which they won by 4 wickets, but was dimissed for a paltry 2 runs.

On Friday, Narine along with his opening partner Phil Salt added 86 runs in just 6.3 overs through an array of dazzling shots.

KKR captain Shreyas Iyer said Narine, playing his 500th T20 match, knew that he had one job and did it perfectly, even though the team thinktank was iffy about letting him continue to open.

“See when Narine comes in to open, he knows he has one job which is to clear the infield,” Shreyas Iyer said after the win.

“Today we were contemplating whether to start with him or not but he did a brilliant job,” he added.

Shreyas also praised Andre Rusell, who bowled Cameron Green and also dimissed Rajat Patidar.

“The way Russell came in and realised the wicket wasn’t giving much from bowlers, and went to slower ones, analysing the conditions on the spot was pleasing to the eye. The communication was brilliant,” Shreyas said.

Shreyas also revealed that the KKR batters communicated how the pitch was playing to any new batter who came in to keep them abreast of the situation.

“From one end, it was good to bat on. From the other end, it was two-paced. That was the communication we had in the middle and we passed it on to others,” Shreyas said.

KKR’s last game was six days away as Shreyas was asked how the team prepared in the interim: “Coming here, getting those two sessions of practice, we were in a good shape from the previous game. Coming and hitting few balls, it felt comfortable from within.”

Kolkata Knight Riders’ next game will be against Delhi Capitals on 3 April. When asked how KKR will be spending that time, Shreyas said: “Would be spending a day tomorrow in Bangalore, and then go to Vizag. I’m not expecting much at this point of time – it’s just the start of the tournament. Want to enjoy each other’s success – that’s the plan for now.”

(With inputs from Agencies)