"We gifted them the win," says disappointed Virat Kohli after loss to KKR

Apart from Virat Kohli, no other RCB batsman showed intent to chase down 201 against KKR.

After facing back-to-back losses in the IPL 2023, Kolkata Knight Riders defeated a relatively stronger side on paper Royal Challengers Bangalore. Kolkata with a brilliant spin bowling performance under lights at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bangalore had beaten RCB by 21 runs. Suyash Sharma picked up 2 important wickets at the top that put RCB on the back foot while chasing 201 runs. Kolkata after Jason Roy’s 56 and Nitish Rana’s 48 touched 200 runs mark. KKR batters kept scoring in and built strong partnerships. Rinku Singh (18) and David Wiese (12) helped KKR to give RCB a challenging score to chase in Bangalore conditions.

Disappointed Virat says RCB gifted KKR the win

Royal Challengers Bangalore started nicely by scoring 30 runs in the first two overs and then Suyash Sharma’s magic came in. RCB stand-in captain Virat Kohli was dejected after the loss and said, “To be honest we did deserve to lose, we handed the game. We handed them victory. We were certainly not up to standard”. Virat Kohli was not happy with his team’s effort against RCB. He further added, “We dropped a few chances which cost us 25-30 runs. We set up ourselves really well. We ended up hitting the fielder to a ball that was not wicket taking”. Only Virat Kohli stood up during the chase and scored 54 runs in 37 balls. No other RCB batter could score freely against Suyash Sharma and Varun Chakravarthy.

Nitish Rana was pleased with KKR's team effort

On the other hand, KKR skipper Nitish Rana was happy with his team’s win after multiple losses. Rana said, “Last 3-4 games, I have been saying the same thing at the toss, if we play well collectively then results will be in our favour”. KKR’s spinner had tied the RCB batters in a batting track under lights at M. Chinnaswamy stadium. That was a pretty special effort from Suyash Sharma (2/30) and Varun Chakravarthy (3/27). Rana praised them both and said, “Felt like it would turn in the second inning as there was no dew, It didn’t. But we bowled well. Whenever I have spoken to Suyash he has always put his hand up. He always says that he will do the job”. Suyash picked up Faf in his first over that was the game-changer for KKR.

Chakravarthy doubles his happiness

Kolkata Knight Riders mystery spinner Varun Chakravarthy is named player of the match for his bowling effort. Varun bowled exceedingly well in the middle overs and complemented Suyash Sharma really well. Varun said, “Last match I went for 49, and this match I did well. That’s how crazy life is… Nitish is giving me the ball whenever he wants me to do the job, I am liking it”. He credits his success to his newborn son, who he is yet to meet. He dedicated his award to his wife and son. "I am liking it. I'd like to credit this to my new born son, still not able to see him, I'd like to dedicate it to him and my wife." added Chakravarthy. Varun in his 4 overs conceded 27 runs and picked up 3 important wickets for KKR.