IPL 10, Match 32, KKR v DD Review: Gautam-Robin duo solidifies KKR's position as table-toppers

One of the biggest talks this IPL has got to be about how Kolkata Knight Riders have excelled in the new conditions of the re-laid pitch at Eden Gardens, and the fact that Delhi Daredevils let the match slip away after decent performances. One. More. Time.

From 41/0 in 4 overs to 123/2 in 14 overs to 160/6 in 20 overs, the Delhi Daredevils tried to display a mixture of both caution and aggression but in the end, the combination hardly fetched them an impact.

For Kolkata Knight Riders, the fact that Nathan Coulter-Nile has emerged as Gautam Gambhir’s blessing in disguise who throttled the Daredevils in a death-overs assault by picking regular wickets towards the end of the innings. NCN picked up another three-wicket haul.

DD had brief moments of brilliance but just how brief were they are showed in the result of the match. Sanju Samson has had a good time on the field. With the bat. Because otherwise, the mix up with Amit Mishra is definitely not something he would like to remember as an instance on the field.

Shreyas Iyer, after Karun Nair’s consistent disappointing performance, provided some hope for good middle over batting as he scored 47 off 34. Though the partnership had slowed down for quite some time, the fact that Samson remained their best with 60 off 38 speaks volumes.

This was one more experiment with the opening pair, and just maybe, they would like to settle for this one considering Sam Billings will be returning to England soon.

Shreyas Iyer, after Karun Nair, provided some hope for good middle overs batting as he scored 47 off 34. Though the partnership had slowed down for quite some time, the fact that Samson remained their best with 60 off 38 speaks volumes.  This was one more experiment with the opening pair, and just maybe, they would like to settle for this one considering Sam Billings will be returning to England soon.

Rishab Pant failed to make an impact as he became Coulter-Nile’s first prey, as the bowler joined the club of bowlers with wickets which already included Narine and Umesh. In the same over, NCN vindicated his skipper’s decision to bring him back as he sent Shreyas Iyer back to the pavilion.

Corey Anderson was run out and departed on a single digit score like Pant. A typical Chris Morris innings could have added some more runs for the target but the effort from the other Chris saw Morris becoming Coulter-Nile’s third wicket.

161 could still test KKR despite it being a below par total at their (E)den, considering DD have a potent bowling attack. The Cummins-Morris-Rabada trio was expected to trouble KKR from having their 7th win out of 9, but the chase was more of a cakewalk for KKR than we expected it to beat as they crystallise their position at the top of the table with another clinical performance.

Apart from their bowlers doing extremely well to pull things back at the death of the first innings by taking wickets, after DD aimed for a good finish, the 7-wicket victory is also credited to Uthappa and Gambhir who ensured yet another comfortable run-chase with a significant second-wicket partnership.

Narine, as predicted by most people was vulnerable to a relatively formidable bowling side and he departed with a run-a-ball 4. Apart from GG and Robin, Pandey was required to help Gambhir alongside in their cruise towards victory but he was bowled by Rabada at just 5 runs. Sheldon Jackson provided with 12 runs, including a boundary. But overall, it was the classic Gautam-Robin dominated show.

The biggest blow came when Uthappa was dropped early in his innings, after the disastrous mix up between Mishra and Samson. More so because at that time, Rabada was looking good, having just cleaned up Narine. Would things have been different if that chance was been gobbled is debatable, but, it did cost DD a lot as Uthappa went on to notch his fourth half-century this season playing another majestic inning to take the game away. Gambhir is winning games and hearts, with his on-field performance and the off-field gestures.

Brief Scores:

DD: 160/6 (20.0 Ovs)- Sanju Samson 60(38), Kagiso Rabada 20/2

KKR: 161/3 (16.2 Ovs)- Gautam Gambhir 71(52), Nathan Coulter-Nile 34/3

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