‘We were just a little timid in our approach’ – Brendon McCullum on KKR’s dismal batting against RCB

Brendon McCullum, the Kolkata Knight Riders’ head coach, said that the KKR batsmen weren’t up to the mark in their approach against the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB). At the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi, on Wednesday, October 21, the Knights could only manage 84 for the loss of eight wickets in their 20 overs and thereafter lost the match by eight wickets.

McCullum, who joined KKR’s coaching panel in the ongoing edition, reckoned that the pitch didn’t have enough demons. The former New Zealand skipper also praised Mohammed Siraj and Chris Morris for hitting the right channels.

That’s a bit frustrating: Brendon McCullum

“In all honesty, I didn’t think there was a lot in the wicket. Siraj obviously bowled well and [Chris] Morris at times also. But if anything, we were just a little timid in our approach,” McCullum was quoted as saying in the post-match press conference.

“That’s a bit frustrating because we spoke at length before the game about trying to be positive and show some strong intent. So that’s something we’ll have to address in the next few days. None of our top-order batsmen were able to get anything going,” he stated.

Barring skipper Eoin Morgan, who scored 30 runs with three fours and a six, none of the frontline KKR batters could make much of an impact. Siraj was unplayable as he bowled a couple of maidens and also picked up three vital wickets upfront. McCullum was impressed by his seam presentation and how he ran through the Knights batting lineup.

“I think Mohammed Siraj bowled excellent lines and lengths. He was out to present the seam and asked a few questions of us, questions which in the past we would have probably answered better than we did tonight,” McCullum added.

As far as KKR are concerned, they are placed fourth in the points table with five wins from their first 10 matches. They are next scheduled to lock horns with the Delhi Capitals (DC) on Saturday, October 24 in Abu Dhabi itself.

In the meantime, Virat Kohli’s RCB moved to second in the points table and will next face Chennai Super Kings (CSK) on Sunday.