Cricket

Aakash Chopra lauds KKR’s bowling in IPL 2025 win vs RR

Former Indian Test opener Aakash Chopra showered praise on Kolkata Knight Riders’ after they registered a eight-wicket win against Rajasthan Royals at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium, Guwahati on Wednesday. 

KKR were able to restrict RR to 151-9 after Ajinkya Rahane decided to bowl first. Vaibhav Arora provided the first breakthrough as he dismissed Sanju Samson in the Powerplay overs. After the fielding restrictions were lifted, KKR spin duo of Varun Chakravarthy and Moeen Ali were able to keep RR batters at bay.

Moeen Ali, who was playing his first match of the season, accounted for Yashasvi Jaiswal and Nitish Rana and conceded only 23 runs in his spell. Furthermore, Varun Chakravarthy dismissed Wanindu Hasaranga and Riyan Parag and returned with figures of 2-17 in his quota of four overs. 

Moreover, Harshit Rana and Vaibhav Arora bagged two wickets apiece for KKR. KKR were without the services of Sunil Narine but the other bowlers were able to step up.

“Four bowlers picked up two wickets apiece. Vaibhav Arora picked up two wickets and Harshit Rana took two wickets in the end, but the engine room was the eight overs of spin. Four overs from Varun Chakaravarthy, but Sunil Narine wasn’t there. Not missing Sunil Narine when he wasn’t there, I think that’s a huge positive for KKR,” Chopra said on his YouTube Channel.

“He wasn’t available. I think he had a fever, so Moeen Ali played. He picked up two wickets and Varun took two, and they gave only 40 runs in eight overs. That was game, set, and match in my opinion. We believe this team’s strength is spin bowling, but if Sunil Narine isn’t there, and you don’t miss him, and the guy who comes takes two wickets, I think the game changed there,” Chopra added.

On the other hand, the renowned commentator showered praise on Quinton de Kock, who scored an unbeaten knock of 97 runs off 61 balls to help his team chase down 152 runs.

“Quinton de Kock’s 97 not out. People don’t make centuries these days, they remain not out on 97. If you think about it from Quinton de Kock’s perspective, he is firstly playing for a new franchise and he doesn’t play international cricket anymore. You might feel there wouldn’t have been any pressure on him, but the pressure is there,” he said.

The former KKR player reckons this knock would help in taking the pressure of Quinton de Kock’s shoulders.

“You are opening for a new franchise where Phil Salt has left a legacy. After that, Rahmanullah Gurbaz is sitting outside. In such a scenario, the monkey is off your back the earlier you score runs. So he needed to score runs, and he played till the end. You scored 97 while chasing 150,” Chopra elaborated.

Kolkata Knight Riders will next take on Mumbai Indians at the Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai on Monday.

About the Author


Written by DafaNews

DafaNews brings you the most highlighted news in the world of Sports. It serves you up-to-date matches, scores, live streams, fantasy games and quizzes. Our news covers India's prestigious leagues and events – Premier League, Pro Kabbadi League, Cricket World Cup and many more. Follow DafaNews on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter,Telegram and Youtube for more updates.

Related Post
Share
Published by
DafaNews

Recent Posts

India’s Junior Men Clinch Bronze with Gritty 2-1 Win Over Australia in Four Nations Tournament

The Indian junior men’s hockey team wrapped up their campaign at the Four Nations Tournament… Read More

June 26, 2025

Suryakumar Yadav Undergoes Successful Sports Hernia Surgery, Eyes Return for Bangladesh Tour

India's T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav has successfully undergone surgery for a sports hernia in his… Read More

June 26, 2025

Golden Glove Winner Jaspreet Singh Joins Bengaluru FC in Key Summer Move

Bengaluru FC have taken a decisive step toward rebuilding their squad by signing goalkeeper Jaspreet… Read More

June 26, 2025

Ravi Shastri says opening Test loss against England is a tough pill to swallow for India

Former Indian head coach Ravi Shastri believes the opening Test loss against England is a… Read More

June 26, 2025

Varun Aaron says England batters’ approach made Jasprit Bumrah desperate for wickets in 2nd innings of 1st Test

Former Indian fast bowler Varun Aaron believes England batters were able to find a way… Read More

June 26, 2025

Varun Aaron says Karun Nair will be disappointed with his opening Test performance against England

Former Indian fast bowler Varun Aaron believes Karun Nair will be disappointed after he failed… Read More

June 26, 2025