Former Australian skipper Michael Clarke slammed Rishabh Pant’s decision to bat first against Kolkata Knight Riders at the Eden Gardens, Kolkata on Monday. After opting to bat first, DC could only manage 153 runs on the board on a tacky surface.

The visitors kept losing wickets at regular intervals and failed to string a good partnership. In fact, they could have been bundled out for less than 125 if not for Kuldeep Yadav’s unbeaten knock of 35 runs.

Clarke feels DC was not 10 runs but they were at least 50 runs short of a par score against KKR. DC failed to find any kind of impetus in their batting innings as Varun Chakravarthy returned with impressive figures of 3-16 in his quota of four overs.

“I am not sure if I agree with everything that was said after the game. You win, you got it right, you lose, and then you did not get it right. I think he got it wrong in electing to bat on that surface. And I don’t think they were 10 runs short, they were 50 runs short,” Clarke told Star Sports.

Meanwhile, KKR was able to chase down the target with 3.3 overs to spare and registered a comprehensive win of seven wickets. Phil Salt scored a fine knock of 68 runs off 33 balls with the help of seven fours and five sixes.

“There were still 3.3 overs left in the run-chase and KKR were only 3 wickets down. KKR would have made at least another 40 if not 50. So, I think DC needed 200 if they were going to bat first,” he stated.

DC had won four out of their last five matches but they could not continue the good show against KKR.

“KKR would be very happy, but DC would be very disappointed because they had momentum as well. They were confident that they were playing well. Unfortunately, tonight, which can happen in this format, it just did not go to plan,” Clarke added.

Delhi Capitals will next take on table-leaders Rajasthan Royals at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi on 7th May.