KKR defeated DC by 7 wickets at Eden Gardens, bolstering their hold on second place in the IPL 2024 standings. In a rarity this IPL season, neither team surpassed 200 runs, as KKR’s bowlers dominated the first half. Mystery spinner Varun Chakravarthy, who took 3 wickets for just 16 runs, was named Player of the Match for his instrumental performance.
Chakravarthy commented on the Impact Player rule, suggesting other bowlers should stop crying. RCB’s Siraj criticized the rule, arguing that it unfairly affects bowlers and all-rounders in the IPL. Many pundits also questioned the rule’s relevance, since it is not used in international cricket.
“We must accept that this IPL season is different than the previous seasons and move forward. The Impact Player rule was introduced last season, but teams are utilizing it more effectively this time around. They attack from the first ball, so no matter how much the bowlers cry, you have to rise to meet the challenge,” Chakravarthy said after the game.
After the carnage by the PBKS batters, KKR’s bowling lineup made a remarkable comeback against DC. When asked about this turnaround, Chakravarthy said the team was pleased to bowl first after DC captain Rishabh Pant chose to bowl after winning the toss at Eden Gardens, a decision that ultimately sealed DC’s fate.
“The pitch offered more turn in this match compared to the other games, which made bowling easier in the first innings. However, the wicket became very placid in the second innings,” he added.
“The defeat in the last game was extremely difficult to accept. We had discussions with the management and bowling coach. Yesterday, SRK came to me personally and said, ‘No matter what is happening in the IPL, do not take it personally or doubt yourself,” he continued.
The spinner explained that the high humidity in Kolkata made it very difficult to grip the ball, which was one of the main reasons bowling was so challenging there.
“The fingers have started to sweat in this high humidity. This was not the case earlier, but I don’t want to use the weather as the excuse,” he concluded.