Venkatesh Iyer, a top-order batsman for Kolkata Knight Riders, backed Nitish Rana’s choice to bowl the opening over against Rajasthan Royals even though the captain ultimately gave away 26 runs.
RR’s opener Yashasvi Jaiswal attacked Rana, who was defending a modest 149, smashing the part-time off-spinner for 26 runs with two sixes and three fours, setting the stage for RR’s victory in just 13.1 overs on Thursday.
At the post-game press conference, Venkatesh said, “With a lefthander (Jaiswal) at the crease and him being an offispinner, I don’t think it was a wrong option.” Varun Chakravarthy, who took 17 wickets for KKR, was a top-notch spinner, so the selection appeared odd, but Venkatesh said it had more to do with match-ups.
“We are all aware of his bowling prowess. In his career, he has taken significant wickets. Unfortunately, it didn’t work out for us; had he taken Jaiswal’s wicket, it would have been a captain’s stroke of brilliance. These incidents take place on the pitch.
Venkatesh provided further details on the controversial call, describing Rana as a “unbelievable bowler”.
The wicket was on the slower side and holding just a little bit. With the new ball, we wanted to benefit from the spin.
“Since it didn’t work, there were questions. Rana, though, is a phenomenal bowler who has emerged and picked up wickets everywhere he bowled with effective bowling. He wouldn’t become a poor bowler after one game.
Venkatesh praised RR’s fielding performance and said that Shimron Hetmyer and Sandeep Sharma’s spectacular catches set them back.
Rahmanullah Gurbaz’s quick start was ended by Sharma’s diving catch at midoff, whereas Hetmyer had dismissed Jason Roy with a brilliant sprinting and springing catch at square leg boundary.
Trent Boult’s subsequent overs on the powerplay resulted in the initial pair being out.
“They both made excellent receptions and shoots. In a T20 match, they easily saved approximately 20 or so runs on the field, which is incredible.
“Two wickets and two fresh batsmen on a difficult-to-bat pitch, I believe that’s when we slowed down.
“I would accept the duty of playing several dot balls there. The phase was owned by Rajasthan, therefore I should have rotated more,” Venkatesh stated in reference to his sluggish start.