IPL 2020: Eoin Morgan Reveals KKR Should Have Bowled First, Given The Dew Factor In The Second Innings

Eoin Morgan’s Kolkata Knight Riders had no answers to Virat Kohli’s Royal Challengers Bangalore as the latter won by eight wickets in Abu Dhabi. Eoin Morgan, who elected to bat first after winning the toss, top-scored with 30 as the other seven batsmen managed only 54 runs between them in 20 overs. Following RCB’s eight-wicket victory, Eoin Morgan reflected on the heavy loss.

In the six-over powerplay, Kolkata Knight Riders found themselves four down as the top four managed only 12 runs between them alongside a golden duck from Nitish Rana. The experienced pair of Dinesh Karthik and Eoin Morgan even found it challenging to rotate the strike. RCB bowlers kept striking at regular intervals, conceding only six boundaries in total. The Knight Riders finished with 84-8 in their stipulated overs.

The Royal Challengers’ batsmen nearly finished the game in five overs as Aaron Finch and Devdutt Padikkal stitched a stand of 46 in 6.2 overs. The departure of Devdutt Padikkal and Aaron Finch hardly meant anything to them as Virat Kohli and Gurkeerat Singh completed the formalities in 13.3 overs. With the seventh victory, RCB left Mumbai Indians behind to take the second spot in the points table.

“Hopefully Russell and Narine will be fit and available around the corner” : Eoin Morgan

Eoin Morgan conceded that losing 4-5 wickets early did not help their cause. Eoin Morgan commended the Royal Challengers’ bowlers for bowling well and thought he misread the pitch, considering the dew factor. The 33-year old stated that their top three batsmen have shown potential while hoping for Andre Russell and Sunil Narine being fit for the upcoming fixtures. He added that the duo left a gaping hole in their line-up and are gun players.

“I think it started with batting. Being four or five down as early as we were is disappointing. RCB bowled well, but we should have countered that better. and with that dew, we probably should have bowled first. We have been consistent with our selections of the top three, we believe they are the ones to take us forward. They have shown potential. So it was important to back the Indian batsmen. Hopefully Russell and Narine will be fit and available around the corner. Two guys of that calibre, particularly when they are allrounders, is a big hole. Hopefully they will be available down the line,” Morgan told in the post-match presentation.

Also Read: IPL 2020 Points Table: RCB Move To The Second Position With a Thumping Win Over Kolkata Knight Riders