IPL 2018: Jacques Kallis Hails Kolkata Knight Riders' Resilience

Kolkata Knight Riders’ (KKR) head coach Jacques Kallis has expressed his happiness about the team’s undying spirit throughout this eleventh edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL).

Meanwhile, Kolkata time and again defied odds to come back in the tournament. It was once again evident in the Eliminator where they beat Rajasthan Royals (RR) to set up a clash with Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH).

KKR fought back from 24 for three to post a challenging total of 169 runs on the board. Further, they bowled superbly to restrict the Royals to 144 for four, winning the match by 25 runs.

Kallis in his column for TOI wrote that he is happy with his team’s resilience.

“Once again the most pleasing aspect of Wednesday’s victory against Rajasthan was the way we fought when it looked like we were in trouble, whether it was being 24 for three or when they reached 100 for one. This team simply does not know when to give up, and I trust they never will,” Kallis wrote for Times of India.

This win means that Kolkata have had clinched last four consecutive games and have the momentum on their side. They will square off against SRH on May 25 at the Eden Gardens.

Karthik superb in the middle-overs: Jacques Kallis

Kallis showered praise on skipper Dinesh Karthik for his handling of matters in pressure situations. He also lauded young Shubman Gill along with Windies all-rounder Andre Russell.

“DK (Dinesh Karthik) has been superb in controlling the middle order and the middle overs throughout the tournament and, once again, Shubman Gill showed that he is a class player with the valuable ability to read the match situation and play accordingly. Normally we put that down to experience but he’s only 18,” Kallis added.

“Russ (Russell) showed how dangerous he can be and I always thought he was putting us not just back on course but slightly ahead of the game. It was a tough wicket to bat on but he is a remarkable cricketer,” he concluded.

Meanwhile, the winner from Qualifier second will set up a date with Chennai Super Kings on May 27.

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