IPL 2018: Two Outstanding Victories Put Kolkata Back on Track - Jacques Kallis

The Kolkata Knight Riders’ (KKR) chief coach Jacques Kallis, has hailed franchise’s winning streak in the last two matches. Dinesh Karthik-led side has convincingly won their previous two games.

However, veteran Kallis believes that the victories have come at the right time for the team.

Despite this success, the former South African all-rounder Kallis doesn’t want to take anything for granted. It is well known that Twenty20 form is unpredictable.

Hence, the two-time IPL champions Knight Riders will not like to take their foot off the paddle.

Getting complacent is the biggest mistake one can make in the shortest format. Thus, the head coach believes that it is important to keep on backing themselves.

Knight Riders have been dominating in their last two matches following their all-round show. First, they were able to trounce Gautam Gambhir’s Delhi Daredevils by a mammoth margin of 71 runs.

In addition, they also continued their impetus against Rajasthan Royals (RR) as they won by seven wickets.

Also, read: IPL 2018: 18th Match: KKR vs KXIP – Kings XI Punjab Predicted XI

Kallis wrote that they won’t like to take things lightly. Jacques Kallis wrote in his Times of India column, “Two outstanding victories have put us back on track, but you can never take your eye off the ball in this game – literally and metaphorically. We have to give it another mighty push on Saturday against the in-form Kings XI”.

The Kolkata franchise’s coach further praised Andre Russell for turning the match on its head against Daredevils. Windies all-rounder smashed 41 runs off just 12 balls – to give a fine finishing touch to the innings.

Read: IPL 2018: 18th Match: KKR vs KXIP – Kings XI Punjab Predicted XI

“Andre Russell is seeing the cricket ball as big as a soccer ball at the moment. What a staggering intervention against Delhi! We were comfortably heading towards a total of around 175-180 when he arrived at the crease. He smashed six out of 11 balls for six and was out to the 12th. Wow. Just wow,” opined Kallis who is regarded as the best all-rounder to embrace the gentleman’s game.

Different players have stepped up on multiple occasions for the Kolkata franchise. Kallis believes that it has been a total team-effort from his side as they are not reliant on any individual.

Kallis further noted down, “One of the most pleasing aspects of our start is the number of players who have contributed and the fact that we are not relying on certain individualism,” Kallis remarked.

Having said that, you just can’t stop certain guys from performing, like Sunny Narine, who has been in prolific form with bat and ball. Only those who have seen him regularly behind the scenes will know just how much work he has put in to remodel his action and remain effective. I don’t think he’s as good as ever – I think he’s better than ever. We are very fortunate to have him,” he concludes.

Knight Riders have won three matches out of the five matches so far. Hence, they find themselves at the second position in the points table.

Karthik’s troops will look to continue their momentum in the ongoing season. KKR will lock horns with Kings XI Punjab on Saturday (April 21) at their home ground; Eden Gardens in Kolkata.

Also, read: IPL 2018: Kallis Backs Young Guns in Kolkata Knight Riders’ Camp