CSK vs KKR: Message From Brendon McCullum Was To Play Fearless Cricket : Ajinkya Rahane
Published - 27 Mar 2022, 12:34 PM | Updated - 23 Aug 2024, 01:06 AM
Ajinkya Rahane scored a crucial 44 off 34 deliveries as KKR beat CSK by six wickets in the IPL 2022 opener at the Wankhede stadium in Mumbai. Shreyas Iyer and his team gave it back to MS Dhoni’s CSK in many ways after they lost the final of IPL 2021. For KKR it was a good team performance with the senior players playing a key role.
Umesh Yadav was back in KKR colours and he gave his team a perfect start taking two wickets inside the powerplay. His spell of 2/20 also earned him the Man of the Match award. Rahane reflected on the win and said that it was a complete team performance.
“It’s good to win the first game against CSK. The first game is always important, but this is a long tournament. As a team, our bonding has been really good. We are enjoying each other’s success. Our preparation has been really good. It is important to start off well and credit goes to everyone for this victory” said Rahane.
Addressing the post-match press conference, the veteran Indian cricketer then revealed what the message was from KKR coach Brendon McCullum ahead of the game. He spoke about how the Kiwi coach motivated the players to play a fearless brand of cricket.
“The message has been really clear from Brendon, for everyone actually, to play fearless cricket. He is someone who gives confidence to each and every individual. For me it was simple, to go out there and play my natural game, not to think too much about it. He’s been really good. He motivates each and every individual and backs them” Rahane added further.
My Role Is To Play My Natural Game: Ajinkya Rahane
Rahane and Venkatesh Iyer (16) added 43 for the first wicket. Thereafter, Nitish Rahana (21), Sam Billing (25) and Shreyas Iyer (20*) scored crucial 20s to take KKR over the line. This was KKR’s eighth victory over CSK in 20 matches overall in the IPL.
The IPL 2022 will see its first double-header on Sunday with Delhi Capitals taking on Mumbai Indians from group A in the first game at the Brabourne stadium. RCB-PBKS then face-off in the second game at the DY Patil in the second game starting from 7.30 pm.
Also Read: CSK vs KKR: We Just Have To Carry The Momentum From Here – Shreyas Iyer After KKR’s Win In Game 1
