Xtra Time Web Desk: In a dominant display at their homeground Eden Gardens on April 14, the Kolkata Knight Riders secured an emphatic eight-wicket win over the Lucknow Super Giants. Phil Salt, KKR’s English opener, emerged as the hero of the match with an unbeaten 89 runs, steering his team to victory with 26 balls to spare.
Following the triumph, Bollywood superstar and KKR team co-owner Shah Rukh Khan paid a visit to the team’s dressing room. Khan, expressing his delight at the team’s performance, urged the senior and international players to mentor the younger members of the squad, fostering their growth into exceptional cricketers.
Read More: IPL 2024: KKR bounces back with Stellar Performances from Salt, Shreyas, and Starc
Salt, who was awarded the ‘Player of the Match’ for his stellar innings, credited the coaching staff for his outstanding performance. His innings, a career-best in the IPL, comprised 10 fours and three sixes, coming off just 47 balls.
Reflecting on his achievement, Salt revealed, “Before the game, I felt I was melting. Good to get another win home. Before the lights came on, it was a bit slower. After lights came on, there was some moisture and it quickened up.” Praising the team’s mentor Gautam Gambhir, Salt remarked, “Got some great overseas players, some great coaches. GG is back in the fold which is great.”
Meanwhile, KKR skipper Shreyas Iyer expressed his elation after the convincing win, highlighting the team’s all-round performance. Iyer contributed with a composed 38 runs at a run-a-ball rate, forming an unbeaten 120-run partnership for the third wicket.
Read More: IPL 2024: After Russell, Gautam Gambhir now defends Chandrakant Pandit’s coaching style approach
“Pretty much comprehensive victory. Fielded well and bowled well. Was important to bowl slower ones as much as possible because of the heat and the wicket becoming dry. We executed phenomenally well. When we got wickets, it gave us the advantage to come in and put an attacking effort. Character and attitude bowlers showed was exceptional,” Iyer praised the team’s effort.
As KKR maintained their second position on the points table and improved their net run rate, Iyer emphasized the importance of staying focused and seizing the moment in the dynamic tournament