Who Said What to Kolkata Knight Rider's nine-wicket win over Delhi Daredevils
Two-time Indian Premier League champions, Kolkata Knight Riders started their IPL campaign off to a winning start as Delhi Daredevils’ poor form in the IPL continued. After putting the Daredevils into bat first, KKR decimated the batting lineup of the Zaheer Khan-led side as they were bowled for a mere 98 in 17.4 overs.
In reply, the KKR openers, Gautam Gambhir and Robin Uthappa continued their good form from the previous seasons as they put in a 69-run partnership for the first wicket. The foundation set by the openers were enough as they chased down the target with 35 balls to spare.
In the two matches that have been completed so far in the IPL, although there has not been much action to be excited about, many from the cricketing fraternity took to social media to give their opinions on the low-scoring match between KKR and DD.
Delhi Daredevils captain, Zaheer Khan: “You learn every day. I was trying to swing the ball too much. I was playing after a long time. I was happy to see the effort of the fast bowlers. Every team is going to have one bad game, hopefully we've got that out of the way. We're just giving our young batting line-up freedom.
“They are quick learners, they've got the energy. We are happy with our plans and preparation. It's just about letting this team express themselves on the field freely.”
Man-of-the-match, Andre Russell: “We just have to adjust to any surface. That is where professionalism comes into play. It wasn't the fastest of wickets, it wasn't slow either. If I get a chance to bat, I'd go out there and do something destructive.
“When things are going your way, you need to find ways to stay up there. I thought the wicket wouldn't spin that much, but credit to Brad Hogg and Piyush Chawla for backing me up. Well played to captain and Uthappa as well.”
Kolkata Knight Riders captain, Gautam Gambhir: “We were very professional. Russell got to Kolkata this morning. The way he started with the ball was commendable. He is a quality player. Once we restricted them to 98, it was half the job done. We aren't used to playing on these kind of wickets, that is why we decided to bowl first.
“In our chase, someone had to bat through. That is what professional teams do. It was my responsibility to do that. Robin was unbelievable, to give us that kind of start was fantastic. We've covered most of our bases, so we are happy with whatever surfaces we get.”
Indian commentator, Aakash Chopra:
#DD is doing tonight what #MI did yesterday...but at least the pitch at Wankhede was spicier. Must find a way to get Duminy in the XI. #IPL
— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) April 10, 2016
The more they change, the more they remain the same....hope we won't be saying this for #DD towards the end of the season. #IPL
— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) April 10, 2016
Eden is a fortress and that hasn't been breached tonight. Clinical by #KKR Didn't put a foot wrong...weren't even pushed. #IPL #KKRvsDD
— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) April 10, 2016
Indian commentator, Harsha Bhogle:
Am a huge fan of Shakib. Will pick him everyday. But maybe #KKR know the conditions better. Wanted firepower of Munro?
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) April 10, 2016
Wonderful to see my ageless friend @Brad_Hogg continue to play with such vigour and guile. Wrist spin always effective
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) April 10, 2016
One of the reasons the #IPL is so much fun is that getting team balance right is so interesting. Not just bat & ball but Indian & overseas
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) April 10, 2016
Former Indian Women's captain, Anjum Chopra:
The start not ideal that @DelhiDaredevils were looking for in season opener. Reeling at 35/4 after 6 vs @KKRiders @IPL #2016 #kolkata
— Anjum Chopra (@chopraanjum) April 10, 2016
Clinical from @KKRiders today against @DelhiDaredevils in their den at Eden Gardens #IPL #VIVOIPL .98 target was not challenging enough
— Anjum Chopra (@chopraanjum) April 10, 2016
Former Australian leg-spinner, Shane Warne:
Great to see so many leg spinners performing well in 20/20 cricket, first the T/20 World Cup & now the #IPL2016 love it @SkyCricket
— Shane Warne (@ShaneWarne) April 10, 2016
Australian fast-bowler, Kane Richardson:
I would hate to be the man who has to wash John Hastings' shirt tonight. #soaking #IPL2016
— Kane Richardson (@KaneWRichardson) April 10, 2016
Former Indian cricketer, Murali Kartik:
Delhi daredevils still seem Hungover with their past record at Eden gardens..their best group was the first3 yrs of the IPL. But early days
— Kartik Murali (@kartikmurali) April 10, 2016
Former Indian cricketer, VVS Laxman:
Really good to see my good friend @ImZaheer bowl after a long timeGood luck buddy #IPL2016
— VVS Laxman (@VVSLaxman281) April 10, 2016
Indian domestic cricketer, Parvinder Awana:
Congrats @KKRiders & @GautamGambhir bhai on a great start in #IPL. Wonderful captaincy and then some delightful strokes to lead the chase.
— Parvinder Awana (@ParvinderAwana) April 10, 2016