Nitish Rana fined INR 12 lakh for slow over-rate during KKR vs PBKS in IPL 2023
Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) captain Nitish Rana has been fined for slow over-rate during their game against Punjab Kings at the Eden Gardens on Monday, May 9. The 29-year-old was charged ₹12 lakh since it was his first such offense in this edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL 2023).
KKR were forced to bring in another fielder into the ring. They were able to have only four on the boundary for the final over since they exceeded that time limit. The last over by Harshit Rana yielded 21 runs.
In a statement, IPL wrote:
“As it was his team’s first offense of the season under the IPL’s Code of Conduct relating to minimum over-rate offenses, Mr. Rana was fined Rs. 12 lakh.”
As far as the match is concerned, KKR beat PBKS by five wickets while chasing a target of 180. Rana led from the front, scoring 51 off 38 balls, including a maximum and six fours. Jason Roy contributed 38 off 24 deliveries. Andre Russell (42 off 23) and Rinku Singh (21* off 10) ensured KKR get over the line in a last-ball thriller.
For PBKS, Rahul Chahar emerged as the pick of the bowlers, returning with figures of 2/23.
Earlier, Shikhar Dhawan’s half-century and a late flourish from Shahrukh Khan (21 off 8) and Harpreet Brar (17 off 9) guided his team to 179/7. Varun Chakaravarthy and Harshit Rana bagged three and two wickets, respectively.
“’Rinku, Rinku,' that is what he has earned this year” – Nitish Rana hails Rinku Singh
Nitish Rana credited Rinku Singh and Andre Russell for their victory against Punjab Kings on Monday. Speaking on the post-match show, the KKR skipper said:
“(On Rinku) I just keep telling him, believe in yourself because what you have achieved is something not many people ever will. When he was batting, the whole crowd was chanting 'Rinku, Rinku'.”
He continued:
“That is what he has earned this year. I've been at this franchise for many years now, I'm used to the Eden crowd screaming 'Russell, Russell' but to hear them shout 'Rinku, Rinku' makes me feel very happy and proud. That's the respect he has earned this season.”
KKR are currently placed fifth in the latest IPL 2023 points table. Nitish Rana and Co. will next host Sanju Samson-led Rajasthan Royals (RR) on Thursday, May 11.
Click here to check out the KKR vs PBKS full scorecard.