Mullanpur (Punjab) [India]: After Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) were stunned by Punjab Kings (PBKS) in one of the Indian Premier League’s most dramatic matches, skipper Ajinkya Rahane admitted disappointment in his team’s batting performance and took responsibility for his own dismissal that triggered a collapse.
PBKS made history on Tuesday at Mullanpur by defending just 111 runs — the lowest total ever defended in IPL history. While the game will be remembered for Yuzvendra Chahal’s match-winning spell of 4/28, Rahane’s post-match comments offered a moment of introspection for the defending champions.
“Nothing to explain, we all saw what happened there. Pretty disappointed with the effort. I will take the blame (for his dismissal), played the wrong shot, although it was missing,” Rahane said while reflecting on the match.
The KKR captain also discussed a moment of uncertainty with young batter Angkrish Raghuvanshi during an LBW review.
“He was not very sure (his chat with Angkrish Raghuvanshi after being given out LBW). He said it could be the umpire’s call. I did not want to take a chance at that time, I was not sure as well. That was the discussion,” Rahane explained.
The veteran batter didn’t mince words about his team’s performance with the bat:
“We batted really badly as a batting unit, we take full responsibility. Bowlers did really well on this surface, restricting a strong Punjab batting lineup to 111.”
Sharing his thoughts on the conditions, Rahane acknowledged that reckless shot-making cost them a straightforward win.
“As an individual, you still have to be confident and positive. On this wicket, batting with full face (was better). The sweep was pretty hard to play. Keep the intent going but play cricketing shots. We were reckless and should take full responsibility,” he added.
On how he plans to regroup with the team, Rahane said:
“At the moment, too many things going in my head. It was an easy chase for us. When I go upstairs, need to keep myself calm and then think about what to say to the boys. Still have to be positive. Half of the tournament is still remaining. Have to address this and move forward.”
Also SEE : Punjab Kings Make IPL History By Defending Lowest Total To Defeat KKR
Match Summary:
PBKS opted to bat first and got off to a fiery start thanks to Priyansh Arya (22 off 12) and Prabhsimran Singh (30 off 15), adding 39 runs quickly. However, a top-class spell by Harshit Rana (3/25) and sharp fielding from Ramandeep Singh dragged PBKS down to 54/4 by the end of the powerplay. Narine (2/14) and Varun Chakravarthy (2/21) kept the pressure on, and PBKS were eventually bowled out for 111 in 15.3 overs.
In reply, KKR collapsed under pressure despite promising efforts from Angkrish Raghuvanshi (37) and Andre Russell (17). Chahal and Marco Jansen (3/17) dismantled the batting lineup, skittling KKR for 95 in just 15.1 overs — handing PBKS a stunning 16-run win.
PBKS now sit at fourth place on the points table with four wins and two losses (8 points), while KKR, with three wins and four losses, are placed sixth with 6 points.