New Delhi [India], April 22: Gujarat Titans (GT) spinner Sai Kishore shared insights into the pitch conditions at Eden Gardens following GT’s commanding 39-run win over Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) on Monday.
Speaking at the post-match presentation, Kishore noted that the pitch provided grip, especially in the second innings, which benefited the bowlers. “There was enough purchase in the wicket. When we bowled in the second innings, there was more purchase. On such a track, that was a good total to defend,” he said.
Discussing his strategy against KKR’s power-hitter Andre Russell, Kishore added, “Just tried to change the angle a bit so that the deviation is different. The situation was to attack, I wanted to go slow through the air and get the top-edge.”
Kishore also lauded his teammate Rashid Khan, calling him one of the best T20 bowlers in the world. “He’s getting his wicket-taking knack back. As a team, we don’t doubt his abilities. We all believe in him,” he said.
He emphasized GT’s team-oriented approach and focus on continuous improvement, particularly in fielding. “The talk has been about playing good cricket, not about the results. Our fielding was very good today. We are just addressing areas where we can play better as a team,” he added.
Gujarat Titans posted a formidable 198/3 after being put to bat first, led by skipper Shubman Gill’s impressive 90, Sai Sudharsan’s 52, and a quickfire 41* from Jos Buttler. KKR, in response, struggled despite a fighting 50 from skipper Ajinkya Rahane, managing only 159/8. Prasidh Krishna and Rashid Khan both took 2 wickets each, sealing a convincing win for GT.
With this victory, GT now sits comfortably at the top of the table with six wins from eight matches (12 points), while KKR slips to seventh with just three wins and five losses.