IPL 2022: Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) managed to pull off an easy win against Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the Indian Premier League opener. KKR won by six wickets with nine balls to spare owing to Ajinkya Rahane's 44 and other supporting performances.
At the post-match presentation, Shreyas Iyer, the skipper of KKR said that there is always a sense of tension when MS Dhoni is at the crease. Dhoni was the top scorer in the match as he saved CSK's face by taking the score to a respectable total of 131 runs. His 50 from 38 balls went vain but CSK fans would be hopeful for seeing such performances from Thala.
"There is always tension when MS Dhoni is batting. I knew momentum was going to shift towards them with the dew around. It was difficult to grip the ball. Enjoying the new franchise. CEO, management, support staff have been outstanding. Just need to carry the momentum. It was spungier than we imagined," said Shreyas Iyer in a post-match presentation.
Iyer also spoke about playing at Wankhede, his home ground in Ranaji matches. He said, "This is one place I love to play. I grew up here. I thought it would be flat. It was pretty easy for me with the bowling lineup I had. Umesh has worked hard in the nets and did well in the practice games too. Really chuffed to see him perform today."
Chasing a paltry 132-run target, KKR openers Iyer and Rahane gave their team a good start as they set the platform by scoring early runs. CSK bagged some quick wickets in the middle but skipper Shreyas Iyer along with Sam Billings helped Kolkata get over the line without needing any power-hitting from their lower batting order.