Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), on Sunday, created history in the 2023 Indian Premier League (IPL) by completing a remarkable chase against Gujarat Titans (GT), the defending champions.
After Rashid Khan’s hat-trick, KKR needed 43 runs off the last two overs, making their chances of winning appear slim. However, Rinku Singh, a 25-year-old player, took on the challenge and smashed 40 runs off the last seven balls he faced to guide KKR to an improbable victory, with 29 runs required off the final over.
Meanwhile, KKR’s triumph, it was a disheartening moment for GT’s left-arm pacer Yash Dayal, who was responsible for the carnage in the final overs. He threw three full tosses in a row, but Rinku was in a different zone and hit the ball with ease. After the match, Dayal was naturally dejected, and Rashid empathised with him, stating that he tried everything but could not stop Rinku’s onslaught.
𝗥𝗜𝗡𝗞𝗨 𝗦𝗜𝗡𝗚𝗛! 🔥 🔥
𝗬𝗼𝘂 𝗔𝗯𝘀𝗼𝗹𝘂𝘁𝗲 𝗙𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗸! ⚡️ ⚡️
Take A Bow! 🙌 🙌
28 needed off 5 balls & he has taken @KKRiders home & how! 💪 💪
Those reactions say it ALL! ☺️ 🤗
Scorecard ▶️ https://t.co/G8bESXjTyh #TATAIPL | #GTvKKR | @rinkusingh235 pic.twitter.com/Kdq660FdER
— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) April 9, 2023
Following their victory, KKR’s heartwarming message to Dayal won the internet. They acknowledged that it was an off day for Dayal, and it can happen to any player. KKR also mentioned that Dayal is a champion and will emerge stronger from this experience.
“Chin up, lad. Just a hard day at the office, happens to the best of players in cricket. You’re a champion, Yash, and you’re gonna come back strong,” KKR captioned their social-media post.
Fans showered praise on KKR for their thoughtful gesture.
Chin up, lad. Just a hard day at the office, happens to the best of players in cricket. You’re a champion, Yash, and you’re gonna come back strong 💜🫂@gujarat_titans pic.twitter.com/M0aOQEtlsx
— KolkataKnightRiders (@KKRiders) April 9, 2023
This win was KKR’s second victory of the IPL season, propelling them to second place in the points table. On Friday, April 14, KKR will compete against the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), who also recorded their first win of the season on Sunday (April 9) after two consecutive losses. It will be intriguing to see how both teams fare against each other in the upcoming match. KKR’s confidence will be high after their last win, while the Sunrisers will look to build on their recent triumph.
