Rahane blames dew for RPS’ failure to protect 183 against KKR

RISING PUNE SUPERGIANT batsman Ajinkya Rahane believes that the dew factor made it increasingly difficult for their bowlers to defend 183 total against Kolkata Knight Riders at Pune.

Rahane credited Robin Uthappa and Gautam Gambhir for combining a 158-run partnership in their massive chase. After a dropped catch early in the game, Uthappa went on hammer 87 runs off 47 balls. Showering praise on the KKR duo, as reported by CricketCountry, Rahane said, 

“Credit goes to their batsmen. Ya, that (dropped catches) happens on the field. No one does it intentionally. It’s part and parcel of the game. I thought they batted really well, especially Robin after that dropped catch, he literally dominated our bowlers. So, they played really well, better than us. After we batted, we thought 180 odd runs were a good total on this wicket. But because of the dew, it was slightly difficult for the bowlers.”

Apart from explosive boundaries during both innings, it was MS Dhoni’s effort behind the stumps, to dismiss Sunil Narine, that caught the eye of the viewers. With the willow, the former India skipper contributed 23 runs off 11 balls. Speaking about Dhoni’s game, Rahane said that he felt good to have the veteran back in form.

“See he’s been fantastic. I think the other night against Sunrisers, the way he batted. He was so cool and calm under pressure. Today it was the perfect situation for him to play his natural game because we [Rahane and Steven Smith] laid the foundation really well. It was a fantastic knock by him, 10 balls 28-30 odd runs. It is good to have him back in form and I am sure he will do well in the coming games.”

Rising Pune Supergiant will play Royal Challengers Bangalore on April 29 at Pune. 
 

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