News Analysis India

Tag: Nitish Rana

  • IPL 2021: KKR outwit Delhi Capitals by three wickets in low-scoring Sharjah encounter

    By PTI

    SHARJAH: Nitish Rana kept his calm in a tricky chase as Kolkata Knight Riders kept their play-off hopes alive with a three-wicket victory over Delhi Capitals in a low-scoring IPL contest, here on Tuesday.

    The KKR bowlers made optimum use of the slow Sharjah track to restrict Delhi Capitals to 127 for nine.

    T20 specialist Rana (36 not out) and seasoned Sunil Narine (21 off 10 balls) went after inexperienced Lalit Yadav in the 14th over and also attacked seasoned Kagiso Rabada in the 16th over to tilt the game in KKR’s favour.

    The loss would be a nice wake-up call for DC, who remain second in the table with 16 points even as KKR consolidated their fourth spot with 10 points.

    On a relaid Sharjah track where run-scoring was difficult, DC did well enough till the 13th over when KKR were struggling at 76 for 4.

    However Rishabh Pant had by then finished Ravichandran Ashwin’s (1/24 in 4 overs) quota and had to rely on Lalit Yadav’s fast off-breaks.

    Rana used the long handle with two huge sixes as 20 came off that over.

    In the 16th over, it was Narine, who launched into Rabada and got 21 runs which put KKR in the driver’s seat and despite some late jitters, Rana with a slashed boundary off Anrich Nortje finished the match in style.

    Earlier, the KKR bowlers justified skipper Eoin Morgan’s decision to put Delhi into bat as the ball was stopping before coming onto the bat.

    For Delhi Capitals, only Steve Smith (39) and skipper Rishabh Pant (39) could cross the 30-run mark as run-scoring looked a difficult task.

    Not a single six was hit during the entire innings.

    Capitals opener Shikhar Dhawan (24) hit five boundaries in quick time as he converted a lot of balls into half volleys before Venkatesh pouched him at point of Lockie Ferguson.

    After the Powerplay, DC were 39 for one but it soon became 40 for two, as Sunil Narine (2/18) castled Shreyas Iyer (1) in the seventh over.

    Then Pant joined Smith and both found scoring difficult as there was no pace off the track and the balls were not really coming onto the bat.

    Varun Chakravarthy (0/24) as usual was steady while Narine (2/18) also payed his part.

    Smith tried changing gears and hammered successive fours in the 10th over off Chakravarthy, as Delhi got 12 from that over.

    The Australian then slog swept Narine and was looking in his element when Ferguson pegged back Delhi by castling Smith as they slipped to 77/3.

    Kolkata then grabbed three quick wickets, as Shimron Hetmyer (4), Lalit Yadav (0), who was trapped in front by Narine, and Axar Patel (0) too perished cheaply as Delhi was teetering at 92/6.

    With Pant failing to up the ante, Venkatesh (2/29) bowled really well in the back-10 mixing it up nicely at a speed of nearly 130 kmph which is certain to keep Hardik Pandya on tenterhooks, if not in coming days, then definitely in coming months.

    Pant became the leading run-scorer for Delhi Capitals surpassing Virender Sehwag.

  • KKR vs SRH: It was for my friends, says Nitish Rana on celebration post fifty

    By ANI
    CHENNAI: Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) batsman Nitish Rana said that his celebration after scoring a half-century against SunRisers Hyderabad (SRH) was dedicated to his friends.

    Rana and Rahul Tripathi’s knocks of 80 and 53 were backed by a spirited bowling performance as KKR triumphed over SRH by 10 runs here at the MA Chidambaram Stadium on Sunday. KKR first posted a total of 187/6 in the allotted twenty overs and then the bowlers managed to restrict SRH to 177/5.

    “Feels good to start the season on a high note. I will try to carry this form and help the side as much as possible. The wicket was fresh so I played cautiously in the first few overs and then when I saw the ball is in my zone, I started hitting them. I was trying to hit the loose balls,” Rana said in a video posted by the official website of the IPL.

    When Harbhajan Singh asked what does his celebration mean after the half-century, Rana said, “It was for my friends. My friends love the song Brown Munde and before the season began I told them when I do this (celebration), it will mean that we all are brown munde.”

    For Eoin Morgan’s side, Prasidh Krishna managed to take two wickets. For SRH, Jonny Bairstow and Manish Pandey played knocks of 55 and 61 respectively. This win was also KKR’s 100th in the IPL.

    Morgan heaped praises on Rana and said he played a match-winning knock for the side.

    “I’m delighted for Nitish. Obviously, a match-winning innings today. The thing that impressed me the most about his innings was the method he used, played really aggressively and always took a positive option which really did set up our batting innings,” Morgan said while replying to an ANI query in a virtual press conference after the game.

  • Nitish Rana played match-winning innings for us: KKR skipper Eoin Morgan

    By ANI
    CHENNAI: Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) skipper Eoin Morgan was delighted with the way Nitish Rana batted against the SunRisers Hyderabad and said that he played a match-winning knock for the side.

    Rana and Rahul Tripathi’s knocks of 80 and 53 were backed by a spirited bowling performance as KKR triumphed over SRH by 10 runs here at the MA Chidambaram Stadium. KKR first posted a total of 187/6 in the allotted twenty overs and then the bowlers managed to restrict SRH to 177/5.

    “I’m delighted for Nitish. Obviously, a match-winning innings today. The thing that impressed me the most about his innings was the method he used, played really aggressively and always took a positive option which really did set up our batting innings,” Morgan said while replying to an ANI query in a virtual press conference after the game.

    When asked about the batting position of Dinesh Karthik after he smashed 22 off nine balls coming out at number six, Morgan said, “Dinesh is happy with where he is at the moment. We are in regular conversation with him being vice-captain and me being the captain. One of the many strengths within our squad and two of the most talented guys in the country opening the batting for us. Tripathi at three played beautifully and the middle-order we have is extremely versatile. When Dinesh plays like that or Russell plays in the way he can play, it is obviously the destructive batting unit that has potential to win matches.”

    Seasoned spinner Harbhajan Singh just bowled one over in the game and Morgan said despite that he did not finish his spell he played a role by motivating players around him.

    “It’s more to do with the match-ups. We analysed the opposition batsmen and him bowling the first over was a plan based on that. He created an opportunity, but unfortunately the catch was dropped. The role he played from thereon was outstanding. He used his experience, spoke to the players and lent his hand wherever needed. From the time he has arrived in the camp, he has shown more energy than anyone else. Hopefully, he can continue doing that and keep bowling beautifully the way he has been,” he said.

    When asked about the challenges of the bubble life, England skipper said, “Everyone within the squad, backroom staff and coaches are aware of how tough the bubble life is and the challenges it presents. It’s tough at different stages and particularly when you aren’t playing. Working hard and waiting for an opportunity could be a challenge.

    “Having been in that position myself, I think the mind is waiting for that opportunity and trying to manage how you spend your energies. Often, if you aren’t in a good headspace, then you don’t take the opportunity when it arrives. There are regular conversations going on about the players’ welfare at the moment,” he added.

  • Manish Pandey’s efforts go in vain as Kolkata Knight Riders beat Sunrisers Hyderabad by 10 runs

    By PTI
    CHENNAI: Opener Nitish Rana (80) and Rahul Tripathi (53) hit fluent half-centuries to script Kolkata Knight Rides’ a comfortable 10-run win against Sunrisers Hyderabad in their Indian Premier League match, here on Sunday.

    SRH’s Rashid Khan (2/24) was yet again at his best, asking tough questions to the KKR batsmen but most of his bowling colleagues proved ineffective on a slow yet decent batting wicket.

    Hyderabad lost skipper David Warner (3) and Wriddhiman Saha (7) early and were always playing a catch-up game despite Jonny Bairstow’s fighting half-century.

    They could manage 177 for five in the end.

    Warner was dropped on nought by Pat Cummins in the first over bowled by Harbhajan Singh but he could not make good use of the life and became a victim of pacer Prasidh Krishna while Saha was cleaned up by Shakib Al Hasan.

    Jonny Bairstow (55) and Manish Pandey (61 not out) formed a partnership at a steady run rate.

    Australian pacer Cummins broke their 92-run stand when he had Bairstow caught at backward point by Rana.

    SRH needed 70 off the last five overs.

    Mohammed Nabi (14) was hit on his neck by Krishna but the Afghan responded with a cracking six.

    He went after a slower one but only to be caught by Eoin Morgan.

    The 19-year-old Abdul Samad, who hails from Jammu and Kashmir, creamed off two sixes and a four off Cummins in the penultimate over to keep SRH in hunt.

    Requiring 22 runs from the last over, KKR’s Andre Russell held his nerves to deny SRH a win.

    Earlier, left-handed opener Rana struck the ball hard and clean to provide his side a confident start after they were asked to take first strike.

    His strokes on the off-side — the drives and cuts – were of highest quality and a treat to the eye.

    Neither Bhuvneshwar Kumar nor T Natarajan could stop Rana from hitting boundaries even as Subhman Gill was quiet initially.

    Sandeep Sharma was hit for three boundaries in a row by him.

    Gill opened up his arms to hit a massive straight six off Natarajan to make it even better for KKR.

    However, the run-flow was affected when ever-reliable Rashid got the ball in his hands.

    He also provided the breakthrough when he deceived Gill with a wrong’un to find the stumps.

    Rana though kept going strong, completing his half-century with a six off Vijay Shankar after surviving an LBW appeal off Rashid.

    He got the decision overturned, taking the DRS call.

    Rana’s six-hitting continued after getting his fifty as he punished Natarajan and Sandeep again.

    His colleague at the other end Rahul Tripathi also stroked confidently and fluently.

    He smashed a massive six off Bhuvneshwar and then followed it up with a cheeky four in the third-man region.

    He completed his fifty with another boundary off Bhuvneshwar but was dismissed by Natarajan soon after when he top-edged a ball.

    Rashid too sent back dangerous Andre Russell (5) back.

    Mohammed Nabi (2/32) got rid of Rana and Eoin Morgan (2) off successive balls in the 18th over.

  • Nitish, Rahul half-centuries take Kolkata to 187 for 6 against Hyderabad

    By PTI
    CHENNAI:

    Opener Nitish Rana (80) and Rahul Tripathi (53) hit fluent half-centuries to propel Kolkata Knight Riders to a challenging 187 for six against Sunrisers Hyderabad in their Indian Premier League match, here on Sunday.

    SRH’s Rashid Khan (2/24) was yet again at his best, asking tough questions to the batsmen but most of his bowling colleagues proved ineffective on a batting-friendly wicket.

    Dinesh Karthik (22 not out off 9 balls) provided a late flourish to KKR innings but they could gather only 42 runs in the last five overs.

    Left-handed opener Rana struck the ball hard and clean to provide his side a confident start after they were asked to take first strike.

    His strokes on the off-side — the drives and cuts – were of highest quality and a treat to the eye.

    Neither Bhuvneshwar Kumar nor T Natarajan could stop Rana from hitting boundaries even as Subhman Gill was quiet initially.

    Sandeep Sharma was hit for three boundaries in a row by him.

    Gill opened up his arms to hit a massive straight six off Natarajan to make it even better for KKR.

    However, the run-flow was affected when ever-reliable Rashid got the ball in his hands.

    He also provided the breakthrough when he deceived Gill with a wrong’un to find the stumps.

    Rana though kept going strong, completing his half-century with a six off Vijay Shankar after surviving an LBW appeal off Rashid.

    He got the decision overturned, taking the DRS call.

    Rana’s six-hitting continued after getting his fifty as he punished Natarajan and Sandeep again.

    His colleague at the other end Rahul Tripathi also stroked confidently and fluently.

    He smashed a massive six off Bhuvneshwar and then followed it up with a cheeky four in the third-man region.

    He completed his fifty with another boundary off Bhuvneshwar but was dismissed by Natarajan soon after when he top-edged a ball.

    Rashid too sent back dangerous Andre Russell (5) back.

    Mohammed Nabi (2/32) got rid of Rana and Eoin Morgan (2) off successive balls in the 18th over.

  • IPL 2021: KKR batsman Nitish Rana tests negative for COVID-19 after testing positive on March 22

    By ANI
    NEW DELHI: Kolkata Knight Riders batsman Nitish Rana has tested negative for coronavirus after returning a positive result on March 22. Having undergone self-isolation after the positive result, he underwent a COVID-19 test on Thursday and tested negative. He will start training shortly with an eye on the opening game against SunRisers Hyderabad on April 11.

    Commenting on the turn of events, KKR issued a statement which read: “Nitish Rana had checked into the KKR team hotel in Mumbai, on March 21, 2021 with a negative COVID report which was done on March 19, 2021. As per IPL protocol, he was tested on March 22, during his quarantine and the report showed that he was positive. He has had no symptoms and has been completely asymptomatic since. Again as per IPL protocol, he isolated himself and was tested again today. We are glad to report that he has tested negative. We expect him to start training with the team shortly and be fully fit well before the start of the season.”

    The BCCI SOP says a player who tests positive must isolate in the designated area outside the bio-secure environment for a minimum of 10 days from the first day of symptoms or the date of collection of the sample which resulted in a positive RT-PCR report whichever is earlier.

    “During the 10-day isolation, the individual must rest and avoid any exercises. The team doctor should regularly monitor the case. If symptoms worsen during the course of isolation, the individual must be hospitalised immediately,” the SOP states.

    “During the 10-day isolation, the individual will undergo an RT-PCR test on Day 9 and Day 10. Provided, both the test results from Day 9 and Day 10 are negative, and he does not have any symptoms for more than 24 hours, the individual will be permitted to re-enter the bio-secure environment. After recovery, players must undergo a cardiac screening before resuming any team activities,” the SOP adds.

    To account for any false positive RT-PCR test results, viz. anyone with a high CT-value and history of COVID-19 infection in the previous 90 days, serology tests will be conducted for the presence of IgG antibodies. If the serology test shows high IgG antibody levels indicating a recent infection, a repeat RT-PCR test will be conducted and if the result of the same is negative, the participant will be allowed to re-enter the bio-bubble immediately.

  • In 2015, I wasn’t able to make ends meet’ – KKR‘s Varun Chakravarthy gives emotional speech after fifer against DC

    Kolkata Knight Riders on sensational performances from Nitish Rana, Sunil Narine and off-spinner Varun Chakravarthy to pick up a thumping 59-run win over Delhi Capitals. While Nitish Rana hammered 81 runs in 53 balls, Narine smashed 64 runs in 32 balls as KKR posted a target of 195 for DC to chase.In the chase, DC captain Shreyas Iyer and Rishabh Pant stitched a good partnership following the early departure of both openers Shikhar Dhawan and Ajinkya Rahane. But Iyer and Pant could not surpass the test that spinner Varun Chakravarthy posed in front of DC. (IPL 2020 Full Coverage)

    Chakravarthy picked up five wickets with 20 runs in his 4 overs in the match as KKR picked up two points. After the match, at the post-match presentation ceremony, the bowler was given the man of the match and he recalled his time as an architect and how it was hard for him to make ends meet at the time.

    “This is surreal. The last few games I didn’t get wickets. I wanted to get one or two today, but thank god I got five. I enjoyed Shreyas Iyer’s wicket the most. I was bowling to the shorter boundary so I had to attack the stumps,” the bowler said.