Chennai, April 15 (NationPress) Ajinkya Rahane acknowledged that the Kolkata Knight Riders are struggling due to a lack of batting momentum, despite praising their bowling unit for keeping their match against Chennai Super Kings competitive. KKR ultimately lost by 32 runs at the MA Chidambaram Stadium on Tuesday.

Reflecting on the game, Rahane noted that the KKR bowlers made a commendable recovery after a challenging start during the Power-play.

“We are facing no real momentum with the bat. I must say, our bowling was impressive. Scoring 190 runs on this wicket was commendable, particularly after they amassed around 70 runs in the Power-play. Pulling back to 190 was an exceptional effort from our bowling squad,” the KKR captain remarked post-match.

Even with the bowlers' commendable efforts, Rahane conceded that the batting lineup failed to seize the opportunity, particularly in the Power-play, starting slowly.

“Initially, we managed only 36 or 37 runs in the Power-play. I felt that was crucial. While hitting spinners during the middle phase posed challenges, the wicket itself was good,” he observed.

The KKR captain stressed the necessity for a batsman to anchor the innings and play through to the end, a crucial element absent in their recent performances. “We need at least one batter to bat deep and guide us to the finish,” he emphasized.

As the team faces difficulties in securing wins, Rahane recognized the phase as challenging but underscored the importance of maintaining mental strength. “It’s tough right now. We’re not securing wins, which is challenging. It’s vital for our group to remain positive, keep our spirits high, and focus on the present,” he asserted.

He also suggested that the team management might need to explore different combinations to find the right balance, stating, “We will need to sit down together and evaluate our combinations. If the results aren’t favorable, we must reconsider our approach.”

Rahane praised young pacer Kartik Tyagi, acknowledging his rapid improvement and significant impact on the team.

“All credit goes to him. He’s been working incredibly hard in the nets, bowling exceptionally well, and showcasing great talent. His current pace is impressive, and I’m thrilled to see him progressing with each game,” he remarked.

Rahane also highlighted the influence of spinners from both teams, noting that conditions made it difficult for batsmen to play aggressively during the middle overs.

“All three spinners performed admirably. CSK's spinners also bowled exceptionally well. It was hard for batters to hit big sixes unless they bowled full deliveries. Overall, both sides' spinners executed their roles effectively,” Rahane noted.

As KKR seeks to rejuvenate their campaign, Rahane reiterated the need for confidence and composure within the squad, stating, “We must keep our heads high, remain positive, and possess self-belief.”