Former India batter Aakash Chopra has criticized the bowling unit of Kolkata Knight Riders, saying they looked a little pedestrian against Punjab Kings. PBKS beat KKR by 7 runs after DLS in their opening match of the 2023 Indian Premier League.
Speaking on his Youtube channel, Chopra said Kolkata’s bowling looked a bit pedestrian in Mohali, apart from Umesh Yadav, who was economical. KKR were hit for 191 runs by PBKS in Mohali, with Umesh finishing with figures of 1/27 in four overs.
“All bowlers were hit a lot. Everyone was taken on remand and the batters showed command. Kolkata’s bowling looked a little pedestrian, although Umesh Yadav bowled well, was slightly economical too,” said Chopra.
Chopra said the sharpness was missing from KKR’s bowling attack. Tim Southee finished as KKR’s best bowler with figures of 2/54, while Varun Chakravarthy finished with 1/26.
“Lockie Ferguson was unavailable. Tim Southee played but conceded more than 50 runs. Varun Chakravarthy was very, very good. He also got Shikhar Dhawan out. Sunil Narine – very expensive, only one wicket. The sharpness was not seen in the bowling and Andre Russell didn’t bowl at all,” Chopra added.
“Kolkata was in front of Punjab. Both have their own problems. Punjab – well done, you have started with a win but the team is looking 50-50 as of now. Kolkata started with a loss but your team is also looking 50-50. I really hope that one of these teams qualifies but I will not be too surprised if neither of them qualifies,” said Chopra.
