Indian Premier League
New Delhi, March 30: Former India off-spinner Harbhajan Singh criticised Kolkata Knight Riders captain Ajinkya Rahane for not using Sunil Narine against a rampaging Rohit Sharma during their IPL match against Mumbai Indians, despite the Trinidadian’s strong record against the MI star.
Chasing 221, Rohit smashed 78 off 38 balls while adding 148 in 72 balls with opening partner Ryan Rickelton (81 off 43 balls), as the KKR bowlers were taken to the cleaners on a flat Wankhede surface on Sunday.“The best match-up was to bowl Sunil Narine in the powerplay, at least one or two overs to target Rohit Sharma early. That was their best chance to pick wickets and put Mumbai under pressure. Instead, Narine didn’t even complete his full quota, which shows the captaincy wasn’t up to the mark,” Harbhajan told JioStar. “Credit to Rohit Sharma and Ryan Rickelton. They batted with ease and never let the bowlers settle, but KKR could have handled that phase much better,” Harbhajan added.Harbhajan’s former India teammate and noted analyst Irfan Pathan was all praise for Shardul Thakur, for his lion-hearted effort as he scalped 3 for 39 on a featherbed.“He’s not a bowler who gets intimidated, even when batters are attacking. He keeps coming at you. What stands out is how he uses his variations,” Pathan said.Pathan believed that Shardul is always trying to make things happen.
“Every time he starts his run-up, he’s already changing his grip, whether it’s for a slower ball, cross-seam, or even a scrambled seam delivery. He’s always trying to make something happen.
“He invites batters to go for big shots and thrives on that. He doesn’t have express pace or big swing, but he’s constantly experimenting, different lengths, speeds, and that’s why he keeps picking up wickets,” Pathan concluded. In the end, what unfolded at the Wankhede was more than just a high-scoring chase — it was a lesson in moments missed and momentum surrendered. For Kolkata Knight Riders, the questions will linger not merely around execution, but around intent and tactical clarity, especially in phases where the game was still within reach. The decision to hold back Sunil Narine, despite a favourable match-up, may well be revisited as a turning point, a small window that, once lost, allowed Mumbai Indians to seize complete control.
Yet, amid the criticism, there were flickers of resistance — none more telling than Shardul Thakur’s spirited spell, a reminder that even on the flattest of tracks, persistence can still carve opportunities. (PTI)
