Eoin Morgan’s lack of form with the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 has been a talking point throughout the season.
Morgan has not scored in the double digits in the last five matches since the IPL 2021 resume. So far, he’s only managed 17 runs in four innings.
Coach Brendon McCullum questioned Morgan’s lack of form with the bat after KKR’s five-wicket loss to Punjab Kings.
“Morgan is one of our senior players, and he is one of our international batters. As captain also, in his own head he would have liked to contribute a lot more runs,” said McCullum
“Actually, I think he has captained the side really well tactically. We want some more runs from him. No doubt in that, you need some runs from your overseas batter. Look, I am confident that he will come right,” he added.
Punjab Kings improved their prospects of making the IPL play-offs with a five-wicket victory over KKR in Dubai, thanks to superb death over bowling and fine batting by skipper KL Rahul and Shahrukh Khan.
Rahul smashed a 166-run goal with three balls to spare, scoring 67 runs off 55 balls and sharing a 70-run stand with fellow opener Mayank Agarwal (40).
When it counted most, Shahrukh delivered a powerful 9-ball 22-run hit, finishing the match with a six.
“We played a great game, Punjab Kings deserved to win because they seized the key moments. I still felt we had a chance in the game, with two overs to go. It was touch and go, the small margin in the game, which didn’t go our way,” said McCullum
Punjab Kings
Therefore, Before Punjab Kings managed to stop KKR at 165 for 7, Venkatesh Iyer smashed a fluent 67 and Nitish Rana a blazing 31 off 18 balls.
“Venkatesh Iyer is definitely an all-rounder. It is not just his cricketing ability, it is his mindset and cricketing brain. He is a guy with huge ambition and has a great as a general all-rounder. I think he is one of that cricketer, who is going to get better and better,” said McCullum