KKR’s vice-captain, Nitish Rana, credited their newfound success in IPL 2024 to a unified team spirit, emphasizing the importance of supporting each other through victories and defeats.
KKR’s journey to securing a playoff spot in IPL 2024 has been marked by a significant change in team dynamics, according to vice-captain Nitish Rana. He emphasized the newfound unity among players, highlighting how they support each other through thick and thin.
As they progress to the playoffs for the first time since 2021, Rana underscored the importance of solidarity and mutual support in their dressing room culture.
“We win together and we lose together; that’s the dressing room environment we have. It’s very important to place hands on each other’s shoulders, and I feel it was missing for the last one to two years,” Rana said in the post-match media interaction.
KKR faced a harsh reality check when Punjab Kings chased down a mammoth target of 262 runs at Eden Gardens on April 26, breaking South Africa’s record for the highest successful run-chase in an IPL match. Reflecting on that defeat, Rana revealed the somber mood in the dressing room, with only a handful of players having dinner that night.
“We felt really bad that day. I was witness to the dressing room, only three-four ate dinner that night,” he said.
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Notably, after missing the last 10 matches due to a finger injury, Nitish Rana has made a strong comeback, scoring a crucial 33 runs off 23 balls. Reflecting on his return, the vice-captain revealed experiencing anxiety and sleepless nights. Unable to touch the bat for nearly three weeks, he mentally rehearsed his innings. Despite the nerves, Rana’s hunger to perform remained intact, driving him to succeed in his comeback match.
Meanwhile, KKR secured their spot in the playoffs with two rounds remaining, leading the standings with 18 points. This marks their first playoff appearance since 2021.
Last Updated on May 12, 2024
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