Kolkata: Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) are hoping to prove Ian Bishop incorrect regarding the potential impact of their recent defeat. Bishop suggested on air that the 16-run loss, which allowed Punjab Kings (PBKS) to set an IPL record for the lowest total ever defended, could be a pivotal moment for the season. The defending champions are determined to recover from this setback, although their current lack of batting acumen may pose a significant challenge.

At this point in the season, KKR has experienced what captain Ajinkya Rahane has described as a collective batting failure on two occasions. This situation evokes memories of KKR's early years, during which they struggled significantly. In 2009, KKR finished at the bottom of the standings, suffering a humiliating dismissal for just 95 runs against the Mumbai Indians and barely surpassing 100 runs in another match (101 against Deccan Chargers).

The team also faced a streak of nine consecutive losses, with a particularly defining defeat against Rajasthan Royals, where a dropped catch by Brad Hodge off Yusuf Pathan in the Super Over, bowled by Ajantha Mendis, proved costly.

In Mullanpur, Rahane acknowledged that attempting the sweep shot was ill-advised, yet three players fell victim to it, starting with the captain himself, who admitted his fault. Compounding the issue was Rahane's decision not to review the play.

While chasing a target of 112, KKR reached 62/2 by the eighth over, highlighting the need for sensible batting. Aside from Rahane, there appears to be a lack of players in the lineup capable of executing this strategy, raising concerns about the high-priced batters retained by KKR.

“T20 is not solely about hitting sixes and making big shots,” Rahane remarked following KKR's fourth loss of the season. “Strike rotation is equally crucial.”

In what should have been a manageable chase, KKR could only muster 25 singles, with five of those coming in the over following the power play, along with just two twos. Rahane noted that maintaining a strike rate of 70 or 80 in T20 can be acceptable, stating, “Sometimes you need to grind it out.” Unfortunately, his team failed to do so.

While the openers are expected to take an aggressive approach, the rest of the batting order struggles to temper their overly aggressive instincts. Rahane commented on the players' desire to impress while batting, indicating that this issue extends beyond just KKR.

Venkatesh Iyer and Ramandeep Singh both fell victim to sweeping attempts. Iyer, the vice-captain of KKR, had previously delivered impressive performances, scoring 60 runs off 29 balls against Sunrisers Hyderabad and 45 runs off 29 balls against Lucknow Super Giants. However, he has failed to reach double figures in the other three innings he has played. With Rahane and Angkrish Raghuvanshi dismissed, KKR was just 39 runs away from victory with more than half the overs remaining. Iyer and Rinku Singh should have focused on building a partnership, but Iyer's dismissal thwarted that effort.

Ramandeep Singh was dismissed by a full toss from Yuzvendra Chahal while attempting a paddle sweep on his first delivery. Given the presence of a leg-slip, this shot was unnecessary, particularly for a player who had not faced more than 12 balls this season against a skilled leg-spinner. Consequently, KKR's score plummeted to 76/7 from a promising 72/3 in just 2.4 overs.

“Understanding the game as a batter is crucial, and that was lacking today. It’s not that Punjab Kings bowled exceptionally well; we simply batted poorly, and I accept responsibility as captain,” Rahane stated.

The dismissals of Rinku Singh, who was deceived by Chahal, along with Iyer, Ramandeep Singh, and Raghuvanshi, were pivotal in a match where neither side managed to last 16 overs.

Raghuvanshi, at just 20 years old, possesses a wide array of shots and is a competent fielder in the deep. His score of 37 was the highest for either team. However, he was dismissed while attempting an ambitious shot over cover when 39 runs were needed from 11 overs with seven wickets still in hand.

Raghuvanshi must also improve his decisiveness in communication. “You rely on the non-striker, and the communication was unclear,” Rahane explained, which is why he chose not to review the decision.

Having been bowled out twice with over three overs remaining, KKR's batting strategy may require reassessment. Iyer, Raghuvanshi, Rinku Singh, and Ramandeep Singh all exhibit similar batting styles. If they cannot adjust their approach to suit the situation, KKR may need a player who does not start aggressively but can maintain a steady flow of runs.

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