IPL 2018, Eliminator: 5 reasons why Rajasthan Royals lost to Kolkata Knightriders 

Kolkata Knight Riders, who secured the playoff spot in their last league match, upstaged the Rajasthan Royals to register a marvelous win.

The win now sets the appointment of Kolkata Knight Riders against Sunrisers Hyderabad at the same ground as that of tonight on 25th May. The loss has ended RR’s journey in the IPL 2018.

Earlier in the night, it was Rajasthan's captain Ajinkya Rahane who won the toss and chose to bat first at the Eden Gardens, Kolkata.

The expectation of dew reigning in forced Rahane into the decision. RR began the match on an excellent note as Narine was out on the second ball of the innings.

With the late attack forced upon by Andre Russell and Dinesh Karthik, Kolkata Knight Riders ended up with a healthy score of 169/7 after being 51/4 at one stage.

Royals began the chase in their characteristic fashion with Tripathi attacking and Rahane securing one end.

After Tripathi’s dismissal, Rahane and Samson brought RR closer to the target. Kolkata then stopped RR batting from running away and secured a 25-run victory.

Here are the five major reasons why Rajasthan’s journey ended tonight:

---

#1 Dinesh Karthik-Shubman Gill’s partnership

The two stitched together a 55-run partnership

With the opener Sunil Narine out early, rest of the Kolkata Knight Rider’s batting order had to step up tonight. Chris Lynn, the other opener, was struggled to free up himself and fell away.

Kolkata’s dependable, Robin Uthappa fell prey to Gowtham’s spin and was out for only 3(7). Nitish Rana, who had earlier in the season saved the team from such situations, was out for 3(5) after attempting a slog shot and KKR was now in trouble.

Kolkata’s Captain and the 18-year-old Shubman Gill acting as Karthik’s deputy made sure that they did not lose any more wickets and kept the runs flowing.

55-run partnership in just 38 balls imparted KKR the much-needed momentum and kept them alive in the eliminator.

#2 Jaidev Unadkat’s poor performance

Unadkat conceded 32 runs in his two overs

The Saurashtra medium-pace bowler was perhaps the most discussed player after the IPL auction in 2018.

The reason being he was fetched by Rajasthan Royals for a whopping amount of 11.5 Crores rupees.

Since the first match of Rajasthan Royals this season, Unadkat was always in attention for the price that he had been bought for. His performance though kept dipping throughout the season.

Tonight was the big occasion for Unadkat to prove his mettle in the all-important match.

Failing to rise up for the stage, Unadkat was the most expensive bowler on the show tonight for RR. He conceded 32 runs in his two overs and allowed KKR to get away.

#3 Russell’s Whirlwind innings

Russell powered KKR to a strong finish

Kolkata Knight Riders batting first were in for some early trouble as they lost their first three wickets in the powerplay and Lynn was out fourth to reduce KKR to 51/4.

Thereafter, it was Captain Karthik and the rookie Shubman Gill steered the innings further. Gill was out in the 15th over, and KKR found themselves reeling at 106/5.

After Gill’s fall, it was the West Indian all-rounder who stepped up and delivered for Kolkata on the all-important stage.

Russell hammered 49(25) with three fours and five sixes to take KKR from 106/5 to 169/7 which proved to be the winning score.

#4 Rajasthan’s Inability to hit big

Rajasthan batting fell short

Kolkata’s total of 170 was not an impossible target but it was a tricky chase, nevertheless. Rajasthan began cautiously and worked on the formula of keeping wickets in hand for a late assault.

When Rahane was dismissed, Rajasthan Royals needed 61 runs from 35 balls with eight wickets remaining. With all the batsmen enlisted to arrive, RR should have cruised to win.

The fresh batsmen at the crease, however, found it very difficult to get going on a sluggish track.

Klaasen struggled to clear the boundary ropes and ended up 18 not out from 18 balls. Stuart Binny also got dismissed for 0(3). Rajasthan ultimately fell short by 25 runs.

#5 Kolkata Knight Riders’ Miserly Bowling

Yadav exhibited excellent control throughout the game

Defending 170 at the Eden Gardens, Kolkata was no mean task with impending danger of dew looming over Karthik’s head.

The Captain kept his head cool and trusted his bowlers to deliver for him. The bowlers did not dismay him.

After not performing as expected in the initial few matches of the season, Kuldeep Yadav peaked at the perfect time for KKR.

Tonight, the left-arm spinner exhibited excellent control as he picked up 1/18 in his four overs that included 13 dot balls.

Yadav was ably supported by his fellow leg-spinner Piyush Chawla (4-0-24-2, Dot balls 7) and the newcomer pace bowler Prasidh Krishna (4-0-28-1, Dot balls 10).

The trio choked Rajasthan batting and did not allow them to overhaul the required run-rate.

---

Our tournament homepage has IPL live score, Match Analysis, Detailed Stats, Fantasy Tips, Controversies, Match Predictions and much more. Bookmark it now!