Kolkata Knight Riders on the brink of equalling their longest winning streak

Gautam Gambhir – leading from the front

Kolkata Knight Riders are on a roll at the moment after a convincing victory over the Chennai Super Kings, and on the edge of a playoff berth. After the change in their opening combination, the team has looked a changed outfit. It was once again the openers who registered another 50+ stand which laid the foundation for the men in purple for their biggest win ever against the team from Chennai.

The Knight Riders won six matches in a row in the 2012 edition in which they were crowned champions. In this season, after getting their challenge on the right course with a win against the bottom placed Delhi Daredevils, they have beaten Kings XI Punjab, Mumbai Indians, Sunrisers Hyderabad and Chennai Super Kings. They will be up against RCB next at their home ground with an opportunuity to equal their longest winning streak.

MS Dhoni, commenting on the loss at this crucual stage of the competition, at the post-match presentation ceremony said: "It was a bad toss to lose as the wicket became slightly better to bat on. The bowlers created the opportunities but our fielders couldn't take it," Dhoni mentioned about the chances put down off Uthappa who went on to smash a fine half century.

After Sunrisers Hyderabad got the better of Royal Challengers Bangalore yesterday, the Super Kings qualified for the playoffs, but Dhoni’s pushing for a top 2 finish.

"The wicket was slow to start off but their spinners bowled really well. Raina played another good innings but we were 10 or 15 runs short," Dhoni added.

Speaking about what was only their fifth win in 14 matches against the team led by the Indian skipper, Gambhir poured rich praise on his bowlers.

"I think we were pretty professional with the bat and ball. Our bowlers restricting CSK to 154 was exceptional. Hopefully, we can turn up in a couple of days and do what we did today," said the KKR captain.