A quick look at the scorecard can often reveal the entire match’s narrative. In a 182-vs-176 game, eight players faced more than 10 balls, but only one achieved a strike rate of over 150 – specifically, 225 out of 36 deliveries.
Mega auctions often pose challenges for mid-card players. Nitish Rana, a reliable and dependable player for Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), fell into this category. Unfortunately, in the season leading up to the auction, Rana sustained an injury to his middle finger and was only able to play two matches. The previous year, he even stepped up as captain when Shreyas Iyer was sidelined due to injury. However, with limited retention options available, it becomes difficult for teams to show loyalty. In Rana’s case, his inclusion in the Indian team during a simultaneous match in 2021 rendered him ineligible for retention under the uncapped quota.
It was determined and communicated to Rana ahead of time that Riyan Parag would be moved up from mid card to main event. This decision came before RR coach Rahul Dravid publicly praised Parag as the No. 3 at a press conference. Dravid had a specific strategy in mind, and he did not want it leaked to the opposing team, who had just traveled from Chennai to Guwahati with only one day’s rest between two losses.
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In an effort to capitalize on the powerplay, RR made a strategic decision to use a cost-effective bowler. This move not only aimed to maximize their own performance but also hinder CSK’s use of R Ashwin in the initial overs. Khaleel Ahmed has proven capable of taking advantage of the early movement, but CSK has faced challenges in finding a suitable partner for him with the new ball. The replacement for Sam Curran, Jamie Overton, is known to be proficient at bowling into the pitch with an older ball.
You may be questioning why a left-handed batter would oppose an offspinner. Well, it’s no secret that Rana has consistently dominated against Ashwin in previous matches, despite finally being dismissed by him today after causing a great deal of damage. However, Ashwin is not the only offspinner who has struggled against Rana. Prior to this game, Rana’s record showed an average of 33.9 and a strike rate of 154.13 against all offspinners in the IPL.
Although CSK was aware of the match-up, they had limited options and ultimately had to turn to Ashwin once Rana started strongly. Rana has proven to be particularly effective against left-arm orthodox, which was evident in his previous encounters with Kuldeep Yadav, the only left-arm wristspinner he has faced before this game. In fact, he has scored 36 runs off 21 balls from Kuldeep without being dismissed. Some may argue for using Noor Ahmad instead of giving Ashwin an opportunity to bowl at Rana, but CSK is known for playing smart cricket. They are not known for making bold decisions like bowling Noor in the powerplay, a move they have only made seven times in his IPL career spanning 26 matches.
Without delay, Rana proved his mastery of fingerspin as he hit two consecutive sixes and a four off Ashwin. It was clear that Ashwin was mindful of Rana’s spin abilities, evidenced by his attempt to bowl full deliveries. However, this strategy backfired as two out of the first three balls were overcooked. Although Ashwin managed to get an lbw call, it was overturned upon DRS review and Rana continued to dominate. He displayed his skills by driving Ashwin over extra cover and executing a reverse-hit for another four. One particularly impressive shot was an inside-out extra-cover drive off Noor in the midst of all this action.
Dravid and Parag utilized the ideal strategic maneuver to capitalize on CSK’s insufficient bowlers capable of challenging Rana with great speed. And, true to form, Rana flawlessly executed their plan.
During a recent interview discussing Rana’s return to the game, Harsha Bhogle mentioned his previous attempt to catch sight of Rana’s injured finger.
After feeling undervalued by his previous franchise, Rana and his wife unfollowed KKR on social media. However, he displayed his maturity by celebrating with a “rocking-the-baby” gesture.
