KKR captain Rahane says 'keep it really simple' after victory over GT keeps playoff hopes alive: ‘We know the scenario’

Kolkata Knight Riders captain Ajinkya Rahane heaped praise on his teammates while stressing on the need to keep things simple after the three-time champions defeated Gujarat Titans by 29 runs in Kolkata on Saturday to keep their Indian Premier League playoff hopes alive.

KKR and Delhi Capitals are two teams that currently have the lowest chances of qualifying for the playoffs among teams that are still in the race. And another loss on Saturday would have practically knocked Kolkata out of contention, even if they might still have been mathematically alive.

'All about taking one game at a time'

The clinical victory over GT, their fifth in their last six outings, not only keeps KKR afloat for now by lifting them to the seventh spot on the 10-team table, it also boosts their chances of finishing the league stage with 15 points by winning their last two matches, both of which will be taking place at the Eden Gardens.

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"Very good game. Really happy with two points," Rahane said after KKR's victory on Saturday.

"The talk was all about taking one game at a time. We know the scenario where we stand at the moment. So it's simple. And as I said earlier, that cricket is a game. When you keep it really simple, don't make it complicated, it works the most for you," he continued.

Rahane hails Narine, batters after victory

Sunil Narine was the difference between the two teams in the high-scoring contest at the Eden Gardens, helping KKR restrict GT to 218/4 after posting a mammoth 247/2 on the board. The veteran spin-bowling all-rounder won the Player of the Match award for his outstanding figures of 2/29 from four overs in a game that witnessed 465 runs being scored in 40 overs for the loss of just six wickets.

This was after the trio of Finn Allen (93 off 35), Angkrish Raghuvanshi (82 not out off 44) and Cameron Green (52 not out off 28) struck whirlwind half-centuries to nearly help the Knight Riders breach the 250-mark after being invited to bat by Shubman Gill, who top-scored for the Titans with a knock of 85 off 49 deliveries.

"The way we started with the bat, losing the toss and then put into bat. Amazing to see Finn Allen, Angkrish and Cameron Green's knocks. That partnership. That intent. And every single time putting quality bowlers under pressure. It was amazing. So credit goes to these batters.

"When you know Sunil Narine is in your team and Varun was, he was struggling, but still, I mean, credit to him as well. He showed that courage to play this game. He had this sore foot. But when you have Sunil Narine and Varun Chakaravarthy in your team, I can't ask for more. I mean, I'm always happy. I can throw the ball any time from any whichever end. And they're always there to deliver. So really happy," he added.

Despite the loss, GT remain second on the IPL points table with 16 points to their name. Though they are virtually assured of top-four finish at the end of the league stage, Gill and Co will be hoping to enter the playoffs with a victory over Chennai Super Kings in Ahmedabad on Thursday, 21 May.