IPL 2024 | Twitter reacts to sloppy Padikkal pays tribute to Boult leading to Narine's survival
Fortune smiles when readiness aligns with opportunity, perhaps tinged with a touch of divine intervention. This was vividly illustrated in the experience of Kolkata Knight Riders Sunil Narine as his stroke of luck came in the form of two close calls, narrowly dodging dismissal at the Ekana Stadium.
Kolkata Knight Riders had luck on their side after losing the toss and being put into bat first, as their openers, Phil Salt and Sunil Narine propelled the scoreboard to 57/0 in just four overs. However, Naveen-ul-Haq of the home side claimed the wicket of Phil Salt in the fifth over and broke the opening partnership. Despite this setback, the left-handed Narine continued to devastate the Lucknow bowlers boasting a strike rate of 207. His innings received a boost when he survived two lucky calls, courtesy of sloppy fielding by the home side.
In the 12th over, Ravi Bishnoi delivered a length ball that Narine intended to loft. His intention was clear as he advanced down the pitch and struck the ball high over long-on. However, Devdutt Padikkal stationed at long-on gauged the flight of the ball and positioned himself for a potential catch. Despite Padikkal managing to catch the ball, he found himself at the edge of the cushions and struggling to maintain his balance, he inadvertently made contact with the rope, resulting in a six.
On the following delivery, Narine attempted another aggressive shot, resulting in a thick top edge that went towards the third man. Mohsin Khan made a valiant dive to catch the ball but couldn't hold on, and his effort resulted in an injury that forced him to leave the field with the physio's assistance.
However, Narine's luck eventually ran out on the last ball of the 12th over when Padikkal finally held onto a catch at long-on. This marked the end of Narine's explosive innings, much to the relief of the hosts. The Twitterverse erupted with reactions to the dramatic turn of events, ultimately favoring the home team as Narine's run rampage came to an end with Padikkal's catch.
Oh Lord!
— Vince Sinha (@SinhaVince29999) May 5, 2024
Just cannot
Devdutt Padikkal can't do anything right this season 🤦🏻♂️
— Saurabh Malhotra (@MalhotraSaurabh) May 5, 2024
Pretty bad
Devdutt Padikkal is bad in all facets of game . Special achievement that. LSG deserves this for having him in the park #IPL2024
— Cricket Tamizhan (@CricketTamizhan) May 5, 2024
A little harsh
After his batting heroics, Padikkal trying his best to topple LSG with his fielding #KKRvsLSG
— CHAIPOINT (@CodeAccepted1) May 5, 2024
Brilliant
2 consecutive catches dropped for Narine .....by Padikkal and Monish #KKRvsLSG
— Pietersen Vivek (@pietersenvivek) May 5, 2024
Pretty bad
Devdutt padikkal definitely worst IPL player of all time.
— Ashu (@__wtfashu__) May 5, 2024
No use
Bhai ye Devdutt Padikkal ko IPL me khilata kaun hai.. sala kisi kaam ka nahi hai.. itni gandi fielding uske baad shit batting.
— Phiartphy Stan (@StanSDAM) May 5, 2024
Horrible
Horrible fielding from Padikkal. No balance, should have thrown the ball away.#LSG #KKR #IPL2024
— Varun Velamakanti (@VarunSunRisers) May 5, 2024
Completely!
Looks like Padikkal completely forgot how to play cricket
— SK (@imjustnobody05) May 5, 2024
Crazy
Horrible season for devdutt padikkal
— retired hurt (@FrankBaaje) May 5, 2024