IPL 2018| Ajinkya Rahane’s wicket was the turning point of the match, feels Kuldeep Yadav

05/24/2018

After his match-turning spell against Rajasthan Royals in the Eliminator that helped KKR win the ame by 25 runs, Kuldeep Yadav has stated that Ajinkya Rahane's wicket was the turning point of the game. Yadav also revealed that he just bowled a googly in a good area for Ajinkya Rahane’s wicket.

Twice in two must-win games between Kolkata Knight Riders and Rajasthan Royals, Kuldeep Yadav has now dismissed Ajinkya Rahane that eventually led to Rajasthan's batting fumble. Wednesday’s win in the eliminator, which has now send KKR one step closer to the final, meant this was a third time this season that KKR had beaten RR.

Though it was Kuldeep’s only wicket of the match that came in his last over, it was enough to turn the entire scenario. Yadav gave away just two runs to end his spell which cost only 18 runs. From 109/1 in the 15th over, chasing 170 to win, Rahane’s dismissal put up a mini-collapse that saw RR being restricted to 144/4.

Opening the batting, Rahane had made 46 and was involved in two partnerships- 47 with Rahul Tripathi and 62 with Sanju Samson. Talking about the prized scalp of the opposition skipper, Yadav revealed he didn't try anything different to take him out.

“I don’t know, seriously. Yes, it was very important to get that wicket because Ajju Bhai (Rahane) was batting well. I didn’t do anything different, just bowled a googly in a good area,” said Yadav.

Further pointing out the Jaipur-based franchise’s weak middle order that had the likes of Heinrich Klaasen, Stuart Binny, Krishnappa Gowtham and Shreyas Gopal, Kuldeep revealed that they were aware of the chink in their armor and had discussed it during the second time-out.

“We knew if we could get a wicket we would be in with a chance,” said the 23 years old.