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Southee Admits KKR's Costly Powerplay Errors in CSK Defeat

Kolkata Knight Riders bowling coach Tim Southee reflected that his team conceded a damaging 72 runs in the powerplay against Chennai Super Kings, which set up CSK's winning total. He admitted the bowlers were slightly off their line and length initially, and on good IPL pitches, such inaccuracies are quickly punished by aggressive batters. Despite the poor start, Southee praised the spinners for pulling things back during the middle overs. However, KKR's chase faltered after a promising partnership, leading to a 32-run defeat.

Key Points: KKR Bowling Coach Southee on Powerplay Struggles vs CSK

  • KKR conceded 72 in powerplay
  • Southee cites line/length errors
  • Spinners praised for middle-over fightback
  • CSK posted 192/5
  • KKR collapsed after 50-run stand
2 min read

"A few too many runs": Southee reflects on KKR's powerplay struggles with ball vs CSK

Tim Southee says KKR conceded "a few too many" early runs against CSK. Analysis of the IPL match where powerplay inaccuracies proved costly.

"I think we probably just let a few too many off at the start. - Tim Southee"

Chennai, April 15

Kolkata Knight Riders bowling coach Tim Southee said that the team conceded "a few too many" runs at the start against Chennai Super Kings, after their 32-run loss in the Indian Premier League on Tuesday.

Despite taking two wickets in the power play, KKR conceded 72 runs in six overs, which helped CSK eventually post 192/5 in 20 overs.

Speaking at the post-match press conference, Tim Southee said KKR were slightly off their line and length in the opening overs, which cost them early in the match. He noted that on good batting pitches in the IPL, any early inaccuracies are punished by aggressive batting. While KKR were hurt during the powerplay, he also praised the team's response, especially the spinners, who helped pull things back during the middle overs.

"I think we were probably a little bit off in the first couple of overs. I think we probably just let a few too many off at the start. We were a little bit off our line, off our links, and we've seen in the IPL that the wickets are good. Batters are going to come hard from the start, so if you're a little bit off, you get hurt. So yeah, I think we got hurt in that power play, but I think the way the guys bounced back, in particular the spinners, through the middle, and were able to, I guess, take it back a bit as well," Southee said.

Asked to bat first, CSK posted 192/5 in 20 overs, powered by key contributions from Samson (48 off 32, 4 fours and 3 sixes) and Brevis (41 off 29, 4 fours and 2 sixes), while Kartik Tyagi impressed with figures of 2/35. Anukul Roy (1/21 in 3 overs) and Sunil Narine (1/21 in 4 overs)

In reply, KKR were reduced to 29/2 but fought back through a 50-run stand between skipper Rahane (28 off 22) and Angkrish Raghuvanshi (27 off 19). However, a decisive spell from Noor Ahmad triggered a collapse as KKR slumped to 90/6 and eventually finished at 160/7.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

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Sarah B
Watching from the US, the IPL is just incredible cricket! The powerplay sets the tone. CSK's openers were so aggressive. Southee is right - on these flat pitches, you have to be inch-perfect. KKR's spinners are world-class though, they almost saved the game.
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Ananya R
It's the batting that let us down more than the bowling, yaar. 192 is chaseable at Chepauk. After that good partnership between Rahane and Angkrish, the middle order just collapsed. Noor Ahmad was brilliant, but our batters should have played him smarter. 🤦‍♀️
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Vikram M
Respectfully, I think Southee is being too soft. "A few too many runs" is an understatement for 72 in the powerplay. As bowling coach, he needs to ensure the team executes better plans early on. The talent is there, but the strategy seems off. Hope they fix it before the next match!
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Karthik V
CSK at home is always a tough challenge. Samson and Brevis took the game away. KKR should not be too disheartened, it's a long tournament. The positive is the fight shown by the spinners and the young Indian batters. On to the next one! 💜
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Michael C
The quality of spin bowling in this league is phenomenal. Narine and Anukul Roy going at just over 5 an over after that start was a masterclass in damage control. The game was lost with the bat, not the ball, in my opinion.

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