IPL 2026: Boys are watching the RR game now, will help in knowing what KKR needs to do, says Powell
Kolkata, May 24
Kolkata Knight Riders batting all‑rounder Rovman Powell said the players have been glued to the ongoing afternoon fixture of Rajasthan Royals against the Mumbai Indians, adding that they are aware its outcome will help them know what they need to do to have a last-minute entry into the playoffs.
At the half-way mark at the Wankhede Stadium, MI lost four wickets in a chase of 206, and KKR need the five-time winners to beat RR and then get a big victory over Delhi Capitals at the Eden Gardens to set up an Eliminator clash against Sunrisers Hyderabad in New Chandigarh on Wednesday.
"Yeah, definitely. I think they're tuned in from last night, watching the game against Punjab, and that will help us in knowing what we have to do today, and they're watching the game going on now against Rajasthan," Powell said in a pre-game chat with the broadcasters.
Reflecting on the team's position midway through the season, Powell admitted qualification hopes had looked distant. "To be honest, maybe not. But halfway through the competition, we had made a commitment to play good cricket, and our fans who have supported us really well. Like, just to play for ourselves, play for our pride, it's a proud franchise, and the start of the competition didn't justify how the franchise have treated us as players," he said.
On the reasons behind the turnaround, Powell pointed to stability in selection and overcoming injuries. "Finding an identity, coming up with your proper combinations, looking to what you really want to do, at the start of the competition, we were plagued by some injuries. Some of the key players didn't take part.
"Some of the key players were missing, so we have to fill those little voids that were left. It took us a long time to get our feet, but fortunately for us we're playing some good cricket now," he added.
Powell conceded it had not been a standout campaign for him personally but took satisfaction in contributing to team success. "It hasn't been one of those stellar IPL seasons, to be honest, but it's a season where I've contributed to the team's successes. Once you are contributing to your team, that's a good thing."
— IANS
Reader Comments
Powell bhai West Indies waalon ki tarah confident hain, lekin IPL me agar 3-4 teams ki game depend kare toh khelna mushkil hota hai. Agar MI aaj RR ko harayegi, toh KKR ke liye ek chance banega - lekin 206 chase ke liye aadhi team out ho gayi, toh RR ko bhi faltu credit mat do 😅 KKR vs DC me 100 run se jeetna padega, which is not easy.
It's good to see players taking responsibility, but frankly, this "watching other games" attitude shows KKR's desperation. You should have played better in the first half, man. 4 wins in 9 matches is criminal for a franchise like KKR. But credit where due - Powell is right about injuries. Russell missing, Starc not firing early on - that cost them dearly.
I appreciate Powell's honesty about his own performance. "It hasn't been one of those stellar IPL seasons" - at least he's not making excuses. But KKR management should also look in the mirror - they chopped and changed so much in the first half. Finding identity? Season ke beech me identity dhundhna achi baat nahi hai!
Middle of the season me 12 matches the aur KKR ne 4 jeete the? That's poor, no doubt. But I like the "play for pride" attitude. Eden Gardens crowd deserves better. Agar DC ke khilaf 200-300 chase karke jeetenge, toh season ka best match hoga! Powell ne sahi kaha - fans ne support kiya, ab players ko bhi dikhana hoga.
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