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‘We will come back stronger next season’ - Nitish Rana

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Last updated on 20 May 2023 | 06:49 PM
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‘We will come back stronger next season’ - Nitish Rana

Despite the disappointing end to the season, Rana insisted that there are plenty of silver linings for Kolkata Knight Riders from this campaign

Nitish Rana admitted that he was left slightly disappointed since he believed his side had the ability to finish in the Top 4, but vowed that Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) will ‘come back stronger’ next season, having shown glimpses of the damage they are capable of inflicting.

Heading into Saturday’s clash against Lucknow, KKR were mathematically still alive in the competition but, realistically, were eyeing to end the season on a winning note and get to 14 points. They looked on course to do so after reducing LSG to 73/5, but a blinder of an innings from Nicholas Pooran propelled the visitors 176, post which KKR capitulated in the chase after a bright start. 

Despite the disappointing end to the season, Rana insisted that there are plenty of silver linings for his side from this campaign.

“The result didn't go in our favour, but plenty of positives to take from this season and lots to improve as well,” Rana said at the post-match presentation.

“Will come back stronger next season. You need to do well in all three departments to compete and finish in the top 4 in the world's best league. I feel bad because we had the ability to qualify in the top four and we will work on mistakes and come back better next season.”

As it turned out, KKR only just fell short, by a solitary run, and that was once again down to the brilliance of Rinku Singh, who played yet another stunning knock. Needing 56 off the final 4 overs on a slow surface, KKR looked down and out but a stunning onslaught from Rinku (67* off 33) brought the hosts within a run. With 21 needed off 6, he took 19 off Yash Thakur’s final over.

Not for the first time, skipper Rana was full of praise for the youngster.

“Feels like all 14 matches, I've spoken about Rinku. I am personally very happy for him (Rinku) and I don't really have words to describe about him because the entire world has seen what he can do on a cricket field,” Rana said.

The result means that KKR will finish the campaign seventh on the points table, having collected 12 points from 14 matches.

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