LSG vs KKR, 28th Match at Kolkata, IPL, Apr 14 2024 - Match Result

7:37pm And, that is a wrap from this game. But don't go anywhere, the El Clasico is up and running, with CSK batting first. Hop over to that match. Until next time, from me (Shashwat), Thilak, Ranjith and Raghav, this is goodbye. Take care, folks!

Phil Salt, Player of the Match: I said to Swanny (Graeme Swann) before the game that I was melting and I had only been out there for two minutes. Kept going, Shreyas was good in the middle and kept me on task. Good to get another win at home. Before the lights came on, I felt it was a little slower. When they came on, there was a bit more moisture to allow the ball to slide on, so it got a bit better for our innings. In India, this (Eden Gardens pitch) is probably the most similar to home. Ball bounces a bit more and you can aim squarer. Really like the wicket here. I have loved it. we have some great overseas players, some great coaches. Good to have Shreyas back. GG (Gautam Gambhir) is back in the fold as well, and I am really enjoying it.

Interview: Phil Salt spoke to ESPNcricinfo before this game about his attacking ability and life as a T20 globetrotter

Shreyas Iyer, Kolkata Knight Riders captain: (On if he is happy with the performance) Yeah, certainly. The way we played, it was a comprehensive victory. We bowled well under pressure and then finishing off the game, it was the icing on the cake. It was important to bowl as many slower balls as possible. With the heat coming in, the wicket was a little dry and we wanted to minimise the half-volleys and we wanted the batters to use their power and clear the ropes. That is what we were focussing on and I feel we executed phenomenally well. When we got wickets in between, that gave us an advantage. The bowlers were ready whenever I passed on the ball to them. The character and attitude they showed, it was exceptional. (On playing five home games in a row) It is absolutely an advantage but I will keep reiterating that this is a funny tournament and you have to stay in the present. You cannot take the situation lightly. You have to be on top of the game and ensure you do not leave it to someone else. That is what we have been doing sensationally well, and that is what we have to keep doing to build momentum and make sure we are all on the same mindset.

KL Rahul, Lucknow Super Giants captain: A tough day. A proper hammering. Every team in the IPL goes through a game like that. Not going to sit too much and think about it. Will go back, work out where we went wrong and bounce back better. (On if pitch got better under lights) I think it was the other way round. The ball started nipping around a lot more after the lights came on. Can't say we played bad shots but the shots we played, we did not execute well. Kept losing wickets in bunches and we left about 30 runs out there. If we kept wickets in our hand, and had one of our top three-four bat through, we could have got a lot more runs. That is where I think we lost the game. With the ball, it was nipping around. We got a few wickets but leaked too many boundaries. (On Joseph) That was a positive, he was bowling very quick. First game of the IPL, you can get excited, and Shamar was very excited and just wanted to bowl fast, sprayed the ball around a bit but that can happen with anyone. The positive was he was bowling very quick and he got the ball to nip around. He hit some good areas but obviously he has to work on his consistency and the choice of balls he bowls. (On back to back defeats) Not panicking but you can't put your feet up and hope results go your way. We have to figure out where you are going wrong. We will have a few difficult conversations. The last couple of games, we have not been able to get more than 160 and that is something to think about, and see how we can get to the 180-200 run mark.

Sunil Narine: (On his plans) Trying to keep it as tight as possible, some games it happens, some games, it doesn't. Once you are in control of the game, it is easier to bowl as a spinner. We have been doing good. two from two, hopefully we can continue. All the guys are keen and everyone is fully fit and enjoying it. The key thing is enjoying it because then you can go out there and have fun. The figures didn't show it, he (Shamar Joseph) was a bit unlucky. He gave energy in every ball. It was his first game, and it is a learning process. I am sure he will come back strong. (On Salt) Salty looked brilliant today and he is someone who has looked good every game. once someone from the top five bats the majority of the overs, it is good for our batting line-up. (On if he wants to play the T20 World Cup) I will be watching from home, Badree.

7pm Comprehensive with a capital P. That is what this win was. KKR called the shots during the chase. Salt blazed away in the powerplay, like only he can, and then kept adding flavour whenever the innings threatened to turn stale (which was not very often, mind you). At the other end, Shreyas did struggle for his usual rhythm but he stayed there till the end, ensuring there were no hiccups.

As for LSG, well, they were just not at the races. The wicket did get a little better under lights but LSG's bowling plans left plenty to be desired. Joseph did not have an ideal IPL debut, with Thakur and Arshad also conceding runs. Mohsin was the only bright spark, picking up 2-29 in his four overs.

LSG, with this defeat, have now lost two in a row and will need to recover swiftly. KKR, on the other hand, have begun this five-game home stretch with a win, and would want to build on this from here.

KKR within one hit of their fourth win this season. Bishnoi to bowl what could be the final over of the game

Raghu: "Still can't believe, no one bid for Salt!"

Just seven needed now

Naveen Kumar : "These two are extremely lucky to be still playing though. What are the chances created by LSG that couldn't be converted incl. that run out miss?" -- Salt was dropped once on the deep square leg fence, apart from the drop in the first over (which would not have counted anyway because Joseph had overstepped). There have been quite a few edges that have gone to the fence too

Just 34 needed now. KKR have 42 balls to do it

Thakur is back

Susil Kumar : "I remember reading that LSG had never lost after posting 160 score, now they might lose 2 in 2" -- Cricket is a funny game...