Ramandeep's innings set up the platform for Russell: Daniel Vettori

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) were in a spot of bother when Ramandeep Singh walked into the crease at 51 for 4 in the eighth over against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) on Saturday (March 23) at the Eden Gardens, Kolkata. He then played a top counter-attacking innings to bring KKR back in the game with a 54-run stand for the fifth wicket off just 28 deliveries with Phil Salt. 

SRH head coach Daniel Vettori believes that it was the 26-year old's innings that set up the platform for Andre Russell to go berserk in the end.

“It was a great innings. I don’t think we underestimated him [Ramandeep], but the shots he played were fantastic. It put the pressure back on us," Vettori said in the post-match press conference.

"When you look at good T20 games, good T20 players, irrespective of the situation, they are able to put pressure straight back on the bowling team and that’s what he was able to do. It allowed Salt at the other end to just play his game.”

Russell smashed as many as seven sixes in his innings of 64* off 25 that took KKR to 208 from their 20 overs. Vettori was all praise for the Jamaican as well.

“Ramandeep’s innings set up the platform for Russell. On this ground in particular, it’s very tricky. Obviously, he would give some chances, balls go up in the air, but his power is second to none. So, you have to challenge yourself on being perfect with execution and in an environment like this up against an amazing batsman,” Vettori added.

SRH will look to put this close four-run loss behind them when they take on Mumbai Indians (MI) next on March 27 (Wednesday) in Hyderabad.

Play Asli Fantasy on Cricket.com. Don't delay, Download Our App Now.