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IPL 2020: Destiny still very much in KKR's hands, says coach Brendon McCullum

Kolkata Knight Riders head coach Brendon McCullum has admitted that the crushing defeat against Royal Challengers Bangalore would definitely affect the morale of the side, but their IPL 2020 destiny is still in their hands.

By Pti

Abu Dhabi, October 22: Kolkata Knight Riders head coach Brendon McCullum has admitted that the crushing defeat against Royal Challengers Bangalore would definitely affect the morale of the side, but their IPL 2020 destiny is still in their hands.

He believes KKR can go all the way to the final, despite just hanging on to the fourth spot in the eight-team competition with 10 points from as many games.

"This (loss) is going to affect a little bit in terms of our confidence. We need to work hard on ensuring our morale doesn't drop at the same time having those honest conversations around how we improve," McCullum said after the eight-wicket loss to RCB in an IPL game here on Wednesday night.

"But I still firmly believe that we have a side which can be there later on in the tournament, come finals. We just need to improve slightly.

"We're still fourth in the tournament, which is very fortunate for us. Destiny is still very much in our hands. We have just got to tighten up some of those areas where we're deficient tonight and make sure we improve on our performance," he said.

McCullum admitted that they were not good enough and lacked intent in the lop-sided contest against RCB.

Electing to bat, KKR top-order crumbled against Mohammed Siraj's (3/8) devastating new-ball show to register their second lowest total - 84 for 8, a target which RCB chased down in in 13.3 overs with eight wickets in hand.

Siraj became the first bowler in the history of IPL to bowl two maiden overs as he dismissed Rahul Tripathi (1), Nitish Rana (0) and Tom Banton (10) to virtually kill the contest in the first four overs.

IPL 2020: Coach McCullum says KKR top order lacked intent against RCBIPL 2020: Coach McCullum says KKR top order lacked intent against RCB

"I just think we weren't able to enter the game at any stage, none of our top-order batsmen were able to get anything going," McCullum said.

"Defending 85, you might just win one in 50 games. I think RCB were very good tonight. We're very poor with bat in hand. You're not going to win too many games from 40 for 6. But we've got to bounce back because we've got another game in a few days.

"With the conditions being slightly challenging at times, you've got to find a way to still pick yourself up and try and get a result in the next game," he added.

McCullum said self belief is the need of the hour after such a disappointing performance.

"For us, it's about maintaining belief. As long as our morale stays high, and our belief within the dressing room stays high, then we have the talent within our setup, the intelligence and quality of players, to be able to go deep in the tournament."

KKR have four matches left to secure a play-off spot and next face Delhi Capitals in Abu Dhabi on Saturday (October 24).

Story first published: Thursday, October 22, 2020, 13:16 [IST]
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