Fell short by 10-15 runs; could have bowled better: Karthik

Kolkata Knight Riders skipper Dinesh Karthik rued that his side fell short by 10-20 runs and also failed to bowl well after they slumped to a seven-wicket loss to Delhi Capitals in an IPL match here.

KKR faced their second successive defeat against Delhi Capitals despite Andre Russell's explosive innings of 21-ball 45 here on Friday night. Delhi did well to remove the Windies powerhitter in the penultimate over and KKR set a 179-run target.

"We knew that we needed to get a big total but we ended up getting probably 10-15 runs short. Eden has been one place where the wicket is so true and the outfield being so fast, the boundaries come easily. So here you have to get a score which is about 5-10 runs more than par on other grounds," Karthik said at the post-match news conference.

Karthik also blamed his bowlers, saying they could have done a bit better in the absence of Sunil Narine, who was down with a hamstring issue.

"We were definitely not a bowler short for sure. We had more options like Carlos (Brathwaite). We were a few runs short and could have bowled a little better. I expected our bowlers to perform better but that did not turn out to be. Such things happen in a game of cricket."
"Sunil brings in a bit of batting and bowling. Most of all, he's experienced with a cool head that always helps. It really makes a difference. Narine has been someone who's given us a good start whenever he's got an opportunity."
"Today Shubman used the opportunity and done really well. It shows his class as player. He's able to stay calm under pressure situations, which is a very unique skill to have. He has delivered for us over and over again."
"He realises that whenever there's an opportunity he will be send up the order, if not, he's pretty okay batting at No 6-7 and finishing of games whenever he gets the opportunity. I think we've been very straightforward with him and he appreciates that."