Key Points
Arora claims 3/29 in match-defining bowling performance
KKR defeats SRH with strategic batting and bowling
Venkatesh Iyer and Rinku Singh power crucial 91-run partnership
Team moves to fifth position in tournament standings
Speaking at the post-match presentation after being named Player of the Match, Arora highlighted the importance of preparation and adaptability as an impact substitute.
"I keep myself prepared to come in as the impact sub. I assess what the pitch is doing from outside, whether there's swing, whether the ball is holding," Arora said.
His sharp awareness of conditions played a key role in his success, as he struck at crucial moments to derail the opposition. The young seamer also detailed his approach to bowling in the middle overs, where variations become crucial.
"Yorkers and cutters are important in the fifth-sixth over as the ball doesn't swing by then," he said as quoted by ESPNcricinfo, emphasizing the importance of executing his skills under pressure.
"We plan for different batters in our meetings, depending on who the batter is, whether he is likely to give the charge," he added.
With his match-winning spell, Arora once again proved his value as a dependable bowling option for KKR, showing composure and tactical awareness in challenging situations.
Coming to the match, SRH won the toss and fielded first. Their decision seemed to pay off when they sent Quinton de Kock and Sunil Narine for single-digits, reducing KKR to 16/2, but a counter-attack by Rahane (38 in 27 balls, with a four and four sixes) and Raghuvanshi (50 in 32 balls, with five fours and two sixes) brought them back into the game. After the quick loss of these two stars, Venkatesh Iyer (60 in 29 balls, with seven fours and three sixes) and Rinku Singh (32* in 17 balls, with four boundaries and a six) powered KKR to 200/6 in their 20 overs with a 91-run stand for the fifth wicket.
Mohammed Shami (1/29) and Harshal Patel (1/43) were top wicket-takers for SRH.
During the run-chase, SRH was never truly in the match and lost wickets at rapid rate. Vaibhav Arora (3/29) and Varun Chakravarthy (3/22) stood out as only Heinrich Klaasen (33 in 21 balls, with two fours and two sixes) and Kamindu Mendis (27 in 20 balls, with a four and two sixes) could cross the 20-run mark.
With this win, KKR's campaign is somewhat back on track as with two wins and two losses. They are in the fifth spot. SRH are at the bottom with a win and three losses.
Comments:
Rahul K.
Vaibhav was absolutely clinical today! His control over line and length was impressive. That cutter to dismiss Abhishek was pure class 👏
Priya M.
Love how he's embracing the impact sub role! His preparation shows - studying the pitch from outside before coming on is such a smart move. More players should take notes!
Ankit S.
While Arora bowled well, I think KKR's batting deserves equal credit. That 91-run partnership was the real game-changer. But great to see young Indian bowlers stepping up!
Neha J.
His interview was so insightful! You can tell he's a thinking cricketer, not just relying on raw pace. That awareness of when to bowl yorkers vs cutters shows great maturity for his age.
Vikram P.
Respectful criticism: I feel he could work on his death bowling a bit more. Got hit for a couple of boundaries at the end. But overall a fantastic performance! Future looks bright for KKR's bowling attack.
Sneha M.
The way he set up Markram was pure chess! Three dot balls building pressure then the perfect outswinger. More please! 😍 #KKR #IPL2023
