'When they lost three wickets in the middle, I thought...': Ajinkya Rahane gives credit to Sunil Narine for KKR's nail-biter win against DC

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) captain Ajinkya Rahane lavished praise on Sunil Narine for turning the match in their favour against Delhi Capitals (DC) at Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi. Chasing 205, DC looked well on track before Narine bowled a game-changing 14th over, where he picked Axar Patel and big-hitting Tristan Stubbs' wickets in quick succession.

With this win against DC, KKR remained in the race for the playoffs of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025. KKR will now face Rajasthan Royals (RR) in their upcoming clash, which is scheduled to take place on May 4 at Eden Gardens in Kolkata.

"When Sunil came into bowl and picked up two wickets, and when they lost three wickets in the middle, I thought that was the game for us," Rahane said at the post-match presentation.

"He's been a champion bowler for this franchise. A match-winner. As a captain, good to have him and Varun (Chakaravarthy)."

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Narine, who finished with figures of 3/29 and was named Player of the Match, said he always backs himself, even when things aren't going his way. Against DC, he was 0/25 after 2.1 overs before turning the tide with that pivotal 14th over.

"I still back myself to come back and deliver for the team. There are games you start early and struggle later and there are games you start late," Narine said.

KKR are currently on number seven in the points table with four wins in their last 10 outings of the cash-rich league.