Finn Allen Praises Young Star Angkrish Raghuvanshi After KKR's Victory
KKR's Finn Allen Lauds Angkrish Raghuvanshi's Stellar Performance
Kolkata (West Bengal) [India], May 17: After the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) triumphed over the Gujarat Titans (GT), KKR's Finn Allen praised the young Indian batter Angkrish Raghuvanshi, referring to him as a "starboy" who continues to enhance his skills. Allen emphasized that the team's reliance on Raghuvanshi, despite his youth, is a testament to his exceptional talent.
Raghuvanshi has been making waves in the IPL, achieving his fifth fifty in what is shaping up to be his most impressive season yet. The 21-year-old currently leads KKR in runs this season, having amassed 422 runs in 12 matches with an average of 42.20 and a strike rate of 146.52, including five fifties and a top score of 82*.
During the post-match press conference, Allen remarked on Raghuvanshi's remarkable shot-making abilities, noting that his success is beneficial for Indian cricket as well. "Starboy. He is an incredible player, and he is continuing to expand his game. He has a great base and can play some unbelievable shots. For someone so young to be relied on so heavily by the team just shows how good he is. It is really exciting for the franchise to have someone so young performing so consistently, and it is probably great for Indian cricket as well. I cannot speak highly enough of him — he is a really good kid," he stated.
Allen also commended spinner Varun Chakravarthy, who has faced injury challenges, for his determination to bowl his full quota despite discomfort, highlighting his character. Although Chakravarthy went wicketless and conceded 47 runs, Allen expressed hope for his recovery and readiness for upcoming matches.
"Unfortunately, I do not have a physio degree, so that is a bit above my pay grade (on Varun's status for remaining matches). But he is a tough guy, and it says a lot about his character that he came out to bowl despite being sore. It means a lot to the group when players are willing to push through pain for the team," he added.
Regarding KKR's chances of reaching the playoffs by winning their last two matches, Allen emphasized the importance of preparation and focus. "One thing we have done really well this season is stay composed. Even when we had a tough start, the dressing room remained calm, and that is a credit to the support staff and Jinx (skipper Ajinkya Rahane) for driving that mindset through the group. We have taken it game by game throughout the tournament. We know we need to win the last two matches to have any chance of qualifying, so the focus is simply on preparing well, training hard and doing our job," he concluded.
In the match, GT chose to bowl first, and KKR capitalized on this decision. After Rahane (14) was dismissed early, Allen (93 off 35 balls, including four boundaries and ten sixes) and Raghuvanshi formed a formidable partnership, scoring 95 runs together. Following Allen's exit, Raghuvanshi secured his fifth fifty of the season, contributing to a 108-run partnership with Cameron Green (52* off 28 balls, with three fours and four sixes), leading KKR to a total of 247/2 in 20 overs. Raghuvanshi finished with an unbeaten 82* from 44 balls, hitting four boundaries and seven sixes.
Siraj and Sai Kishore each took a wicket for GT.
During the chase, Sai Sudharsan had to retire hurt early on. Skipper Shubman Gill (85 off 49 balls, with five fours and seven sixes) and Jos Buttler (57 off 35 balls, with five fours and two sixes) formed a 128-run partnership, keeping GT in contention. However, after their dismissals, GT struggled to maintain the required run rate, finishing at 218/4 in 20 overs.
Sunil Narine (2/29) was the standout bowler for KKR and earned the 'Player of the Match' title.
Currently, GT holds second place with eight wins and five losses, totaling 16 points, while KKR sits in seventh place with five wins, six losses, and one no result, accumulating 11 points.