Mumbai: Kolkata Knight Riders skipper Gautam Gambhir on Saturday said his boys ‘messed up’ the Indian Premier League game against Rajasthan Royals.
The Knight Riders are on the brink of elimination after losing by nine runs in tgheir final group game.
“Obviously our destiny was in our hands, but we seem to have messed it up. Lot of credit to the Royals,’ said Gambhir at the Brabourne Stadium after the match.
The skipper said the 199/6 posted by the Royals would have been tough to overhaul as chasers on any wicket.
He also praised man-of-the-match Shane Watson, who struck a 59 ball 104 for Rajasthan.
“[Chasing] 199 would be tough on any wicket. Credit to Shane the way he batted. If a top order batsman bat through more often than not they’d win,” Gambhir said.
“170-180 could have been an ideal total, we knew it would he high-scoring.”
Kolkata’s chances of making it to the play-offs look very tough as they have secured 15 points from 14 games. They are now placed fourth, but will be overtaken by the winner of the Sunrisers Hyderabad versus Mumbai Indians match.
However, the Knight Riders could be in with a chance if the Hyderabad-Mumbai match is washed out.
Another mathematical possibility is if Delhi Daredevils inflict a big defeat on Royal Challenger Bangalore.
Talking about the title holders’ campaign, Gambhir said: “The points table shows all sides are quality. It’s one of the difficult leagues to play. We’ve played reasonably good cricket but there are games we should have won. That’s why we’re here.
“It’s going to be tough, but you have to take it on your chin and move on.”
