http://www.senore.com/Cricket/G-Gambhir-c1447’s absence – Cricket News Update
The Jacques Kallis led Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) surged to an opening win in a final over thriller against New Zealand’s domestic side, Auckland Aces, during the first Pool B qualifying match from the ongoing Champions League Twenty20 Tournament.
However, the much pleased Kallis commended his players for putting up a competitive bout against the Aces, despite the absence of their world class batter and the team’s prized possession, Gautam Gambhir.
“It is unfortunate that we miss a world class player like Gautam Gambhir, who adds massive value. But the guys have put up their hands and we all realise that when you are missing a world class player like that, everybody needs to produce little bit more
which the guys showed today," stated Kallis in his post-match comments.
The match, staged at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium Uppal, http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Auckland-c766 batters to fall
just a narrow 2 runs short of the chase.
As in Gambhir’s case, the opening batter, who had previously been a regular Captain for KKR, suffered an unfortunate head concussion while fielding during the 2nd Test match against http://www.senore.com/Cricket/England-c56013 in the recent 4-match series.
Following the mishap, Gambhir was said to have developed visual problems that restricted the opener in missing out on the remaining fixtures from India’s tour to England.
Despite commending his team for the win, Kallis also expressed his disappointment with the side’s batters, who failed to produce a strong opening for KKR, and trotted into piling up a minor aggregate of 121 for 6.
On the other hand, Auckland’s Captain, http://www.senore.com/Cricket/GJ-Hopkins-c1490, stated that he too is disappointed for letting an easy win slip out of the team’s grasp.
As for now, skipper Kallis stands confident in leading KKR to another worthy win in order to secure a spot on the official ranks of the league. The team will now set out to face English County side http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Somerset-c843, in their second qualification match, scheduled
to kick off on September 21, 2011, at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium.
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