IPL 8: ‘Piyush Chawla has won games for KKR before,’ says Shakib Al Hasan

Mumbai: Shakib Al Hasan, after a series win against Pakistan, returned to the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) camp. He bowled well (2/22) and contributed with the bat too (23 off 15) but sulked at not being able to finish the game against Mumbai Indians at Wankhede Stadium here on Thursday. The southpaw, however, defended Piyush Chawla, who could not touch a single delivery off Kieron Pollard’s last over.

“We are all human beings, we all make mistakes. He (Chawla) has won matches for KKR in the past. Today, it wasn’t his day,” said Shakib, accepting that it was disappointing to lose from a winning position.

“We had our chances but could not grab it. But that is what T20 cricket is all about, one or two overs can change the game,” he added.

However, the left-handed all-rounder believed had the shot selection of KKR been better in the death over, the result could have been different.

“Pollard bowled well but we could have executed our shots better. It gets difficult if the shot selection is not right. It could either go for or against you,” he added.

Shakib concluded citing the areas the team needs to improve.

“Three of us (him, Gautam Gambhir, Yusuf Pathan) were set but could not finish the game. It is important to finish it. These are the areas we will work on. Other than that, we started well with the ball,” he pointed.