IPL 2021: Captain Eoin Morgan delighted for Nitish Rana after KKR overwhelm SRH

Nitish Rana of Kolkata Knight Riders plays a shot during match 3 of the Indian Premier League 2021 between Sunrisers Hyderabad and Kolkata Knight Rides, at the M. A. Chidambaram Stadium in Chenna. Pic/PTI

Less than a month ago, Kolkata Knight Riders [KKR] opening batsman Nitish Rana tested positive for COVID-19. However, bouncing back to the cricket field for practice after having 12 days of quarantine and after two negative test results on April 3, Rana, 27, on Sunday emerged a match-winner with a quickfire 80 (9x4, 4x6) in KKR's 10-run win over Sunrisers Hyderabad in Chennai.

KKR captain Eoin Morgan was overwhelmed by the way Rana showcased his attacking and positive approach during his 56-ball stay at the wicket.

"I am delighted for Nitish. Obviously, a match-winning innings. The thing that impressed me the most today [Sunday] was the method that he used. He played really aggressively and always took a positive option, which did set up our innings. Rahul [Tripathi, 53 in 29 balls, 5x4, 2x6] played extremely well, which allowed our lower middle order [to score quick runs], one of whom came off today in Dinesh Karthik [who scored an unbeaten 22 in nine balls]," said Morgan during a post-match virtual press conference on Sunday night.

When asked about the time when Rana came out of quarantine, he said: "He was delighted to be out of quarantine and have a negative report. Then, when he joined the squad, getting back to playing in the camp, netting and then batting in the practice matches as well, he was really in good touch. We witnessed it today [Sunday] on a wicket that wasn't as good as he made it look, to bat on. We are delighted for him."

In reply to KKR's 187-6, SRH managed to post 177-5. Manish Pandey remained unbeaten on 61, while Jonny Bairstow scored 55. For KKR pacer Prasidh Krishna bowled well to claim two for 35.