The comprehensive nine-wicket win over Royal Challengers Bangalore in Abu Dhabi on Monday has been a huge confidence-booster for Kolkata Knight Riders, captain Eoin Morgan has acknowledged.

Going into the game, the Knight Riders were second from bottom and had to win to ensure the scenario didn’t get tougher for them. Such a response from the players at a difficult juncture certainly keeps the Knight Riders well set for their coming matches.

Despite this big, timely win, Morgan conceded that it’s still a challenge for his side to make the playoffs as they only have six points from eight games.

“There is no doubt that it is going to be a challenge from hereon, but our main aim is to turn up and try and play cricket like we have done versus RCB. I think if we do that, we give ourselves the best chance of progressing to the playoffs,” Morgan said at the post-match virtual media conference.

“It is something that the franchise has done before and gone on to win the championship, so we take confidence from that, but more so from our performance with the ball and the bat and in the field in this game.

“Moving forward, if we continue to play in that manner, it makes us a dangerous side,” the skipper added.

Morgan lavished praise on 26-year-old Venkatesh Iyer, the left-handed batsman who was enterprising right through KKR’s reply, opening the batting alongside Shubman Gill.

According to Morgan, the Madhya Pradesh batsman’s unbeaten knock of 41 against RCB signified the “aggressive” brand of cricket the Knights aspire to play.

After bowling out RCB for a paltry 92, openers Venkatesh and Shubman (48) helped KKR motor home with 10 overs to spare.

“I think Venky, the way he came in and played, was outstanding. Certainly, the brand of cricket we want to play,” Morgan emphasised.

“Playing the Brendon McCullum way, that’s the aggressive nature in which we want to play.

“Although he was very aggressive, he managed to play with great control throughout the innings and his opening partnership with Shubman was beautiful to watch.”

The Man of the Match for KKR was mystery spinner Varun Chakravarthy, who along with taking three wickets for just 13 off his four overs, also bowled 15 dot balls, took a catch and ran Kyle Jamieson out.

“When I have the ball in my hand, I try to assess the pitch,” he said at the post-match presentation.

“There wasn’t much spin on offer, so I had to aim the stumps only… Playing for India has made me feel better. I have a sense of acceptance from people around me,” Chakravarthy, aged 30, added.

Next matches

⚫ Vs Mumbai Indians, Sept. 23

⚫ Vs Chennai Super Kings, Sept. 26

⚫ Vs Delhi Capitals, Sept. 28

⚫ Vs Punjab Kings, Oct. 1

⚫ Vs Sunrisers Hyderabad, Oct. 3

⚫ Vs Rajasthan Royals, Oct. 7