Assistant coach Abhishek Nayar said ahead of the IPL match against Chennai Super Kings in Chepauk on Sunday that execution of attacking intentions has been the key to Kolkata Knight Riders’ strong batting performance so far, but they can also evaluate Tactical play after conditions. KKR have won their opening three matches so far, with batting being the highlight, with the total batting tally exceeding 200 runs in the last two matches. “Whether it’s the PowerPlay or the last six, including the games in between, the format is always about being aggressive. It’s ‘see it, hit it,’” Nayar said at the pre-match press conference.

“As well as being offensive, you also need to be tactical and the key to being able to execute that is different than being offensive. So, the performance of the batsmen depends on how they work and that’s reflected in the number of runs we’re getting. .” KKR’s opening pair of Phil Salt and Sunil Narine were effective against pace and spin respectively in the PowerPlay, with the latter being the team’s highest run-scorer so far this season player of.

However, given the traditionally slow nature of the Chepauk surface, Nayar pointed out that it will be crucial to assess the conditions and play accordingly against CSK on Monday.

“It’s about assessing conditions and what we’re going to face tomorrow. What happened in the past is not necessarily what will happen in the future,” he added.

Furthermore, one of the notable trends this season has been the unique approach of batsmen hitting more sixes than fours.

Talking about the topic, Nayar said that it all depends on how comfortable the players are with scoring runs, even though the format requires batting at a higher strike rate.

“Everyone has a different aspect. If a player wants to score runs by hitting fours and sixes, then it’s for you, if someone wants to accumulate runs by hitting singles, doubles and occasional boundaries, then that’s how he plays, “He said.

“There is no set style of play in this game, what suits you and brings you success is what you stick to. While the game still needs players like Virat Kohli who can accumulate runs, it also requires Shoot for a higher percentage.” Likewise, another notable observation this season is that teams that attack first win more games than teams that chase.

While Nayyar praised the batsmen for their ferocious mentality, he also felt that dew has yet to play a significant role.

“It’s definitely the mentality. The impact player rule is the same for both teams. When you bat first, there’s more freedom, there’s no pressure to chase.

“Conditions also determine what is useful and what is not. As the race progresses, as the weather gets hotter and more dewy, things can change.

“So far, dew has not been a major factor in the race. Once dew appears, the trend may start to change,” he believes.

“Having GG in the break room makes a big difference”

KKR has made a sensational start to the season and at the same time, its former IPL winning captain Gautam Gambhir has returned to the franchise as a mentor to the team.

Nayar said Gambhir’s experience was a big boost for the players.

“There is no substitute for experience and a captain who has led the team to two IPL titles. Whether as a mentor or on the field, GG will make a big impact on the coaching bench and be a big boost to the players.

“Guys who played under him, like Sonny (Sunil Narine) and (Andre) Russell, you can see the difference, Sonny’s scoring as an opener. So, all of that It’s all important,” he said.

Angkrish Raghuvanshi, one of the new players for KKR this season, has made an impact with his aggressive batting and Nayyar praised him as a workhorse.

“As well as his skills, his work ethic is important, his willingness to work hard because that talent is not something everyone has.

“If you have a knack for working hard, you can develop skills. That’s something that has stood out about him over the years – his attitude of going for it, getting it, getting better and chasing his dreams,” he concluded .

(This story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)