There wasn't much we could have done: Shakib

When Virat Kohli and AB de Villiers are on song, there's not much the opposition can do. And if Chris Gayle joins the party, the captain at the other end runs out of options pretty quickly.

Gautam Gambhir and Kolkata Knight Riders learnt that when Royal Challengers Bangalore handed them a nine-wicket thrashing at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata on Monday (May 16).

"The quality they have, I don't think we could have done much. We tried everything but they played better cricket," was Shakib al Hasan's response when he was asked about the chase in the post-match press conference. "We had plans for every single batsmen but if plans worked always, no batsman will score runs. Bowlers try to execute, the fielders try to back them but the batsmen find a way. They batted really well."

The loss hurts Knight Riders' chances of finishing in top 2 as they now need to win both their remaining clashes - against Gujarat Lions and Sunrisers Hyderabad - to guarantee themselves two shots at making it to the finals.

"We all know that finishing in the top 2 helps a lot," the all-rounder said. "If you finish third or fourth, it's a little difficult. Every match is important. Today's loss is, of course, a setback but we have enough quality to come back."

Virat Kohli (R) and AB de Villiers celebrate after winning the IPL match against Kolkata Knight Riders. File Photo: AFP

The track that was used in this game was the same one that offered plenty of assistance to the spinners in the last fixture between Knight Riders and Rising Puner Supergiants.

However, on Monday, that was lacking. After Gautam Gambhir and Piyush Chawla, Shakib too expressed his disappointment at not getting 'home advantage' this season.

"We are a spin-dependent team. We always expect the track to spin but that hasn't happened yet so far. It's disappointing but there's no point blaming the pitch," he said. "We haven't done well at home this time. It was a very good wicket to bat on. There was a bit of turn but only when you bowled slow. There wasn't much for the spinners."