'X-factor and variations': Quinton de Kock praises Narine-Varun duo after CSK collapse

After CSK’s batters struggled on a slow, turning pitch, Quinton de Kock reflected on the conditions, noting, “It seemed a lot slower, gripped a bit… but got slightly better in the second innings.” He credited the selectors for playing an extra spinner, with experienced campaigners like Rahane and Moeen Ali guiding the strategy. Speaking about Sunil Narine and Varun Chakravarthy, de Kock praised their “mystery” and variations, making them difficult to line up. “Sunil prides himself on his areas, always practices, even optional ones. He brings the X factor at the top,” de Kock said, highlighting Narine’s growing impact with the bat.