STATE TIMES NEWS
CHENNAI: The pace duo of Mitchell Starc and Andre Russell caused devastation with a magical performance as Kolkata Knight Riders dismantled Sunrisers Hyderabad by eight wickets in a lopsided final to clinch their third IPL trophy here on Sunday.
In a season of start-to-finish domination, KKR’s bowling unit was inch perfect on a helpful pitch leaving Sunrisers in a shambles while bowling them out for a paltry 113 in 18.3 overs.
It was the tournament’s lowest ever summit clash score.
Venkatesh Iyer (52 not out, 26b, 4×4, 3×6), a forgotten India all-rounder, then helped KKR complete the formalities in just 10.3 overs.
The wholesomeness of the moment had reduced Russel to tears. “No words to describe. It means so much. I am happy that all of us were very disciplined and worked towards one goal.
“This franchise has done a lot for me. It’s a big gift from all of us to them,” he said.
He also ensured that fellow Iyer — skipper Shreyas — had a ‘Knight’ to remember after enduring a harrowing last four months where Indian cricket establishment robbed him of some dignity.
Rahmanullah Gurbaz (39) was useful with the bat after being effective behind the stumps with three catches.
It was a perfect night for him too as he had to leave in the middle of the tournament to attend his ailing mother who was admitted in a Kabul hospital.
He came back after Englishman Phil Salt had to report back for national duty.
The match was one-sided, the victory was clinical and it smelt of one thing — Team Spirit.
Everyone had an enticing back story as they got together to become the third team after CSK and MI to win three IPL titles.
In 2012, at this very ground, Gambhir had stamped his credentials as an astute skipper leading KKR to their maiden title. A dozen years later, Gambhir, the tactician behind the scenes who remained stoic throughout the match, ensured that when the T20 World Cup ends next month, the Indian cricket board will be able to convince him to change the colour of his jersey for the next three and half years. There is head coach Chandrakant Pandit, whose legend in Indian cricket continues to grow. Chandu Sir’ always knew how to win Ranji Trophies but that feeling of being a coach of an IPL winning team would taste equally sweet.
