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Tag: IPL final

  • WATCH: Kaviya Maran Breaks Down Into Tears As SRH Lose IPL 2024 Final Against KKR | Cricket News

    An all-round performance from Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), including fiery spells by Mitchell Starc and Andre Russell and a half-century by Venkatesh Iyer, helped the Purple and Gold side secure their third Indian Premier League (IPL) title and their first in 10 years as they defeated Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) by eight wickets on Sunday at Chennai’s Chepauk Stadium.

    Sunrisers, which set the T20 cricketing world on fire with their fierce hitting, sky-high run-rates, largely due to the opening pair of Travis Head and Abhishek Sharma, got the taste of its own medicine. In a battle of two big buys, the Australian stars Cummins (20.5 crores for SRH) and Starc (24.75 crores for KKR), it was the latter who prevailed.

    During the IPL 2024 final at the MA Chidambaram Stadium, SunRisers Hyderabad (SRH) owner Kavya Maran was spotted in tears. A video circulating on social media shows Kavya visibly upset in the stands as the Orange Army struggled against the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR).

    watch the video here…

    #IPL2O24 #IPLFinal2024 #KavyaMaran#KnightRiders #SunrisersHyderabad pic.twitter.com/eAjGOas2lP Hindi States (@HindiStates) May 26, 2024

    During the run-chase of 114 runs, the opening pair of Sunil Narine and Rahmanullah Gurbaz could not put on a lengthy partnership. Narine was dismissed for just six runs in two balls, with SRH skipper Pat Cummins getting his wicket. Shahbaz Ahmed took a fine catch. KKR was 11/1 in 1.2 overs.

    Venkatesh Iyer joined Gurbaz and took the run-chase forward. The left-handed Venkatesh started Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s third over with a four, six and then another six. 20 runs came in the over.

    With a boundary on delivery by Cummins, Gurbaz helped KKR reach the 50-run mark in 4.1 overs. The final over of the powerplay by T Natrajan also proved to be a run-fest, with Iyer getting three fours and a six over deep square leg in his over, which gave a total of 20 runs to KKR.

    At the end of the powerplay after six overs, KKR was 72/1, with Iyer (40*) and Gurbaz (21*) unbeaten. Kolkata marched towards the winning total with their brutal hitting, giving SRH a taste of their own medicine. With a six by Iyer over long-off, KKR crossed the 100-run mark in 8.4 overs.

    However, Gurbaz lost his wickets, trapped leg-before wicket by Shahbaz Ahmed for 39 in 32 balls, with five fours and two sixes. KKR was 102/2 in 8.5 overs. Skipper Shreyas Iyer was next up and he started by launching a reverse sweep into the boundary.

    KKR completed the run-chase, making 114/2 in 10.3 overs, with Venkatesh (52* in 26 balls, with four boundaries and three sixes) and Shreyas (6* in three balls, with a four) unbeaten. Pat Cummins and Shahbaz Ahmed got a wicket each.

    Earlier, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) quicks made short work of the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) forcing the Pat Cummins side to unfold on a score of 113 in the title clash of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 on Sunday here at the MA Chidambaram Stadium.

    On a night with clouds hovering over Chepauk, KKR pacers inflicted carnage on a red soil surface which offered more bounce for the speedsters. It all started with Mitchell Starc putting on an exhibition with the new ball to put Hyderabad on the back foot through his opening spell, returning with a figure of 2-14 while Andre Russell, Sunil Narine and Varun Chakaravarthy combined well in the middle phase to pile the misery with Russell finishing with three wickets in just 2.3 overs, conceding 19.

    Put to bat first, Starc with an outstanding opening over dimmed SRH openers’ hopes of forming a strong partnership. The Aussie pacer, who was acquired by KKR for a whopping price of Rs 24.75 crores, becoming the most expensive player of the tournament’s history, gave SRH a big blow as he bowled a top-notch delivery to remove opener Abhishek Sharma for two in the first over of the innings.

    The right-arm fast-medium Vaibhav Arora piled more misery on SRH as he dismissed Travis Head for a duck.

    SRH was blown away by Starc’s inswingers as the pacer delivered a terrific delivery which Rahul Tripathi mistimed to hand a catch to Ramandeep Singh at the mid-wicket. After three dismissals Aiden Markram and Nitish Reddy then held the charge to take SRH past 40/3 after 6 overs. Markram then opened his hands and cracked 17 off Vaibhav’s over, slamming back-to-back two boundaries.

    Harshit Rana then bagged his first wicket of the night, removing Nitish Reddy for 13 in the 7th over. After some superb stuff from the KKR pacers, captain Shreyas Iyer introduced spin by giving the bowl to Sunil Narine, who kept the run flow in check. Andre Russell came into the attack and got a wicket of set batter Markram for 20 and in his next over he removed Abdul Samad for 4.

    Harshit then dismissed Heinrich Klaasen for 16 and the last pure batter of SRH also departed leaving Hyderabad’s hope of scoring a big total in a ditch. This was the second-lowest score at the fall of the 7th wicket in an IPL final.

    Pat Cummins kept piling runs and rotating strikes, however, the captain failed to guide his team to a big total as Russell bagged the last wicket bundling out SRH for 113 in 18.3. Brief score: Sunrisers Hyderabad 18.3 (Pat Cummins 24, Aiden Markram 20; Andre Russell 3-19) vs Kolkata Knight Riders.

  • Shah Rukh Khan’s bold move, blank cheque offered to Gautam Gambhir amid BCCI’s pursuit for Team India’s coaching role: Report | Cricket News

    The iconic Eden Gardens erupted in jubilation as Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) clinched their third IPL title, defeating Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in a nail-biting final on Sunday. Amidst deafening roars from the packed stands, the Shah Rukh Khan-owned franchise etched their name in IPL folklore once again, adding another glorious chapter to their storied legacy.

    Also Read: Virat Kohli Extends Break After IPL 2024, Could Miss Team India’s T20 World Cup Warm-up Game

    Gambhir’s Midas Touch

    Much of KKR’s success can be attributed to the tactical genius of mentor Gautam Gambhir. The former Indian opener, who led KKR to their previous two IPL triumphs, has undoubtedly left an indelible mark on the team’s ethos. His calm demeanor and astute decision-making proved invaluable throughout the tournament, culminating in a well-deserved victory.

    Rinku Singh: The Unlikely Hero

    While star performers like Venkatesh Iyer and Nitish Rana played their part, it was the unheralded Rinku Singh who truly stole the show. With KKR teetering at 89/5 in their pursuit of 174, the left-hander displayed nerves of steel, smashing an unbeaten 42 off just 28 deliveries to guide his team home.

    Cummins’ Valiant Effort in Vain

    For SRH, Pat Cummins led from the front, both with the ball and the bat. The Australian spearhead claimed three crucial wickets before contributing a blistering 33 off just 18 balls. However, his efforts ultimately fell short as KKR held their nerve in the closing stages.

    Shah Rukh’s Unbridled Passion

    As the winning runs were scored, the celebrations reached a crescendo, with Shah Rukh Khan leading the charge. The Bollywood superstar, known for his unwavering passion for the sport, was seen embracing Gambhir and the players, his joy evident for all to see. The victory not only cemented KKR’s status as one of the most successful IPL franchises but also underscored Shah Rukh’s deep commitment to the team.

    Tactical Masterclass from Gambhir

    Gautam Gambhir’s influence on KKR’s fortunes cannot be overstated. From his shrewd team selections to his calculated bowling changes, the former India opener displayed a tactical acumen that kept his side ahead of the game. His ability to inspire and motivate his players was equally vital, as evidenced by the team’s resilience in the face of adversity.

  • Tushar Deshpande’s Instagram Story Adds Salt To RCB’s Wounds, CSK Star Delets It Later | cricket news

    In an era where social media blunders are rapidly amplified, Chennai Super Kings’ (CSK) pacer Tushar Deshpande found himself at the center of controversy following his Instagram story mocking Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB). After RCB’s defeat to Rajasthan Royals (RR) in the IPL 2024 Eliminator, Deshpande’s ill-timed post added fuel to the fire, leading to a backlash that prompted its swift deletion.

    Tushar Deshpande’s Instagram story. pic.twitter.com/bXSed8pf7Y — Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) May 22, 2024

    Also Read: Angry Sanju Samson’s ‘Use Your Brain’ Gesture To Yashasvi Jaiswal Goes Viral During RR vs RCB Game In IPL 2024 Eliminator- Watch

    A Heartbreaking Defeat for RCB

    Royal Challengers Bangalore, riding high on a six-match winning streak, faced a crushing blow as their IPL 2024 campaign ended in the Eliminator against Rajasthan Royals. Despite posting a competitive total of 172/8, courtesy of valuable contributions from Virat Kohli (33 off 24) and Rajat Patidar (34 off 22), RCB’s efforts fell short. RR’s chase, spearheaded by Yashasvi Jaiswal’s explosive 45 off 30 balls and Riyan Parag’s composed 36 off 26, ensured they reached 174/6 in 20 overs, knocking RCB out of the tournament.

    Deshpande’s Instagram Faux Pas

    As RCB fans mourned yet another missed opportunity, Tushar Deshpande’s Instagram story added insult to the injury. The CSK pacer posted a photo of Bengaluru Cantonment railway station with the caption “CSK fans are built different,” subtly mocking RCB’s repeated failures. However, recognizing the insensitivity and potential backlash, Deshpande quickly deleted the post.

    Analyzing the Game: RCB’s Batting Woes

    RCB’s innings had moments of brilliance but lacked the finishing touch needed to secure a higher total. Kohli’s quickfire 33 and Patidar’s solid 34 laid a promising foundation, but the middle-order struggled to accelerate. Despite a spirited effort, the score seemed insufficient against a resilient RR side. Avesh Khan (3/35) and Ravichandran Ashwin (2/29) were instrumental in keeping RCB’s total in check.

    Rajasthan’s Resilience: Jaiswal and Parag Shine

    Chasing 173, RR faced early jitters but quickly found their rhythm with Jaiswal’s aggressive approach. His 30-ball 45 included some stunning boundaries, providing the necessary momentum. Parag’s calm demeanor under pressure was commendable, as he anchored the chase with a crucial 36 off 26 balls. The duo’s efforts were complemented by Rovman Powell’s late cameo (16* off 9), sealing the win for Rajasthan.

    Turning Points: Siraj and Ferguson’s Efforts

    Mohammed Siraj’s late strikes (2/33) gave RCB a glimmer of hope, dismissing Parag and Hetmyer in quick succession. Lockie Ferguson’s crucial breakthroughs, including the dismissals of Jaiswal and Kohler-Cadmore, momentarily shifted the game’s momentum. However, Powell’s calculated assault in the final overs dashed RCB’s comeback hopes.

    The Road Ahead for Rajasthan Royals

    With this victory, Rajasthan Royals advanced to face Sunrisers Hyderabad in the Qualifier 2, setting up an exciting clash for a place in the IPL final. RR’s win, breaking a four-match losing streak, reinvigorates their campaign and showcases their potential to go all the way.

    Social Media’s Double-Edged Sword

    Deshpande’s Instagram story serves as a reminder of the double-edged sword that is social media. While it can enhance fan engagement and provide a platform for personal expression, it also requires a level of sensitivity and awareness, especially in the heat of competitive sports. The incident underscores the need for athletes to exercise caution and empathy in their online interactions.

  • ‘Well….I still haven’t left’: CSK skipper MS Dhoni hints at playing for IPL 2022

    By ANI

    DUBAI: Chennai Super Kings (CSK) skipper MS Dhoni might be 40 but the legendary cricketer could indeed feature in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2022. CSK, also known as ‘Dad’s Army’, lifted their fourth IPL title on Friday after defeating Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the final by 27 runs.

    Dhoni, one of the greatest captains to have played the game, said he still has not left behind his legacy, indicating that he might feature in next year’s IPL also. During the post-match presentation, when the broadcaster asked about the legacy Dhoni is leaving behind, the CSK skipper gave a cheeky reply. “Well, I still haven’t left behind (smiles).”

    However, Dhoni also said that him playing for CSK would depend on what works best for the Chennai-based team. “It depends on BCCI with two new teams coming in. Well it’s not about me playing for CSK, it’s about what is best for CSK. The core group that can carry the team for 10 years. Now we need to see what is best,” said Dhoni.

    The CSK skipper also said if any team deserved to win the IPL 2021 title it was KKR and also pointed out that the break helped the Eoin Morgan side.

    “Before I start talking about CSK, it’s important I talk about KKR. For the position they were in after the first phase, it is very difficult to come back and do what they have done. If any team deserved to win the IPL this year, I feel it was KKR. I think the break helped them,” said Dhoni.

    Speaking about CSK’s win, Dhoni said ” Coming to CSK we shuffled a few players, we used them in different ways. Important to take responsibility. I felt we had match-winners game after game. People who were in the form they ensured they were scoring throughout the tournament and others were chipping in.”

    “Every final is special. Yes, we are the most consistent team looking at the stats but we have also lost finals. Not letting the opposition in is something we consciously wanted to improve. I hope CSK in the coming years will be known for that.

    “We don’t really talk a lot. It’s more one on one. Our practice sessions are more like a meeting session also. People are more open that way. The moment you talk in a team room there is a bit of pressure,” Dhoni added.

  • ‘Well….I still haven’t left’: CSK skipper MS Dhoni hints at playing IPL 2022

    By ANI

    DUBAI: Chennai Super Kings (CSK) skipper MS Dhoni might be 40 but the legendary cricketer could indeed feature in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2022. CSK, also known as ‘Dad’s Army’, lifted their fourth IPL title on Friday after defeating Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the final by 27 runs.

    Dhoni, one of the greatest captains to have played the game, said he still has not left behind his legacy, indicating that he might feature in next year’s IPL also. During the post-match presentation, when the broadcaster asked about the legacy Dhoni is leaving behind, the CSK skipper gave a cheeky reply. “Well, I still haven’t left behind (smiles).”

    However, Dhoni also said that him playing for CSK would depend on what works best for the Chennai-based team. “It depends on BCCI with two new teams coming in. Well it’s not about me playing for CSK, it’s about what is best for CSK. The core group that can carry the team for 10 years. Now we need to see what is best,” said Dhoni.

    ALSO READ| Check what the Super Kings had to say after they won IPL

    The CSK skipper also said if any team deserved to win the IPL 2021 title it was KKR and also pointed out that the break helped the Eoin Morgan side.

    “Before I start talking about CSK, it’s important I talk about KKR. For the position they were in after the first phase, it is very difficult to come back and do what they have done. If any team deserved to win the IPL this year, I feel it was KKR. I think the break helped them,” said Dhoni.

    Speaking about CSK’s win, Dhoni said ” Coming to CSK we shuffled a few players, we used them in different ways. Important to take responsibility. I felt we had match-winners game after game. People who were in the form they ensured they were scoring throughout the tournament and others were chipping in.”

    ALSO READ| Don’t get too deep into analytics, go with gut feel: Stephen Fleming on CSK’s winning mantra

    “Every final is special. Yes, we are the most consistent team looking at the stats but we have also lost finals. Not letting the opposition in is something we consciously wanted to improve. I hope CSK in the coming years will be known for that.

    “We don’t really talk a lot. It’s more one on one. Our practice sessions are more like a meeting session also. People are more open that way. The moment you talk in a team room there is a bit of pressure,” Dhoni added.

  • Outplayed by very good CSK, Russell missed final as he was still at risk: KKR coach Brendon McCullum

    By PTI

    DUBAI: Kolkata Knight Riders head coach Brendon McCullum conceded that his team was outplayed by a very good Chennai Super Kings side in the IPL final but also blamed an underwhelming middle-order batting performance for the comprehensive loss.

    MCullum also stated that explosive batter Andre Russell could not make the XI despite working hard to be match-fit after a hamstring injury.

    MS Dhoni-led Chennai Super Kings to their fourth Indian Premier League title, outwitting Kolkata Knight Riders by 27 runs in a one-sided final on Friday. “It’s a shame that we fell short, but we were outplayed by a very good CSK side today,” McCullum said at the post-match press conference.

    McCullum agreed that Kolkata suffered a middle-order collapse and when asked whether the problem lay precisely there. “Yeah, I think, that’s a fair assessment. I think, our bowling group did really good job, we fielded well and our top-order batting was superb, but unfortunately we weren’t quite able to get the real impact through our middle-order players… there is a lot of experience there and they did not have the greatest of tournaments and that can happen at times,” lamented McCullum.

    “…but again I am just really proud of all the guys for their efforts and what a story it was to go as close as we did after being under the pump half way through the,” he added. The former New Zealand mainstay said the campaign has been fulfilling in more ways than one. “…more positives than negatives, that is for sure and we walk away with our head held high,” he asserted.

    McCullum also explained why Russell, who was recovering from a hamstring injury, could not make it to the summit clash. “…Andre obviously had a hamstring tear early on in the competition. He worked unbelievably hard to try and get himself available. He was still at risk there. And it was a risk, I felt in a final, we just couldn’t afford to take,” the former wicketkeeper-batter explained.

    “And then we had another hamstring issue with Rahul Tripathi, so, look, such is the nature of hamstrings that he was never really sure whether they are going to be fully healed or not, and it’s such a big risk. …in the end we decided to go for the guys who had done so well for us to get into the final and I am really proud of all their achievements,” he added.

    McCullum also lavished praise on the in-form Venkatesh Iyer, who played a key role in the team making it to the summit clash. Kolkata were languishing at the seventh spot after the India leg of the IPL was suspended, but in a remarkable turn of fortunes, the Eoin Morgan-led side ended up second.

    Iyer amassed 370 runs from the 10 games that he played in the 2021 season and the head coach termed his story as an incredible one.

  • Rewarding to ward off criticism and finish four-year cycle with trophy: CSK coach Stephen Fleming

    By PTI

    DUBAI: Chennai Super Kings head coach Stephen Fleming is a proud and satisfied man after his old brigade warded off criticism to end their four-year Indian Premier League cycle with a “rewarding” title.

    Skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni played his part to perfection in an extraordinary script as he led an ageing CSK to their fourth IPL title, outwitting Kolkata Knight Riders by 27 runs in a one-sided final on Friday night. “There was criticism about the age of our squad but it’s rewarding to finish the four-year cycle with the trophy,” Fleming said.

    “Experience is important, guys who have been there and done it before add so much. We don’t get too deep into analytics and numbers, we go with gut feel and developing relationships with players. It’s old school but it works for us,” he added.

    ALSO READ| Check what the Super Kings had to say after they won IPL

    Fleming said that all the four IPL titles are special to him but the current one holds greater significance as it was bagged by an ageing side, who were written off at the start of the tournament. “It is very hard to rank them (the titles). It is also special because you work so hard and the result of a lot of hard work, so they (the titles) are all very special,” Fleming said at the post-match press conference.

    “I think, the one win in 2018, coming back, was very emotional but there is a lot of hard work in this one. I don’t think a lot of people had any hopes from us to be able to maintain our competitiveness during this cycle. We were pretty much written off,” he added.

    “So, there is little bit of satisfaction around that and a lot of pride in what the players have been able to achieve and maintain the standards over a number of months and that was a challenge for an ageing side. I am really proud about what they did and in the way they played,” he added.

    Fleming said the title was a recognition of the hardwork the ageing squad has put in and hinted that there will be a few changes in the team next year. “There is emotion around, I think when you get to an end of a cycle, you are not going to get some players back, so there (was) some emotions around these last games. When you win it, it is celebration and also recognition of what players have put in,” he said.

    “Chennai always had a system or belief that you maintain players and keep them with you for a long period of time, you get the best out of them. There are some players that have been with us for a long time. It will be interesting to see over the next few months how it pans out but most teams are probably going to have a bit of change to them” he added.

    The former New Zealand captain, who also won his fourth title with CSK as head coach, said the opening partnership between Faf Du Plessis and young Ruturaj Gaikwad was one of the reasons for the team’s success.

    He also lavished praise on Ruturaj, who emerged as the highest run-getter this season. “Yeah, I do (see him as the next star of Indian cricket). He (Ruturaj) is an absolute superstar already in my eyes. When we introduced him last year, people were little bit critical but we (had) such high expectations from him. We are really delighted that he finished off the season so well. He is a wonderful kid,” said Fleming about the Pune-based opener.

    “His craft this year, he mastered opening batting. With him and Faf (Du Plessis) to score that many runs, it’s one of the real reasons we won the IPL,” he added.

  • Don’t get too deep into analytics, go with gut feel: Coach Stephen Fleming on CSK’s winning mantra

    By PTI

    DUBAI: IPL champions for a fourth time, Chennai Super Kings coach Stephen Fleming says the secret of his ageing warriors’ success is that they rely more on gut feel and interpersonal relationships instead of going too deeply into analytics and numbers.

    Fleming was a proud and satisfied man after his old brigade, led by 40-year-old talisman in Mahendra Singh Dhoni, claimed the title on Friday, outplaying Kolkata Knight Riders by 27 runs. “There was criticism about the age of our squad but it’s rewarding to finish the four-year cycle with the trophy,” Fleming said.

    “Experience is important, guys who have been there and done it before add so much. We don’t get too deep into analytics and numbers, we go with gut feel and developing relationships with players. It’s old school but it works for us,” he added.

    Fleming said all the four IPL titles are special to him but the current one holds greater significance as it was bagged by a side, which was written off at the start of the tournament. “It is very hard to rank them (the titles). It is also special because you work so hard and the result of a lot of hard work, so they (the titles) are all very special,” Fleming said at the post-match press conference.

    ALSO READ| Check what the Super Kings had to say after they won IPL

    “I think, the one win in 2018, coming back, was very emotional but there is a lot of hard work in this one. I don’t think a lot of people had any hopes from us to be able to maintain our competitiveness during this cycle. We were pretty much written off,” Fleming said.

    “So, there is little bit of satisfaction around that and a lot of pride in what the players have been able to achieve and maintain the standards over a number of months and that was a challenge for an ageing side. I am really proud about what they did and in the way they played,” he added.

    Fleming said the title was a recognition of the hard work that the squad has put in and hinted that there will be a few changes in the team next year. “There is emotion around, I think when you get to an end of a cycle, you are not going to get some players back, so there (was) some emotions around these last games. When you win it, it is celebration and also recognition of what players have put in,” he said.

    “Chennai always had a system or belief that you maintain players and keep them with you for a long period of time, you get the best out of them. There are some players that have been with us for a long time. It will be interesting to see over the next few months how it pans out but most teams are probably going to have a bit of change to them,” he added.

    The former New Zealand captain, who also won his fourth title with CSK as head coach, said the opening partnership between South African veteran Faf Du Plessis and the young Ruturaj Gaikwad was one of the reasons for the team’s success.

    He also lavished praise on Ruturaj, who emerged as the highest run-getter this season. “Yeah, I do (see him as the next star of Indian cricket). He (Ruturaj) is an absolute superstar already in my eyes. When we introduced him last year, people were little bit critical but we (had) such high expectations from him. We are really delighted that he finished off the season so well. He is a wonderful kid,” said Fleming about the Pune-based opener.

    “His craft this year, he mastered opening batting. With him and Faf (Du Plessis) to score that many runs, it’s one of the real reasons we won the IPL,” he concluded.

  • When CSK needed MS Dhoni in Qualifier against Delhi Capitals, he stood up: Shane Watson

    By ANI

    NEW DELHI: Former Australia all-rounder Shane Watson has said that Chennai Super Kings (CSK) skipper MS Dhoni knows how to get the best out of his players. CSK will square off against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the IPL 2021 final later on Friday at the Dubai International Stadium.

    “MS Dhoni just knows how to continuously bring an environment together and get the best out of the players. That is why CSK has always had these different match-winners, it is not just about one or two players,” said Watson on the Super Kings show on Star Sports.

    “He just knows how to allow people to get out of their way and yes CSK has not been relying on MS to score the runs that he has done in the past but when the team needed him the most in the Qualifier, the great man just stood up like he has done in the past,” he added.

    The IPL 2021 has been played in two parts this season due to the COVID-19 pandemic and after a long wait, the final is here. The summit clash will see MS Dhoni’s Chennai Super Kings clash with Eoin Morgan’s Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR).

    MS Dhoni-led CSK has won the IPL title thrice and after putting on a dismal show in the 2020 season in UAE, the side made a remarkable comeback this year and some fearless cricket from the franchise has seen Dhoni’s men reach the finals.

    Dhoni might have managed to score just 114 runs from 15 matches this season, but he rose like a phoenix when the team needed him most and his best knock came in Qualifier 1 against Delhi Capitals. He scored 18 runs from six balls, rolling back time, giving fans a perfect nostalgia trip as the Chennai franchise roared into the final. His innings even got Virat Kohli to label Dhoni as the “greatest finisher ever”.

    Squads:

    Chennai Super Kings: Ruturaj Gaikwad, Faf du Plessis, Moeen Ali, Robin Uthappa, Ambati Rayudu, MS Dhoni (c & wk), Ravindra Jadeja, Dwayne Bravo, Shardul Thakur, Deepak Chahar, Josh Hazlewood, Suresh Raina, Imran Tahir, Jason Behrendorff, Krishnappa Gowtham, Lungi Ngidi, Mitchell Santner, Ravisrinivasan Sai Kishore, Hari Nishanth, N Jagadeesan, KM Asif, Harishankar Reddy, Dominic Drakes, Bhagath Varma, Karn Sharma, Cheteshwar Pujara.

    Kolkata Knight Riders: Shubman Gill, Venkatesh Iyer, Rahul Tripathi, Nitish Rana, Eoin Morgan (c), Dinesh Karthik (wk), Sunil Narine, Shakib Al Hasan, Lockie Ferguson, Shivam Mavi, Varun Chakaravarthy, Harbhajan Singh, Tim Southee, Andre Russell, Ben Cutting, Karun Nair, Pawan Negi, Kuldeep Yadav, Gurkeerat Singh Mann, Sheldon Jackson, Sandeep Warrier, Tim Seifert, Prasidh Krishna, Rinku Singh, Kamlesh Nagarkoti, Vaibhav Arora. (ANI)

  • CSK to win IPL 2021 final, Ravindra Jadeja will be Man of the Match: Michael Vaughan

    By ANI

    NEW DELHI: Former England skipper Michael Vaughan on Friday predicted that Chennai Super Kings (CSK) will win the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 and Ravindra Jadeja will be the Man of the Match.

    CSK will square off against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the IPL 2021 final later on Friday at the Dubai International Stadium. “As all my predictions this year have been spot on .. I think @ChennaiIPL will win the Final today .. Man of the match will be @imjadeja #IPL2021Final,” tweeted Vaughan.

    As all my predictions this year have been spot on .. I think @ChennaiIPL will win the Final today .. Man of the match will be @imjadeja #IPL2021Final
    — Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) October 15, 2021
    The IPL 2021 has been played in two parts this season due to the COVID-19 pandemic and after a long wait, the final is finally here. The summit clash will see MS Dhoni’s Chennai Super Kings clash with Eoin Morgan’s Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR).

    MS Dhoni-led CSK has won the IPL title thrice and after putting on a dismal show in the 2020 season in UAE, the side made a remarkable comeback this year and some fearless cricket from the franchise has seen Dhoni’s men reach the finals.

    Dhoni might have managed to score just 114 runs from 15 matches this season, but he rose like a phoenix when the team needed him most and his best knock came in Qualifier 1 against Delhi Capitals. He scored 18 runs from six balls, rolling back time, giving fans a perfect nostalgia trip as the Chennai franchise roared into the final. His innings even got Virat Kohli to label Dhoni as the “greatest finisher ever”.

    Moving to KKR, Eoin Morgan’s side was completely down and out in the India leg as the side had won just two games out of seven. However, travelling to the UAE brought about a change in fortunes.

    Venkatesh Iyer’s inclusion provided the much-needed boost to the batting lineup and the Kolkata-based franchise has been playing fearless cricket. Shubman Gill, Nitish Rana, and Rahul Tripathi have done their job too this season.

    Squads: Chennai Super Kings: Ruturaj Gaikwad, Faf du Plessis, Moeen Ali, Robin Uthappa, Ambati Rayudu, MS Dhoni (c & wk), Ravindra Jadeja, Dwayne Bravo, Shardul Thakur, Deepak Chahar, Josh Hazlewood, Suresh Raina, Imran Tahir, Jason Behrendorff, Krishnappa Gowtham, Lungi Ngidi, Mitchell Santner, Ravisrinivasan Sai Kishore, Hari Nishanth, N Jagadeesan, KM Asif, Harishankar Reddy, Dominic Drakes, Bhagath Varma, Karn Sharma, Cheteshwar Pujara.

    Kolkata Knight Riders: Shubman Gill, Venkatesh Iyer, Rahul Tripathi, Nitish Rana, Eoin Morgan (c), Dinesh Karthik (wk), Sunil Narine, Shakib Al Hasan, Lockie Ferguson, Shivam Mavi, Varun Chakaravarthy, Harbhajan Singh, Tim Southee, Andre Russell, Ben Cutting, Karun Nair, Pawan Negi, Kuldeep Yadav, Gurkeerat Singh Mann, Sheldon Jackson, Sandeep Warrier, Tim Seifert, Prasidh Krishna, Rinku Singh, Kamlesh Nagarkoti, Vaibhav Arora. (ANI)