5 memorable moments from GL vs KKR that don't fade away

As we get closer to the playoffs, the equations are getting a lot more complex with twists and turns here and there. The Gujarat Lions tormented the Kolkata Knight Riders to firm their grip on the top 4, while the latter are now in some spot of bother with their next game a must-win one for them.

Despite having one of the most balanced side in the tournament, such a predicament ill-suits the team from Bengal and owner Shah Rukh Khan will be praying that his team reaches the next phase of the tournament. What must be remembered is that KKR narrowly missed playing in the play-off last season.

Gujarat Lions started the tournament brilliantly and were cruising towards the next round, or so it seemed. However, after a dramatic fall in form and an inscrutable amount of erratic performances, they seem like they are back for the better.

There were plenty of memorable moments in the match that don't fade away, quite like the AXE Signature range of body perfumes. Let's have a look:

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Uthappa back in form

Among the openers, Robin Uthappa was one of those who had a sensational start in this year’s IPL. However, in his recent endeavors with the bat, he failed to replicate his form.

His poor performances broke the opening stronghold of KKR as even Gautam Gambhir now finds himself second-guessing while batting. However, against Gujarat Lions, he made a good start when his captain fell early.

Playing 19 balls, he made 25 runs and smashed a six and hit 3 boundaries in the process.

The vehemence of Dwayne Smith

KKR have one of the most formidable batting units in the IPL. There is everything one could ask for—consistent openers, stable middle-order and power hitters in the lower-middle-order, making it really heard to breach this team.

However, last night, they were destroyed—and it was by the arm of a batsman.

Dwayne Smith is known for his ability to hit the ball out of the park. He also bowls every now and then, but is never considered a genuine bowler. However, against KKR, he did something that not even specialist bowlers could do.

Bowling his quota of 4 overs, he took 4 wickets while giving away only 8 runs in the meantime.

Yusuf Pathan’s resolution

Yusuf Pathan is one of those players who isn’t known to come out and hang around the pitch in an attempt to settle down and play a steady innings. He does what he is best at: come, see and hit.

However, even he had to change his style of play to adjust to the situation as Kolkata batsmen found it almost impossible to even play the Lions. It felt like the Lions had caught hold off the Riders by their neck and weren’t letting go any time soon.

Under such circumstances, Pathan’s innings of 36 runs in as many balls is an admirable one.

Raina’s reign of terror

Suresh Raina started the tournament well. Leading his team from the front, he set an example for his peers to follow as he was making his innings count. However, a mid-season slump meant that he and his team fell into a quagmire, from which they are yet to completely recover.

Yesterday, though, he took a fine step forward as he welcomed his new-born child to the world with a well-paced 53 off just 36 balls. He made sure that he left the pitch with the win in the bag—something that his team needs more of.

Finch’s finishing touch

Just like almost every other opener in this year’s IPL, Aaron Finch took the tournament by storm by scoring half centuries after half-centuries. At one point, he was the outright leader in the scoring charts and might as well have won it if Virat Kohli hadn’t metamorphosed to a transcendental entity that consumes everything in its path.

After a rough patch, it seems like Finch is slowly building his confidence as he scored 26 in 23 balls to give his captain he support he needed.

With the knock-out just around the corner, it would be a nice time for this Australian to show his best.