In a match where even the slightest of mishaps could prove fatal, Kolkata skipper Gautam Gambhir called correctly and opted to chase on a hard Kotla surface. Despite striking regularly, Sunrisers managed to cross the 160 mark due to a collective display. Veteran Yuvraj Singh played a useful hand while promising chinaman exponent Kuldeep Yadav was the pick of the bowlers. Surprisingly, mystery spinner Sunil Narine went wicket-less.
The Knightriders began rather shakily in their chase as the SRH fielders swooped in like a pack of vultures. With the screws tightening sharply, they slumped to 69/4 in the half-way stage. Manish Pandey attempted to resurrect the innings by forming a resourceful partnership. However, the in-form death bowling specialists Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Mustafizur Rahman combined brilliantly to knock KKR out of the tournament.
Let us take a look at the reactions from the cricketing fraternity on the captivating contest.
Kolkata Knightriders captain, Gautam Gambhir:
“Obviously, I thought it was a very good wicket and 163 was very much chase-able. I thought Colin's run-out was a turning point. We did not have big partnerships and Yuvi (Yuvraj) played well. It is difficult to replace someone like Andre Russell. Especially in the last couple of overs, he could bowl 140.”
“However, we cannot ask much from our bowlers as they did a good job in restricting them. In this format, individuals can take the game away from you. The fans have been unbelievable and they have stuck with us throughout. Obviously, we are disappointed. But, we tried our best.”
Sunrisers Hyderabad captain, David Warner:
“Definitely, we fielded well and that’s what we set out to do. Obviously, Bipul's two sixes off Morne Morkel came in very handy. Short with the batting, but runs on the board is crucial. It was a tough wicket and the pressure was high. So, good execution by the bowlers.”
“We'll change wickets, but the square is the same. Both teams have batting firepower and depth in the bowling. We are up against Gujarat and we have set the benchmark high. Now, it’s about coming back and executing our plans well again.”
Man of the Match, Moises Henriques :
"I still feel like I left a lot of runs out there. It was staying low. So facing Morne and Holder was easier, turning their ridiculous bounce to normal bounce. We have guys who take the pace off. We have ones who can put the pace on, good death bowlers too.”
“All the bowlers bowled well and we fielded really well. With Bhuvi (Bhuvneshwar) and Mustafizur, we have some very good death bowlers. The game owes you nothing, every opportunity you have to grab it.”
Sunrisers Hyderabad Mentor, VVS Laxman was understandably delighted:
Former Indian opener, Akash Chopra was excited about the prospect of a new IPL champion:
Sunrisers Hyderabad Head Coach, Tom Moody reiterated the path to glory:
Moody’s erstwhile Australian team-mate Dean Jones gave a thumbs-up to SRH’s team composition:
Former Pakistan and KKR speedster, Shoaib Akhtar expressed praised SRH's effort:
Former Indian women's cricket team captain, Anjum Chopra hailed Bhuvneshwar’s performance:
Experienced commentator and analyst Harsha Bhogle cited the absence of Andre Russell and Shakib Al Hasan for KKR’s loss:
Yuvraj's direct hit to dismiss the dangerous Colin Munro caught the attention of his former partner-in-crime Mohammad Kaif:
Royal Challengers Bangalore all-rounder, Shane Watson too joined in the nostalgia:
Former England batsman Mark Butcher wondered who would go on to win the IPL:
In a heartening gesture, Kings XI Punjab had something to say for both teams:
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