Throughout the IPL 2024 season, comparisons have been drawn between the current Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) team and the legendary squads of 2012 and 2014, the years when KKR clinched their titles. Both eras share a focus on wicket-taking, a knack for winning away games (with notable wins at Wankhede in 2012 and 2014), and a plethora of ‘big-match players.’
However, one key element remains for this year’s team – securing the title, ideally led by a match-winning performance from an unexpected hero. Here, we delve into the three best knocks for KKR in IPL finals, and perhaps you’ll spot a potential 2024 hero among them:
#3 Jacques Kallis – 69 (49) vs CSK, 2012
We’ve limited our selection to the finals of 2012 and 2014, as KKR’s 2021 final was marred by poor batting. Facing Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in Chepauk in 2012 was no easy feat, especially after CSK posted a formidable 190/3, with strong performances from their top order. KKR’s chase started poorly, losing skipper Gautam Gambhir in the first over.
At this critical juncture, Jacques Kallis and Manvinder Bisla joined forces. While Bisla’s heroics are widely remembered, Kallis played a crucial role that is often overlooked. The South African legend provided stability, demonstrating his impeccable technique against spin and rotating the strike efficiently.
Kallis and Bisla put up a 136-run partnership – the second-highest in an IPL final at the time. After Bisla’s dismissal, KKR still needed 52 off 32 balls, and Kallis stepped up, hitting three fours and a six in the next two overs to steer KKR to victory. By being the calm to Bisla’s storm, Kallis delivered one of the best and most underrated knocks in an IPL final.
#2 Manvinder Bisla – 89 (42) vs CSK, 2012
Now for the main event. Manvinder Bisla, a wicketkeeper-batsman from Haryana, wasn’t even supposed to play the final. He was included due to an injury to pacer L Balaji, necessitating the entry of Brett Lee as the fourth overseas player, which required dropping Brendon McCullum. Adding to the drama, Bisla was on the brink of a BCCI ban before the game!
With nothing to lose, Bisla took on the CSK bowlers fearlessly. He began his assault in the fourth over, taking down Albie Morkel and then Ravichandran Ashwin with consecutive boundaries. His ability to read slower deliveries was on full display as he and Kallis maintained a steady run rate of 9-10 runs per over.
Bisla’s knock ended with a slower ball from Morkel, but not before he had scored a blazing 89 off 48 balls with a strike rate of 185.41. His performance was pivotal, and even CSK coach Stephen Fleming acknowledged Bisla’s brilliance, admitting, “We didn’t expect the onslaught from Bisla.”
#1 Manish Pandey – 94 (50) vs PBKS, 2014
The top spot goes to Manish Pandey’s spectacular 94 (50) against Punjab Kings (then Kings XI Punjab) in the 2014 final. Unlike 2012, Pandey had little support in 2014, with the second-highest score being just 36 and four batsmen failing to reach double digits.
Chasing a daunting 200, set up by Wriddhiman Saha’s century, Pandey’s knock was crucial. His innings can be summed up with two shots: a wristy four off Mitchell Johnson and an inside-out six off Karanveer Singh, both coming immediately after the dismissals of Robin Uthappa and Gautam Gambhir.
Pandey’s resilience kept KKR in the hunt despite wickets falling around him. He took on PBKS’s best bowlers, hitting seven fours and six sixes, and set up KKR with 21 needed off 18 balls, which they managed to chase down, albeit with some late nerves.
These three innings are etched in KKR’s history as iconic performances in IPL finals. As KKR heads into another potential final in 2024, fans will be hoping for another hero to emerge and lead them to glory.
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