3 Memorable wins of KKR in IPL under Gautam Gambhir

Gautam Gambhir’s tenure as Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) captain in the Indian Premier League (IPL) witnessed several remarkable victories that showcased his leadership skills and the team’s resilience. When Gautam Gambhir assumed the role of captaincy for KKR, he faced immense pressure due to the departure of Sourav Ganguly, a beloved figure among fans. The challenge was not just to lead the team but also to win back the support of disillusioned fans.

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On 8th April 2011, Gambhir led the KKR squad onto the field for the first time as captain. Despite the pressure, Gambhir showcased his unique style of leadership, which immediately caught the attention of fans and critics alike.

Despite losing his first match as captain by a narrow margin, Gambhir’s leadership set the tone for the rest of the season. Under his guidance, KKR went on to achieve their best-ever performance in the IPL, reaching the semi-finals for the first time in the franchise’s history.

In subsequent seasons, Gambhir continued to showcase his strategic brilliance, particularly in setting up the field during matches. One notable instance was when he surprised everyone by employing unconventional field placements against MS Dhoni in IPL 2015.

Let’s explore three memorable wins that left an indelible mark in KKR’s IPL journey under Gambhir’s captaincy.

IPL 2012 Final: KKR vs. CSK

In the final match of IPL 2012, KKR faced the formidable Chennai Super Kings (CSK) led by MS Dhoni. It was a high-stakes encounter, with both teams vying for their maiden IPL title. Despite a challenging total of 190 runs set by CSK, KKR’s bowlers delivered a stellar performance, restricting CSK to 190/3. KKR’s chase was anchored by Manvinder Bisla’s blistering knock of 89 runs off 48 balls, guiding the team to their first IPL title with a memorable victory by five wickets.

12th May 2013: KKR vs. RCB

In the 60th match of IPL 2013, KKR faced Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in a crucial encounter. With RCB batting first and setting a modest target of 116 runs, KKR’s spin maestro Sunil Narine wreaked havoc, clinching four critical wickets. Despite early setbacks in the chase, Jacques Kallis’s innings of 41* runs steered KKR to victory, showcasing the team’s resilience under pressure and Gambhir’s astute captaincy.

Qualifier 1, IPL 2014: KKR vs. Kings XI Punjab

In Qualifier 1 of IPL 2014, KKR clashed with table-toppers Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) to secure a spot in the final. Opting to bat first, KKR posted a challenging total of 163 runs. The bowlers, led by Umesh Yadav and Morne Morkel, staged a remarkable comeback, restricting KXIP to 135/8. KKR emerged victorious by 28 runs, showcasing their ability to thrive under pressure and setting the stage for their eventual triumph in IPL 2014.