On May 27, 2012, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) clinched their first-ever Indian Premier League (IPL) title, defeating the defending champions Chennai Super Kings (CSK) by five wickets. This victory marked a significant milestone in IPL history and was a testament to KKR’s determination and skill.

The Road to the Final

KKR’s journey through the 2012 IPL season was marked by strategic gameplay and consistent performances. Under the leadership of Gautam Gambhir, KKR overcame numerous challenges and emerged as strong contenders for the title. Key matches, such as their victories against the Mumbai Indians and Delhi Daredevils, were turning points that highlighted their resilience and tactical prowess.

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Final Match Overview

The IPL 2012 final was held at the iconic MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. The stage was set for an epic clash between KKR and CSK, the defending champions known for their formidable lineup and previous successes in the tournament.

Chennai Super Kings’ Innings

Winning the toss, CSK captain MS Dhoni decided to bat first, a move that initially seemed advantageous. The opening pair, Michael Hussey and Murali Vijay, gave CSK a flying start, setting a solid foundation for a big total.

Hussey and Vijay stitched together a formidable partnership of 87 runs. Vijay contributed 42 runs before being dismissed by Rajat Bhatia, providing CSK with a significant advantage early in the innings.

Suresh Raina joined Hussey and continued the momentum with a brilliant knock. Hussey, on the other hand, breached the 50-run mark, and together, they forged a partnership of 73 off 41 balls, pushing the score further.

Hussey eventually fell for 54 and was dismissed by Jacques Kallis. Raina’s 73 was crucial in propelling CSK to a daunting total of 190. MS Dhoni chipped in with an unbeaten cameo of 14 off nine balls, ensuring CSK ended their innings on a high. For KKR, Bhatia, Kallis, and Shakib Al Hasan each claimed a wicket, helping to restrict CSK from crossing the 200-run mark.

Kolkata Knight Riders’ Chase

KKR’s run chase got off to a shaky start, losing their captain Gautam Gambhir for just two runs in the first over. This early setback could have derailed their chase, but KKR found heroes in Manvinder Bisla and Jacques Kallis.

Bisla played one of the most memorable knocks in IPL finals history. His 89 off 48 balls was a blend of aggression and composure, featuring eight fours and five sixes. Bisla’s ability to handle the pressure and score at a brisk pace was instrumental in KKR’s chase.

Kallis provided the stability needed after the early loss of Gambhir. His partnership of 136 runs with Bisla was the backbone of KKR’s innings. Kallis scored a crucial 69 runs, playing a steady hand that complemented Bisla’s aggressiveness.

The final over saw KKR need nine runs to clinch the title. Manoj Tiwary stepped up, hitting two consecutive boundaries to seal the victory with two balls to spare. Tiwary’s calmness under pressure ensured KKR crossed the finish line in a dramatic fashion.

Celebrations and reactions

The victory sparked jubilant celebrations among KKR players, support staff, and fans. The team lifted the trophy with pride, and the victory lap at the MA Chidambaram Stadium was filled with emotion and joy. Reactions poured in from cricketing legends, former players, and fans worldwide, acknowledging KKR’s brilliant performance.

Player of the Match

Manvinder Bisla was rightly adjudged the Player of the Match for his scintillating innings. His performance in the final became a defining moment of his career, and he received accolades from all quarters for his heroics.

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.