Faf du Plessis virtually took the game away from KKR with his proactive batsmanship and fearless strokeplay, scoring 86 off 59 balls. It are big games like these that experience can be seen and the execution of Faf was testimony to that quality. KKR had to bat through their skin to achieve CSK’s 192-3
CSK opener Faf du Plessis
The final is all about how a team play on a particular day. Age, fitness and skill take a backseat. It’s about who takes the initiative and puts the opposition under pressure.
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Chennai Super Kings did just that in the IPL final against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). Ruturaj Gaikwad, the Orange Cap winner scored 32 off 27 balls.
Faf du Plessis virtually took the game away from KKR with his proactive batsmanship and fearless strokeplay, scoring 86 off 59 balls. It are big games like these that experience can be seen and the execution of Faf was testimony to that quality. KKR had to bat through their skin to achieve CSK’s 192-3.
Openers Shubman Gill and the predictable Venkatesh Iyer scoring half-centuries was an encouraging sign for KKR. However, Eoin Morgan’s men fell short by 27 runs, thanks to a rising run rate and middle-order failure. A bowling attack comprising of Josh Hazlewood (2-29), Shardul Thakur (3-38), Dwayne Bravo (1-29) and Ravindra Jadeja (2-37) suffocated the opposition, making the target distant.
CSK have to be complimented for the belief in the experienced and their backing youth. Empowerment of players, effective use of a horses-for-courses policy, benching players like Suresh Raina (one of IPL’s most effective players) have all been ingredients in the success of a team where the coach and captain appear in total control, on and off the field. It may be a template for new franchises for effective results.
The writer is a former Mumbai captain and currently CEO of Baroda Cricket Association
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