IPL Throwback Kolkata Knight Riders: The date May 27, 2012, will forever be etched in the memories of Kolkata Knight Riders fans, thanks to the unforgettable heroics of Manvinder Bisla.
His marvellous knock in the final against holders Chennai Super Kings will forever be etched in the folklore of the Indian Premier League.
Bisla’s fearless approach and impeccable timing propelled Kolkata Knight Riders to their maiden IPL title. With 89 runs off just 48 balls, Bisla showcased nerves of steel under pressure, delivering when it mattered the most.
Manvinder Bisla Reminisces IPL 2012 Final Knock For KKR
The 39-year-old exclusively spoke to myKhel and recalled that memorable night, saying, “Obviously, I remember everything because I got a chance to become a champion for the first time with KKR. The team was well-prepared, and it was the second year of playing together.
“It was a very special feeling because everyone was determined to win, especially those who had never won an IPL before. Personally, I remember one thing vividly: how I got selected at the last minute.” Also Read:KKR Intrasquad Match 2 Result & Highlights: Team Purple Vs Team Gold
Scripting KKR’s Revival With Jacques Kallis
In the high-stakes final, CSK put up a mammoth total of 190/3 in 20 overs, setting an imposing target of 191 for the men in purple and gold. In reply, KKR lost skipper Gautam Gambhir very early, but Manvinder Bisla and experienced Jacques Kallis formed a solid partnership and scripted a memorable comeback for the Knight Riders.
Bisla stated that the partnership with Kallis was crucial, saying, “I started gaining confidence, so gradually I formed a very good partnership with Jacques Kallis, and it was a very crucial one. Obviously, a lot of time has passed, but the winning moment was very special and I will remember it forever.”
Never Thought Of Personal Milestone: Bisla
When asked if he was disappointed about not reaching a hundred in the final, Bisla replied, “No, I didn’t have such personal milestones in mind. Even after so many years, I don’t feel that way, because winning was more important for the whole team, and me as well. If you look at it, Manoj’s (Tiwary) two fours in the last over were very valuable. So I think, more than my personal 100, there were a lot of small roles played by the players in the team.
“Like Manoj’s two fours, the way Shakib Al Hasan bowled in the last over, he didn’t give a lot of runs. Shakib also hit a six in the second last over. I think Shakib hit a four, a lap shot. So I think, the small roles played by the players, their value was more than my personal 100.”
When KKR Cricketers Became Heroes Of King Khan ‘SRK’
The wicket-keeper batsman Bisla also shared his conversation with the team’s co-owner Shah Rukh Khan. He reminisces, “Shah Rukh Sir was very happy. He was happy with everyone. We had a dream of becoming the IPL champion. Shah Rukh Sir also had a dream of becoming the champion. He was very passionate about the IPL. The first three years weren’t that good.
“After Gautam’s arrival, the team found its form to clear the final hurdle. We had been qualifying for four years, but we couldn’t go to the finals. But gradually, the whole group knew that we could win the IPL. And when the whole group won the finals and achieved their goal.
Shah Rukh Sir gave everyone a lot of love and hugs. The happiness on his face made every player feel satisfied and special. We felt that Shah Rukh Sir’s dream had finally come true.”
Return of Gautam Gambhir Will Create A Difference For KKR In IPL 2024
After the franchise finished disappointing seventh in the 2022 and 2023 seasons, Gautam Gambhir has been roped in by KKR as their new mentor ahead of the IPL 2024.
Bisla reckons that the inclusion of a two-time IPL-winning skipper will make a major difference for the Kolkata-based franchise in season seventeen. Speaking on Gambhir’s reunion with KKR, Bisla said, “No doubt, there will be a major difference. Gautam (Gambhir) is a winner. As a group, when we were playing together, he was the leader of my team.
“So, as a group, we always wanted to win the match. And we didn’t focus on any individual. The whole team had a lot of work. And the way he made the team, the winning mentality was in the whole group… Because if you see, he became the champion twice in three years.”
The wicketkeeper-batter who played 39 IPL games, further added, “So, he had to win the match in any way and his trust in the whole team. It wasn’t just that he trusted the main players. He trusted the whole team and that is his biggest quality. You can’t win IPL with just one player. If you want to win IPL, you have to contribute to every player. And I think, after his return, this will also come back. Every player is valuable and anyone can win anytime.”
Subhashish Sarkar Mykhel
source: mykhel.com