Having topped the group stage of the 10-team league, KKR defeated Hyderabad in the first qualifier on Tuesday and displayed even greater dominance in the final, which concluded in just 29 overs.
Overwhelmed with emotion, KKR players emphasized the crucial role of mentor Gautam Gambhir in shaping the team into a championship-winning outfit that outperformed SRH to secure their third IPL trophy at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.
Following the triumph, KKR players lifted Gambhir on their shoulders in celebration.
This was Gambhir’s first assignment as a mentor with KKR, who previously won titles in 2012 and 2014 as side’s captain.
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“I want to share one short story that when GG (Gautam Gambhir) bhaiya was named the mentor. I sent him a long message as I was really happy. But he replied saying, ‘Thank you but I would be happy if we stand at the podium with the trophy in our hands’. Today is that day and I will never forget that message,” said Nitish Rana after the team’s title win.
Royal Challengers Bangalore were eliminated in the playoffs, but their star player Virat Kohli won the Orange Cap as the league’s top scorer, amassing 741 runs from 15 matches.
Punjab Kings seamer Harshal Patel received the Purple Cap for being the league’s most successful bowler, taking 24 wickets from 14 matches, despite his team not making the playoffs.