Sunrisers Hyderabad earned their spot in their third IPL final by defeating Rajasthan Royals by 36 runs in Qualifier 2 in Chennai on Friday.This victory followed a heavy eight-wicket loss to two-time champions KKR in the first playoff in Ahmedabad on Tuesday.
KKR, captained by India’s Shreyas Iyer, have been dominant throughout the competition, topping the 10-team table with 20 points in the league phase and losing just three matches this season.
In addition to signing the star bowler Mitchell Starc, KKR also brought on Gautam Gambhir as a mentor. The former India batsman led the team to two titles in 2012 and 2014.
Former Australian star batter Matthew Hayden didn’t take much time and picked KKR as title favourites this season.
“I’m very confident that KKR are going to win here, as having a few days off, having the ability to watch this match, and understanding what the strengths and weaknesses of Sunrisers Hyderabad are will be helpful. KKR, having defeated SRH, is going to have great momentum. I also just feel that the quality spin of Narine and Varun Chakaravarthy on the red clay is going to make a difference,” Hayden said while speaking on Star Sports Cricket Live.
“Finals are not about retreating into your shell. Finals are about sticking your chest out, owning your space, understanding your role, and going for the jugular. That’s the mentality you need in a final. It’s a hunt, and you need to be in it to win it,” Hayden said.
SRH last won an IPL title way back in 2016 under the leadership of another Australian David Warner.
KKR won their two titles in 2012 and 2014 under the leadership of Gautam Gambhir.
