Video of 90 m Six by Moeen Ali : CSK vs KKR : IPL Final

A big night, and big runs on the board. And Chennai needed just four of their batsmen. Also, Kolkata’s bowlers have bowled a little too many Sharjah-length deliveries here, only to find them getting hammered around. But if history is a thing, they did exactly this in 2012 and 2014.

They’ve done the tried and tested thing. Okay, this was Faf’s innings all through. He started off with a chance on 2, with DK fumbling a pretty straightforward stumping chance, went onto laying a platform with Gaikwad, upped the tempo and finished big, and rather politely, didn’t snatch the orange cap from his partner either.

Too kind. Anyway, the real impact on momentum here came via Uthappa’s 15-ball 31, which Moeen then did well to carry on till the finish. Apart from that one stage just after the powerplay, where KKR’s spinners actually looked a bit threatening, there’s been really nothing in this pitch for the bowlers. Oh, and dew is waiting to drop in.

Ruturaj Gaikwad: I think Shakib was about to bowl two overs. I thought I should take on spin as I am a good player of spin. Faf also played lesser balls up front. It is stopping a little.

We did brilliantly to get to 192 by hitting some brilliant sixes, off good balls too. We need to bowl well and back it up with the fielding. I wanted him (Faf) to hit that six and add those six important runs (for Orange Cap).

Two players scoring 600+ runs in a season for a team:
C Gayle (708) & V Kohli (634) RCB, 2013
V Kohli (973) & AB de Villiers (687) RCB, 2016
R Gaikwad (635) & Faf du Plessis (633) CSK, 2021

Targets of 180+ have been successfully chased down twice in IPL finals – both by KKR:
200 by KKR vs PBKS Bengaluru 2014
191 by KKR vs CSK Chennai 2012

Venkatesh Iyer: I am not seeing it as a big game. Looking at it that it is another game which we need to win. I have worked really hard. It feels good to be recognised. I would try to help the team to win today. I feel if I am strong in academics, it makes me take smarter decisions.

I have never tried to interchange either professions of mine. The coach and captain have advised me again like before to go out there and enjoy yourself as well as express yourself.

Josh Hazlewood: Excited, most of all. There obviously are a few nerves in the group, but all these guys have been here before and played in a few IPL finals. These wickets have been helpful on occasions.

There is enough if you hit the back of a length and make them play shots. I have bowled a lot upfront and usually one or two in the end. Batting in the powerplay has been the easiest, but I enjoy bowling there and getting the team off to a good start. The pressure is more on the batters. The batters know they have to get off to a good start.

Once five fielders go out, it is tough with these big boundaries. You want to be nice and calm and keep doing what has worked so far. Most importantly, have fun.

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