Video of Faf Du Plessis 86 Runs in 59 Balls : CSK vs KKR : IPL Final

Every single CSK batter has contributed to what has been a spectacular batting effort from them. Gaikwad and Faf set up the platform, Robin and Moeen came in and sustained that aggression right through. Faf was given a life on 2 by Dinesh Karthik, a rather straightforward stumping chance at his level.

He cashed in to play an outstanding knock when it mattered most. Two of KKR’s key bowlers had an off day. Lockie Ferguson just couldn’t find his rhythm and went for 56 off his four overs. Only Watson has conceded more (61) in an IPL final – for RCB against Sunrisers in 2016. Varun, who hasn’t given more than 26 off his four overs, went for 38.

This has left a huge task for KKR. They have the quality. When they last won the title in 2014, KKR chased down 199. This is six short. Maybe that’s what McCullum is telling them too. 

Ruturaj Gaikwad : “I think Shakib was about to bowl two overs, so I thought I’m maybe a better player of spin and I should take him on,” he says when asked if it was a conscious decision to be the aggressor. “It’s stopping, holding up, we did brilliantly well to get to 190, it’s going to be challenging for them.

I think it’s enough but we need to execute well. I wanted Faf to hit a six off that last ball to add six more to our total (asked if he knew Faf was two short of the orange cap).”

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.”

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.”

Shardul Thakur: “Sometimes when you’re playing back to back games there’s a rhythm going. But sometimes when you’ve played 4-5 games together, and then you get a break of 4-5 days, that also can be good – helps in the body to recover. Our team meetings are always around two minutes long – our routines don’t change.”

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