Knight Riders chorus boys

McCullums measured approach helped KKR set several competitive targets for their rivals.

While captain Gautam Gambhir (588 runs) and mystery spinner Sunil Narine (24 wickets) are the standout performers for the Kolkata Knight Riders,there have been a few small but significant contributions from others that have taken the team into their maiden IPL final. A look at Kolkatas chorus boys:

Lakshmipathy Balaji: The Tamil Nadu medium pacer proved his worth at the start of the season when he bowled a stifling spell of 4-18 in the Knight Riders win over the Royal Challengers Bangalore. Balaji continued to be miserly over the course of the season and it was his spell at the beginning of the Mumbai Indians innings in a crucial game at Wankhede Stadium that helped KKR reach the playoffs. Balajis 1/11 in four overs ensured Mumbai were kept on a tight leash.

Brendon McCullum: The Kiwi returned to the Kolkata dressing room after spending a year with the now-defunct Kochi Tuskers Kerala. The return was highly successful as he has garnered 289 runs in 12 outings for the Knight Riders. Interestingly,McCullum has not been his usual blazing self instead preferring to play second fiddle to Gautam Gambhir. McCullum might not have hit the biggest sixes but he has ensured that KKR dont get bogged down. McCullums measured approach helped KKR set several competitive targets for their rivals. He has also been reliable behind the wickets.

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Shakib al Hasan: Knight Riders Bangladeshi import has proved his worth with both bat and ball. Shakib bowled a tight spell in KKRs third game to restrict the Rajasthan Royals to 131. When KKR visited Pune,Shakib put in a great allround show scoring a quickfire 42 and then came back to snare two wickets giving away just 18 runs in his four overs.

Manvinder Bisla: The Himachal Pradesh batsman has made most of the limited opportunities he has got. Bisla scored a blistering 29-ball 46 against the Royal Challengers at the Chinnaswamy Stadium,stitching a valuable partnership with Gambhir which helped KKR post a formidable total. In KKRs home game against the Royals,Bisla was in fine form stroking an attacking 29 which put his team on course for a win.

Jacques Kallis: In his second season with the Knight Riders,Kallis has been one of their most consistent performers,with both bat and ball. The South African allrounder broke Delhi Daredevils back in KKRs away game snapping up David Warner as well as Virender Sehwag. He has also played the finishers role for KKR this season guiding the team home with some assured displays. Against Kings XI Punjab in Mohali,Kallis scored a watchful 30 to take his side home on a tricky wicket. Kallis bowling in the middle overs has also proved handy for KKR. His 14 wickets this season has made Kallis Gambhirs preferred change bowler.

Manoj Tiwary & Lakshmi Ratan Shukla: Both have chipped in at crucial times IPL. Tiwary helped KKR post a strong total against Mumbai Indians in the teams away game and also played the finishers role to perfection in against the Chargers. Shuklas cameos have been crucial in KKRs march.

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