Journalism of Courage
Kolkata Knight Riders won the toss and elected to field against Chennai Super Kings in the Indian Premier League final on Friday.
Chennai Super Kings skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni on Friday became the first player in world cricket to captain a team in 300 T20 games across various competitions during his side's IPL summit clash against Kolkata Kight Riders here. The 40-year-old former India captain, playing his 10th IPL final (ninth for CSK as captain), has led the 'Yellow Brigade' in 214 games across 12 editions that they have taken part out of the 14 IPL seasons.
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In-form Faf du Plessis saved his best for the last with a blazing 86 off 59 balls as Chennai Super Kings posted a formidable 192 for 3 against Kolkata Knight Riders in the IPL final on Friday.
It was a 'Daddies' Day Out' in the true sense as 37-year-old du Plessis, along with 35-year-olds Robin Uthappa (31 off 15 balls) and Moeen Ali (37 not out off 20 balls), set up a target for KKR which they would find difficult on a big Dubai International Stadium ground with premier batsman Rahul Tripathi injuring his calf muscle.
It was another impressive batting Powerplay from Kolkata Knight Riders as openers Venkatesh Iyer and Shubhman Gill were off to a cracking start. KKR across the UAE leg have been the second fastest scoring side (8.08 rpo) and the best side at preserving wickets, averaging 60 runs per dismissal.
But some smart bowling changes by MS Dhoni, captain of Chennai Super Kings brought Chennai back in the game.
Ravindra Jadeja's fine all round performance on the field proved to be the turning point in the game as the men in yellow hit back.
Deepak Chahar of Chennai Super Kings celebrates the wicket of Shubman Gill of Kolkata Knight Riders during the final of the Indian Premier League 2021.
Shardul Thakur, the Indian all-rounder, completed the top 5, selling to the Delhi Capitals for Rs 10.75 crore.
