After a long and grueling season that took place in two halves for the first time in history, it is finally time for the final of the 2021 Indian Premier League (KKR). In a repeat of the 2012 final, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) will take on Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at the Dubai International Stadium.
The two teams have had extremely contrasting runs to reach the final. MS Dhoni-led CSK dominated the tournament from the start and were the first side to reach the playoffs. They managed to finish second on the table despite losing their last three games in the league phase. In the first qualifier, they defeated Delhi Capitals (DC) to reach the final for a record 9th time.
Meanwhile, KKR have made a dream comeback to book a spot in the final from the brink of elimination. After the India leg, they were 7th in the table with just two wins in seven games. However, they have looked a rejuvenated outfit in the UAE with seven wins in nine games including the eliminator and qualifier 2 to book their spot in the summit clash.
In their victory against DC, CSK’s chase was inspired by a splendid half-century by Robin Uthappa, who was only playing his third match of the tournament. Uthappa replaced Suresh Raina in the line-up and made the number three spot his own.
However, cricketer-turned-commentator Sanjay Manjrekar has warned CSK to not put too much faith in Uthappa. The former Indian cricket suggested that MS Dhoni is smart enough to not get carried away by the knock against DC and wants them to stick to what has worked for them through the course of the tournament.
Talking on his Instagram account, Manjrekar said, “I don’t think they should get too carried away by the success of Robin Uthappa. MS Dhoni is smart enough to know that because that was more of an exception than the rule. They shouldn’t look to put too much faith in Robin Uthappa at Number 3 or Dhoni, who tried to promote himself in the last game. He should try to stick with what’s been a long-term success plan for them.”
Manjrekar also suggested that KKR should consider dropping Dinesh Karthik and Eoin Morgan for the all-important clash in Dubai.
“There are a couple of people who are almost like deadwood in the team. Dinesh Karthik is one and then there is Eoin Morgan, the captain. And I don’t think it will be a bad move to replace somebody like Dinesh Karthik who seems to be well past his prime both while keeping wickets and batting as well. If they do it, that will be a smart call,” said Manjrekar.
Both sides are two of the most successful in the history of the competition and will look to enrich their legacy with a win on Friday. CSK have won the title three times in history having lifted the trophy in 2010, 2011, and 2018. Meanwhile, KKR were crowned champions twice under the captaincy of Gautam Gambhir in 2012 and 2014.
