IPL 2016: 5 things we learnt from the final between RCB and SRH
Contrary to popular expectations, the Royal Challengers Bangalore fell short in the IPL 2016 final as a Warner-inspired Sunrisers Hyderabad went on to lift the trophy for the first time. There was disappoint for the Bangalore outfit who have played some amazing and entertaining cricket this season.
Virat Kohli even with 973 runs this season could not lead his side to the ultimate glory. And it was a familiar story for AB de Villiers as the most precious trophies continue to elude him. As the excitement and euphoria begin to settle down, let us look at 5 things we learnt from the IPL 2016 final.
1) Chris Gayle still has a lot left to offer
The last few months have not been good for Chris Gayle. Getting embroiled in one needless controversy after another, Gayle's bat had stopped talking in the tournament. Amidst his garrulous outbursts, he had contributed precious little to the point that he had to be dropped by the RCB for a few matches.
There were naysayers busy writing off Gayle saying that he was past his prime and now missed the magic touch. But chasing a huge total of 208 in a big final, Gayle answered his critics with the bat.
If RCB had any hopes of getting close to the huge SRH total, they badly needed a significant contribution at the top of the order. And it was then that Gayle-storm hit Bengaluru. Bowlers kept disappearing as Gayle seemed to be back at his regal best, hitting all over the park.
He ensured almost single-handedly that RCB had raced off to 100 runs off 9 overs. He finished with 76 off 38 balls. It was his dismissal that turned things around against the RCB. But Gayle has shown the world that he is not done yet.