Who Said What to Sunrisers Hyderabad's clinical victory over Kolkata Knight Riders
In a match where even the slightest of mishaps could prove fatal, Kolkata skipper Gautam Gambhir called correctly and opted to chase on a hard Kotla surface. Despite striking regularly, Sunrisers managed to cross the 160 mark due to a collective display. Veteran Yuvraj Singh played a useful hand while promising chinaman exponent Kuldeep Yadav was the pick of the bowlers. Surprisingly, mystery spinner Sunil Narine went wicket-less.
The Knightriders began rather shakily in their chase as the SRH fielders swooped in like a pack of vultures. With the screws tightening sharply, they slumped to 69/4 in the half-way stage. Manish Pandey attempted to resurrect the innings by forming a resourceful partnership. However, the in-form death bowling specialists Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Mustafizur Rahman combined brilliantly to knock KKR out of the tournament.
Let us take a look at the reactions from the cricketing fraternity on the captivating contest.
Kolkata Knightriders captain, Gautam Gambhir:
“Obviously, I thought it was a very good wicket and 163 was very much chase-able. I thought Colin's run-out was a turning point. We did not have big partnerships and Yuvi (Yuvraj) played well. It is difficult to replace someone like Andre Russell. Especially in the last couple of overs, he could bowl 140.”
“However, we cannot ask much from our bowlers as they did a good job in restricting them. In this format, individuals can take the game away from you. The fans have been unbelievable and they have stuck with us throughout. Obviously, we are disappointed. But, we tried our best.”
Sunrisers Hyderabad captain, David Warner:
“Definitely, we fielded well and that’s what we set out to do. Obviously, Bipul's two sixes off Morne Morkel came in very handy. Short with the batting, but runs on the board is crucial. It was a tough wicket and the pressure was high. So, good execution by the bowlers.”
“We'll change wickets, but the square is the same. Both teams have batting firepower and depth in the bowling. We are up against Gujarat and we have set the benchmark high. Now, it’s about coming back and executing our plans well again.”
Man of the Match, Moises Henriques :
"I still feel like I left a lot of runs out there. It was staying low. So facing Morne and Holder was easier, turning their ridiculous bounce to normal bounce. We have guys who take the pace off. We have ones who can put the pace on, good death bowlers too.”
“All the bowlers bowled well and we fielded really well. With Bhuvi (Bhuvneshwar) and Mustafizur, we have some very good death bowlers. The game owes you nothing, every opportunity you have to grab it.”
Sunrisers Hyderabad Mentor, VVS Laxman was understandably delighted:
Congrats @SunRisers Gr8 team effortKeep it up #OrangeArmy #IPL
— VVS Laxman (@VVSLaxman281) May 25, 2016
Former Indian opener, Akash Chopra was excited about the prospect of a new IPL champion:
Best death bowling pair in this IPL has done it again...well done, #SRH. IPL to get a new winner in 2016. #SRHvKKR
— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) May 25, 2016
Sunrisers Hyderabad Head Coach, Tom Moody reiterated the path to glory:
Great win @SunRisers one step closer! #OrangeArmy #onwardsandupwards
— Tom Moody (@TomMoodyCricket) May 25, 2016
Moody’s erstwhile Australian team-mate Dean Jones gave a thumbs-up to SRH’s team composition:
Well done VVS, @TomMoodyCricket and the team. Lovely balanced team... Will give this @IPL a big shake!! https://t.co/L2yUsSlUBt
— Dean Jones (@ProfDeano) May 25, 2016
Former Pakistan and KKR speedster, Shoaib Akhtar expressed praised SRH's effort:
Srh done a great job by wining in style tonight ...
— Shoaib Akhtar (@shoaib100mph) May 25, 2016
Bad luck kkr..
Former Indian women's cricket team captain, Anjum Chopra hailed Bhuvneshwar’s performance:
One of d most impressive n stand out performances this @IPL has been d return 2 consistent form of Bhuvneshwar Kumar. Swing n pace #SRHvKKR
— Anjum Chopra (@chopraanjum) May 25, 2016
Experienced commentator and analyst Harsha Bhogle cited the absence of Andre Russell and Shakib Al Hasan for KKR’s loss:
Solid, disciplined bowling does it again for #SRH. How much did #KKR miss Russell and Shakib?
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) May 25, 2016
Yuvraj's direct hit to dismiss the dangerous Colin Munro caught the attention of his former partner-in-crime Mohammad Kaif:
Gambhir likes to drop & run.@YUVSTRONG12 was aware,stood close in,got both hands to the ball & boom!Great anticipation & execution #SRHvKKR
— Mohammad Kaif (@KaifSays) May 25, 2016
Royal Challengers Bangalore all-rounder, Shane Watson too joined in the nostalgia:
Go @YUVSTRONG12!!! Winding back the clock. Brings back some awesome memories of the great man in the early days of his career. #SRHvKKR
— Shane Watson (@ShaneRWatson33) May 25, 2016
Former England batsman Mark Butcher wondered who would go on to win the IPL:
Guaranteed a 1st time winner this #IPL @RCBTweets @TheGujaratLions or @SunRisers
— mark butcher (@markbutcher72) May 25, 2016
In a heartening gesture, Kings XI Punjab had something to say for both teams:
Congrats @SunRisers, a well deserved victory. Tough luck @KKRiders, you gave it your all but it was just not meant to be. #SRHvKKR
— Kings XI Punjab (@lionsdenkxip) May 25, 2016