Gautam Gambhir and Sunil Narine Hold the Key if Kolkata (KKR) Want to be IPL Champ in 2012

CHENNAI, India (Sun, May 27) – The grand finale of the Indian Premier League (IPL 2012) is just hours away now and speculations, match previews and experts’ analysis are pouring on. 

Gautam Gambhir and Sunil Narine Hold the Key if Kolkata (KKR) Want to be IPL Champ in 2012

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) qualified in third consecutive IPL final beating Mumbai Indians (MI) and Delhi Daredevils (DD) in ‘eliminator’ and second qualifier respectively. They produced extraordinary performances in both of these matches which hugely contrast their lethargic approach on the league stages, which led them on the brink of early elimination but Bangalore’s upset defeat in the hands of Deccan Chargers (DC) proved a lifeline for Chennai.

Chennai didn’t look back since then and bashed Mumbai Indians and Delhi Daredevils to make their way into the grand finale and proved that they have the “X-Factor” for the big occasion.

History and the recent momentum of the Chennai Super Kings definitely points toward CSK’s victory that would not only seal a hat-trick of triumphs, but would also end a fairytale script – one that saw them in a precarious position, banking on other results for qualification into the play-offs. On the field of play, they will face the inspired Kolkata Knight Riders, who would do everything to stand between the home side and history.

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) will definitely rely upon their lethal spin attack led by the second top wicket-taker in this season, Sunil Narine, is tailor-made for this track. The skipper Gautam Gambhir will also have to play his role with the bat and will certainly need a support from veteran Brendon McCullum and Jacques Kallis in both batting and bowling field. Shakib Al Hassan will also be a key if KKR wants to be champion in this season.

Yusuf Pathan has struggled throughout the season and the performance in the first qualifier would do his confidence a world of good.

 Laxmi Ratan Shukla played a crucial knock and supported Pathan brilliantly. The duo would have to perform similar roles in the final and go for the kill when they get a bat.

 In case Gambhir gets out early, they may have to take on more responsibility as Kallis and McCullum aren’t in their best nick. Debabrata Das would also be a vital cog in their machinery.

 If one compares the two sides, Chennai are on balance, but Kolkata’s Narine and Gambhir can turn the game in their favor overcoming the ‘X-Factor’ of defending champs.

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