Bengaluru: As a team, given their strong Bollywood bond, drama was expected. But the celebration that erupted after Kolkata Knight Riders’ three-wicket win over Kings XI Punjab on a starless Sunday night at the M. Chinnaswamy was far from rehearsed especially, the team’s gamut of emotions, which ranged from sheer ecstasy to tears of joy.
As the team indulged in wild celebrations, co-owner Shah Rukh Khan joined in as he performed cartwheels on the pitch. Amidst all the revelry, one man who gave away little in terms of emotions was skipper Gautam Gambhir. Much like his surname, there was a monk-like serenity on the leader’s face. The only sign of happiness after the initial euphoria was a rare smile, which reached the eyes of the contented man.
The Delhi batsman, who is on a comeback path, has had a tough season. While his batting has not done full justice to his abilities, his leadership qualities have come to the forefront, more so in crunch situations. Be it for Delhi in the Ranji Trophy or the Knights, Gambhir, the leader, has led with maturity and conviction and has emerged the best captain this season.
Tracing the journey of his team, which had an ominous start to the season, the 32-year-old old said, “It’s been a rollercoaster ride, but when you finish the season winning the IPL, you can’t complain. It’s not about how you start the season, it’s how you finish and we ended on a very high note. The guys were desperate to turn it around after the first seven games and that’s what strong individuals are all about.”
When asked to compare this editions win with the 2012 victory, he said, “It’s difficult to compare two wins, but I feel especially after the first seven games a lot of people may not have given us a chance of playing the finals. Nine (wins) in a row says a lot about the character of the team and the individuals. Halfway through the tournament, we were sixth or seventh. So this is something very special, which will stay close to my heart.”
On the tough chase, needing ten an over, Gambhir said, “It was a little disappointing, giving 140-odd in ten overs with the bowling attack we have. But we always had the belief going into the dressing room that 200 on this ground, and on that kind of pitch, would not be impossible.”
