A tale of two halves: KKR’s resurgence has been built on belief, freedom and tactical nous

When the first half of Indian Premier League’s 2021 season came to an abrupt end, Kolkata Knight Riders were seventh in the points table, with only two wins in seven games. A turnaround as various teams have shown us over the years (KKR of 2014, most of all) was not impossible but to carry momentum in the T20 format of the game is probably the most difficult thing in the sport.

And as the 14th season winds down, KKR now find themselves in the final; driven by a special mix of belief, freedom and tactical nous. Their win over Delhi Capitals in Qualifier 2 was a nervy one but they got over the line thanks to Rahul Tripathi’s six in the end and that is what matters.

“Should’ve been a lot easier after the start we got, Venky [Venkatesh Iyer] and [Shumban] Gill set us the platform,” said KKR skipper Eoin Morgan after the game. “Dew came in and all, but hey, we’re in the final and we’re delighted to get over the line. Would’ve loved to win convincingly but Capitals are a very good side. Six off two, the odds were probably in favour of the bowling side, but Rahul Tripathi has done superbly well…

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