The Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) failed to progress into the playoffs in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026. Under Ajinkya Rahane, the Knights finished seventh on the points table. This is the second consecutive season where the Kolkata-based franchise failed to reach the playoffs. However, KKR is known for coming back strongly from setbacks. The Knight Riders could not win the coveted title in the first four seasons of the IPL. However, things changed in 2012 under Gautam Gambhir’s astute leadership.

Gambhir forged a great partnership with head coach Trevor Bayliss and gave the players in the squad well-defined roles, which made their jobs easier. The former led from the front as he finished as the highest run-getter for the Knights, amassing 590 runs in 17 matches at an average of 39.33 and a strike rate of 143.55. He was the second-highest run-scorer in the season. During the campaign, he scored six half-centuries.

Another key performer in the tournament for the Knights was none other than Sunil Narine. Incidentally, this was his maiden season in the cash-rich league. In 15 matches, he picked up 24 wickets at a stunning average of 13.50 and a mind-boggling economy rate of 5.47. His four overs proved to be goldust for Gambhir. The Eden Gardens also favoured the plethora of spinners and medium pacers in the KKR lineup.

In the IPL 2012 final, KKR were in for a tough challenge, facing defending champions Chennai Super Kings at their home ground – MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chepauk. The Men in Yellow were chasing a surreal third consecutive title. MS Dhoni won the toss and opted to bat first on a belter of a batting track. Michael Hussey and Murali Vijay got their team off to a fantastic start, scoring 54 and 42, respectively. Their opening partnership yielded 87 runs inside 11 overs. Suresh Raina continued the momentum set by the openers, as he amassed 73 runs off just 38 balls. CSK eventually finished on 190/3, with Rajat Bhatia being the best bowler on show for the Knights. He took one wicket and conceded just 23 runs in three overs.

In reply, Manvinder Bisla played the knock of a lifetime. He amassed 89 runs off just 48 balls. This was after Gambhir was dismissed for just two runs. Jacques Kallis also smashed 69 runs off 49 balls.

The Kallis and Bisla partnership yielded 136 runs. Chennai did pick up a few wickets at the back end of the innings. However, Shakib Al Hasan and Manoj Tiwary took the team home with five wickets and two balls to spare. Bisla was awarded Player of the Match, while Narine got the Player of the Series award. 

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