*Going for the kill, owning your space, understanding your role, and sticking your chest out are all important in the finals.*
Experts Matthew Hayden and Kevin Pietersen believe that Kolkata Knight Riders, with their more vigorous spin attack and superior record versus Sunrisers Hyderabad, are better suited to win the IPL title on Sunday.
According to them, KKR’s victory against SRH in the league stage matches will give them an advantage in Sunday’s summit encounter.
“I’m very confident that KKR is going to win here (Chennia), as having a few days off, having the ability to watch this match (Qualifier 2), and understanding what the strengths and weaknesses of Sunrisers Hyderabad are will be helpful,” Hayden told Star Sports Cricket Live.
“With their victory over SRH, KCR will be extremely motivated. Additionally, I think that Varun Chakaravarthy and Sunil Narine’s superior spin on the red clay will matter.”
The 52-year-old former Australia opener thinks that winning a demanding competition like the IPL requires a strong team mindset.
“It is as simple as just getting it right.” You’ve put in much effort, traveled nationwide, and slept in various motels, buses, and airplanes. Only the most resilient competitors can raise the trophy at the end of this challenging and demanding competition.
“There’s no doubt that luck will always play a small part in a sportsperson’s life, but above all, it comes down to showing up on game day with a 100% commitment to your team. He stated, “What I observed about the Rajasthan Royals was that, although they were focused on one aspect of the game, they were not entirely confident about their batting (on Friday).”
“They gave in to the pressure and stress they were experiencing. However, Sunrisers Hyderabad made a comeback. Regaining momentum after a setback is difficult in important games. We were discussing that with Pakistan and India. It’s not appropriate to hide out during finals.
“Being in the finals means putting on your best face, taking responsibility for your area, knowing your place in the team, and going all in. That’s the way you should approach a final. You have to be in the hunt to win it, he continued.
Kevin Pietersen, a former England cricket player, concurs that KKR is the clear favorite to win the IPL this season.
“The Sunrisers will be starting Sunday from a disadvantage because of the way they gave up the other evening in Ahmedabad. I wouldn’t say I liked that.
“Pat Cummins gave Travis Head the ball, and Shreyas Iyer just went bang, bang, bang. How did they wrap up that game?” Knowing that KKR defeated SRH a few days before the finals will instill a great deal of confidence in them, according to Pietersen.
It will be challenging for the Sunrisers to rise, but they will since they are experienced winners, having won the SA20. Their winning structure is a testament to their ability to think in the brand and ownership, allowing momentum to find its path.”
Pietersen believes that while the toss will be necessary, KKR’s optimistic outlook will give them an advantage against SRH.
It’s a 50/50 toss. You need to plan for dew and be ready if it doesn’t appear. Your attitude and confidence going into this fixture will determine the outcome.
“Considering their style of play, resounding victory in Qualifier 1, and preparation over the previous three or four days, KKR has an advantage there.
Additionally, please have a look at their leading players, which include Sunil Narine at the top of the order, Venkatesh Iyer’s batting form, captain Shreyas Iyer’s undefeated fifty in the most recent game, and their outstanding bowlers, particularly Varun Chakaravarthy and Narine. Their team is packed with players who can win games,” he remarked.