Chennai Super Kings and Kolkata Knight Riders will clash in the summit encounter of IPL 2021. Incidentally, the two teams had met earlier in the 2012 IPL finals, as well. There are a few players who are still on the respective sides. In this article, we take a look at six players from the 2012 finals who could meet again in the IPL 2021 finals.
1) MS Dhoni
MS Dhoni is, of course, one of the players from the 2012 finals who could meet again in the IPL 2021 finals. In 2012, CSK was looking to achieve a hat-trick of IPL trophies, but KKR spoiled the party. Dhoni made 14 runs from 9 deliveries in that game and CSK will hope that a trademark MSD cameo would happen at Dubai, too.
2) Suresh Raina
Suresh Raina was an important part of the CSK set up in 2012. However, he is injured and may not be part of the playing XI in the final of IPL 2021. In the 2012 final, Raina was in top form as he scored 73 runs in just 38 deliveries. His knock included five sixes and three boundaries.
3) Dwayne Bravo
Dwayne Bravo is another surviving member of the IPL 2012 finals. The West Indian had a forgettable game in 2012 as Manvinder Bisla took him on. However, in Dubai, Bravo will be expected to be the leader of CSK’s bowling attack.
4) Ravindra Jadeja
Ravindra Jadeja was a youngster then, but in 2021, he is arguably the best player in the CSK roster. In 2012, Jaddu did not get a chance to either bat or ball. Shadab Jakati and R Ashwin had taken the spin-bowling duties in that encounter. However, for the upcoming game, Jaddu will be CSK’s primary spinner.
5) Sunil Narine
Sunil Narine is one of the two players from the KKR side that took part in the 2012 finals and will also play in the IPL 2021 finals. Narine has gone through a lot in the middle, but his form has helped KKR reach the finals. Against RCB in the Eliminator, he came up big with both the ball and the bat to help KKR scrape through.
6) Shakib Al Hasan
Shakib Al Hasan took a detour to Sunrisers Hyderabad, but he is back in KKR colours and is likely to be part of the playing XI in the summit encounter. In the absence of Andre Russell, Shakib’s presence has given the much-needed experience to a rather young squad. His left-arm bowling will be crucial against the in-form CSK openers on Friday.
