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[Saba Sports News] The Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) clinched their third IPL title on May 26, defeating Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) by eight wickets in Chennai. Amid the celebrations, some Chennai Super Kings (CSK) supporters were present in the stands during the final clash.
CSK, led by new skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad, had a disappointing season, finishing fifth in the points table with seven wins from fourteen matches. They lost a must-win game against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) by 27 runs, ending their playoff hopes. Despite their struggles, loyal CSK fans showed their support at Chepauk.
During KKR’s victory lap, co-owner and Bollywood actor Shah Rukh Khan joined in the CSK chants from the fans, chanting “CSK! CSK!” back with a wide smile. Khan, who had been hospitalized due to dehydration and heat stroke before the final, celebrated the title win in a toned-down manner, wearing a mask throughout the match.
In the final, SRH’s top order collapsed, with skipper Pat Cummins’s 24 being the highest score. KKR’s bowlers, particularly Mitchell Starc (2/14) and Andre Russell (3/19), shone as they bowled out SRH for 113 in 18.3 overs.
In the chase, Rahmanullah Gurbaz scored 39, and Venkatesh Iyer’s unbeaten 52 off 36 balls sealed KKR’s third IPL title with 57 balls to spare. Notably, Kolkata had also won their second title at the same venue in 2012.