IPL: Notable records from KKR's title-winning 2012 campaign
Kolkata Knight Riders became the first side to reach the 2024 Indian Premier League playoffs after beating Mumbai Indians in Match 60. KKR, the 2012 and 2014 champions, reached the IPL playoffs for the eighth time. They have been bolstered by mentor Gautam Gambhir, who led KKR to their maiden IPL title as a player. Here are the notable records from KKR's 2012 campaign.
Fourth different side to win IPL
In 2012, KKR became the fourth different side to win the IPL title. Rajasthan Royals (2008), Deccan Chargers (2009), and Chennai Super Kings (2010 and 2011) were the champions from the previous editions. Notably, this was KKR's first-ever appearance in an IPL final, where they beat the Super Kings. KKR chased down 191 in the final-over thriller in Chennai.
Second side with this feat
KKR became only the second to beat a home side in the final. The 2012 final was held at the MA Chidambaram Stadium. Notably, CSK beat MI in Mumbai to win the 2010 IPL.
Player of the Tournament
All-rounder Sunil Narine was pivotal to KKR's success in IPL 2012. He made his IPL debut that season as KKR bought him at the auction. Narine shone with his mystery spin as he took 24 wickets at just 13.50. The tall included a fifer and a four-fer. He had an exceptional economy rate of 5.47. Narine was eventually named the Player of the Tournament.
Narine set a new record
It is worth noting that Narine became the first-ever player to win the player-of-the-tournament award for their bowling. The previous winners were either all-rounders or batters - Shane Watson (2008), Adam Gilchrist (2009), Sachin Tendulkar (2010), and Chris Gayle (2011).
Most runs by a captain in IPL 2012
Gambhir, in his second season as KKR's skipper, led the side from the front. He played several match-winning knocks throughout the season. Gambhir slammed 590 runs from 17 matches at 36.87, the most by a captain in IPL 2012. No other captain scored over 500 runs in this regard. Gambhir also smashed six half-centuries in that season.
