The 2012 Indian Premier League (IPL) marked its fifth season, running from April 4 to May 27, 2012. This season was notable for the reduction of participating teams from ten to nine, following the termination of Kochi Tuskers Kerala.
IPL Season 5 Winner – Kolkata Knight Riders [Year:2012]
Under the astute leadership of Gautam Gambhir, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) demonstrated consistent performance throughout the tournament. Key players who contributed to their success included:
- Gautam Gambhir: His leadership and consistent batting performances were instrumental in KKR’s success.
- Sunil Narine: His exceptional bowling performances earned him the Player of the Series award.
- Manvinder Bisla: His match-winning innings in the final was pivotal in securing KKR’s maiden IPL title.
Final Match Details:
- Winner: Kolkata Knight Riders
- Runner-Up: Chennai Super Kings
- Final Scores:
- Chennai Super Kings: 190/3 in 20 overs
- Kolkata Knight Riders: 192/5 in 19.4 overs
- Result: Kolkata Knight Riders won by 5 wickets
- Final Venue: M. A. Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai
- Prize Money:
- Winner (Kolkata Knight Riders): ₹10 crore (approximately $2 million)
- Runner-Up (Chennai Super Kings): ₹7.5 crore (approximately $1.5 million)
In a thrilling final, Manvinder Bisla’s explosive 89 off 48 balls was instrumental in KKR’s successful chase of 191, securing their maiden IPL title.
Participating Teams, Captains, and Home Grounds:
The 2012 IPL featured nine franchises representing various Indian cities. Below is a table detailing each team, their captain, and home ground:
| Team | Captain | Home Ground |
|---|---|---|
| Chennai Super Kings | MS Dhoni | M. A. Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai |
| Kolkata Knight Riders | Gautam Gambhir | Eden Gardens, Kolkata |
| Mumbai Indians | Harbhajan Singh | Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai |
| Delhi Daredevils | Virender Sehwag | Feroz Shah Kotla Ground, Delhi |
| Royal Challengers Bangalore | Daniel Vettori | M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bangalore |
| Kings XI Punjab | David Hussey | PCA Stadium, Mohali |
| Rajasthan Royals | Rahul Dravid | Sawai Mansingh Stadium, Jaipur |
| Deccan Chargers | Kumar Sangakkara | Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, Hyderabad |
| Pune Warriors India | Sourav Ganguly | Subrata Roy Sahara Stadium, Pune |
Notable Performers of IPL 2012:
The season witnessed remarkable individual performances that captivated fans and significantly impacted team successes.
- Orange Cap (Top Run-Scorer):
- Chris Gayle (Royal Challengers Bangalore) – 733 runs
- Purple Cap (Top Wicket-Taker):
- Morne Morkel (Delhi Daredevils) – 25 wickets
- Most Valuable Player (MVP):
- Sunil Narine (Kolkata Knight Riders)
- Emerging Player of the Tournament:
- Mandeep Singh (Kings XI Punjab)
- Best Individual Performance:
- AB de Villiers’ 47 off 17 balls for Royal Challengers Bangalore against Deccan Chargers, showcasing exceptional batting prowess.
Tournament Timeline:
- Start Date: April 4, 2012
- End Date: May 27, 2012
Over 54 days, the IPL 2012 season featured 76 matches, with teams competing fiercely for a spot in the playoffs, culminating in a grand finale that added a new chapter to the IPL Winners List.
Conclusion:
The 2012 IPL season was a showcase of high-quality cricket, individual brilliance, and strategic acumen. Kolkata Knight Riders’ victory, under the leadership of Gautam Gambhir, highlighted the importance of teamwork and resilience. The season’s memorable performances and competitive spirit further enhanced the IPL’s reputation, captivating audiences worldwide and solidifying its place as a premier event in the cricketing calendar.
