OTD| KKR’s 2012 title-winning hero Manvinder Bisla was born in 1984

In Kolkata Knight Riders’ glorious history, Manvinder Bisla would be remembered as one of the ultimate heroes who made the franchise the champions for the first time in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Bisla played a pivotal role in KKR’s victorious campaign in 2012 when they defeated Chennai Super Kings in their own backyard. 

In domestic cricket, Manvinder Bisla played for Haryana and ended his domestic endeavour with Himachal Pradesh. Bisla played 49 first-class matches where he scored 2207 runs at an average of 30.23 which included 4 centuries and 11 half-centuries. Apart from first-class matches the wicketkeeper-batter played 48 List A matches as well. In the 50-over format in domestic cricket, he managed to accumulate 1132 runs at an average of 26.95. The Haryana-born amassed 1324 runs in 65 matches with his highest score being 92 runs.

Recognition in IPL

Manvinder Bisla’s performances for Kolkata Knight Riders brought him wider attention as he was significant for the franchise in the middle order. Bisla represented Kolkata and Punjab in IPL but his stint with KKR was memorable and earned him a distinct place. He played 39 matches in the franchise league where he scored 798 runs. The 2012 and 2013 seasons brought him the best rewards as he scored more than 200 runs in both seasons. 

In the 2012 IPL final Bisla played an 89-run knock off just 48 deliveries with an impressive strike rate of 185.41. His partnership with Jacques Kallis guided KKR in a challenging run chase where they were losing the plot with quick early blows. Skipper Gautam Gambhir lost his wicket very early in the innings but Bisla’s stay on the crease was decisive. Kolkata won their first title courtesy of a gutsy effort from Bisla and paved the way for the franchise to become one of the most successful teams in the most competitive franchise league.