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When the Indian Premier League came into existence in April 2008, the cricketing world changed forever. Brendon McCullum’s 158 in the opening game for Kolkata Knight Riders against Royal Challengers Bangalore made IPL the ultimate marquee tournament. The new T20 league was raking in massive numbers when it came to viewership and attendance in stadiums. One team, though, was fast becoming the darling of the cricketing public as they defied odds every single time.
Rajasthan Royals did not have the big names compared to teams like Chennai Super Kings, Mumbai Indians, Delhi Daredevils, Kings XI Punjab and even Royal Challengers Bangalore. However, they had a side where every member contributed. The solidity and vision of Graeme Smith, the aggression of Shane Watson and the brilliance of Shane Warne. In addition, the Indian stars like Ravindra Jadeja, Yusuf Pathan and Swapnil Asnodkar were putting in the big efforts. The Pakistan contingent of Kamran Akmal and Sohail Tanvir also lit up the tournament with some magnificent performances.
After losing the first game to the Delhi Daredevils by nine wickets, it seemed RR would struggle. But, when they won five consecutive games, they managed to grab the attention of everyone.
Although their five-match streak ended with a loss to Mumbai Indians, Rajasthan Royals won another six consecutive matches. Sohail Tanvir ended up with figures of 6/14 in one game against Chennai Super Kings which remained the best haul in Twenty20s for some time. Despite losing their final league game against Kings XI Punjab, RR entered the semi-final against Delhi Daredevils.
.@rajasthanroyals 13 years to the day we won the final and cemented our legacy as the first ever champions of the IPL. A victory to cherish forever. Rajasthan Royals is for life. Hope to see many more such successes in future. ?? #HallaBol #RR #RoyalsFamily #RajasthanRoyals pic.twitter.com/ZQDxt16LYF
— Arjun (@LifeIsAnElation) May 31, 2021
Watson blasted 52 off 29 balls and a 65-run opening stand between Smith and Asnodkar gave Rajasthan Royals a good total of 191/9. Watson and Munaf took three wickets each as Delhi Daredevils were bowled out for 87, giving Rajasthan Royals a big 105-run win. Their opponents in the final would be Chennai Super Kings.
In the final, the Royals chose to bowl. What fans witnessed was a remarkable match.
Suresh Raina and Parthiv Patel smashed aggressive knocks of 43 and 38 respectively. MS Dhoni smashed 29 off 17 balls with two sixes as Chennai Super Kings ended on 163/5. Rajasthan Royals started badly, with Smith, Asnodkar and Akmal all falling cheaply.
But, Yusuf and Watson shared a brilliant partnership. The 65-run stand got Rajasthan Royals back on track. Yusuf Pathan hit 56 off 39 balls with three fours and four sixes. When Yusuf fell, Rajasthan Royals still needed 21 runs. Tanvir joined Shane Warne at the crease, and at the start of the final over Rajasthan needed eight off six balls. It came down to one off one. Tanvir pulled to short mid-on and scrambled across for a chaotic brace.
Rajasthan Royals had pulled off a miraculous win. It was a tribute to the genius of Warne as a captain. There is a reason why the world believes Warne was the best captain Australia never had. The IPL triumph is proof. Lack of star power, but combined team spirit saw Rajasthan Royals achieve their first and so far, only IPL title win 13 years ago.
