Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), underneath the mentorship of Gautam Gambhir, secured their place within the playoffs of the 2023 Indian Premier League (IPL) with a slim one-run victory over the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). The win got here as they defended a goal of 177 in an away recreation, granting them the coveted playoff spot. However, the match was not with out its share of drama. Ever since May 1, the followers had been mocking Gambhir and Naveen ul Haq, and this development continued at Eden Gardens, the place chants of ‘Kohli Kohli’ echoed when ul Haq took to the bowling crease.
KOHLI….KOHLI….KOHLI chants@imVkohli __ pic.twitter.com/MqyAf7w43P
— Virat Kohli Trends_ (@PatternVirat) May 21, 2023
Fans additionally taunted Gambhir, chanting Kohli’s identify as he walked again to the pavilion after the sport. These surprising jeers at Gambhir, who had led KKR to 2 IPL titles throughout his tenure, got here as a shock, contemplating Eden Gardens had been like a second dwelling floor for him. Gambhir had joined KKR through the IPL 2011 mega-auction and captained the staff for seven profitable years. Under his management, KKR turned a formidable power, clinching the IPL titles in 2012 and 2014. However, Gambhir was launched forward of the IPL 2018 mega-auction, bringing an finish to his affiliation with the staff.
With their playoff spot secured, LSG will now head to Chennai for the essential eliminator match scheduled for May 24. The winner of the eliminator will face the dropping staff from the primary qualifier on May 26, whereas the dropping staff can be eradicated from the match. As it stands, the Gujarat Titans have secured their place within the first qualifier, whereas LSG should battle it out within the eliminator. The Chennai Super Kings at present maintain the second spot, however their place just isn’t but confirmed. The Royal Challengers Bangalore, Mumbai Indians, and Rajasthan Royals are the three groups nonetheless vying for a spot within the playoffs. The IPL 2023 ultimate is about to happen on May 28, concluding what has been an thrilling season of cricket.
