Rediff.com« Back to articlePrint this article

IPL PHOTOS: Agony for Royal Challengers, ecstasy for Sunrisers

May 30, 2016 10:35 IST

IMAGE: Sunrisers Hyderabad players celebrate their IPL triumph. Photograph: BCCI.

It was a tale of contrasting emotions as curtains came down on the ninth edition of the Indian Premier League at the Chinnaswamy stadium in Bengaluru. 

While it was agony for the home side - the Royal Challengers, it was ecstasy for Sunrisers Hyderabad, who executed their plans to perfection to clinch a maiden title. 

It was David Warner's batting and astute captaincy complemented by some inspirational death overs bowling by Mustafizur Rahaman (1-37) and Bhuvneshwar Kumar (0-25 in 4 overs) that clinched the issue.

Virat Kohli, the Royal Challengers Bangalore captain, tried his darnedest best. 

But it was not be. 

RCB came up short in the final once again.

"Definitely proud of the we played this season. This was for people of Bengaluru," said Kohli.

"They have supported in worst of seasons. We would have been loved to be on other side of result."

IMAGE: Indian Premier League chairman Rajeev Shukla, along with Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, during the final. Photograph: BCCI.

The final per se was a well attended event as expected. 

Among those in attendance was the Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah.

All the BCCI bigwigs were also present. The list included President Anurag Thakur, IPL Commissioner Rajeev Shukla and former India captain Sourav Ganguly. 

IMAGE: Actor Venkatesh during the final. Photograph: BCCI.

Though large sections of the crowd rooted for the home team - Royal Challengers Bangalore - there was support for the visitors too. 

Among those supporting the Sunrisers was Telugu superstar Venkatesh. 

And of course, Yuvraj Singh's better half, actress and model Hazel Keech. 

AGENCIES