Final feast: Orange Alert for KKR

When Sunrisers Hyderabad owner Kavya Maran raised the bid to a whopping Rs 20 crore for Pat Cummins at last year’s mini IPL auction in Dubai, the hall erupted with applause and then laughter. The unprecedented price tag left other franchise owners and former cricketers in surprise. Eventually, the Australian pacer was secured for Rs 50 lakh more, and skepticism followed. Critics, including those from his own country, were vocal about the hefty price and Cummins’ fit for the shortest format of the game.

Despite leading Australia to an ODI World Cup victory in India, claiming the ICC Test Mace and winning the Ashes in the span of six months, Cummins faced doubts about his T20 acumen. Entrusted with the captaincy, he was under immense pressure as the new IPL season started. However, Cummins not only rose to the challenge but also silenced his critics with stellar leadership and bowling performances.

Now, on the brink of guiding Sunrisers Hyderabad to their second IPL title, Cummins stands ready to prove his worth at a venue close to the franchise’s headquarters. This marks Sunrisers’ first final appearance since Kolkata Knight Riders captain Shreyas Iyer (left) and Sunrisers Hyderabad skipper Pat Cummins pose with the IPL trophy in Chennai on Saturday. —SANJAY KISHORE 2018 and they will clash with the formidable Kolkata Knight Riders on Sunday.

KKR are well-acquainted with triumphs at the M.A. Chidambaram Stadium, where they clinched their first title in 2012 under their current mentor, Gautam Gambhir. skill and nerve, set against the backdrop of a ground known for its challenging conditions.

Sunrisers, who broke many scoring records with their aggressive approach this season, have worthy opponents standing in their way. KKR, on a seven-match unbeaten streak, will be looking to win their third IPL trophy. The final promises a gripping contest of strategy.

The showdown between the Aussie pacers Cummins and Mitchell Starc - adds an intriguing subplot.

The duo are the two biggest overseas signings in IPL history. Cummins, who briefly held the record, was surpassed by Starc when KKR splurged Rs 24.75 crore on the leftarm pacer.

Starc proved his worth in Qualifier 1 against Sunrisers, removing dangerous opener Travis Head in a match-winning spell.

Knight Riders have two quality spinners in Varun Chakravarthy and Sunil Narine, and the slow nature of the surface will make them key components in the final. Local boy Varun, in particular, has been in brilliant form, taking 20 wickets in 13 innings. In Qualifier 2 against Rajasthan Royals, Sunrisers found unlikely heroes in part-time leftarm spinners Shahbaz Ahmed and Abhishek Sharma when the expected dew was absent in the second half at Chepauk, much to the surprise of the teams. Another bowler who is expected to receive a rapturous welcome from the crowd is T. Natarajan, Sunrisers’ highest wickettaker of the season with 19 scalps. While the Sunrisers didn’t train on the eve of the match, KKR’s training session was disrupted by a sudden downpour. The ground staff scurried to cover the entire strip. The final has a reserve day — Monday — in case of a washout.