The 2021 VIVO Indian Premier League drew to a close last night with the Chennai Super Kings defeating Kolkata Knight Riders at the Dubai International Stadium. MS Dhoni’s side claimed their fourth trophy with a convincing win over Eoin Morgan’s side on Friday, bouncing back with great aplomb after last season’s disappointing performance. 

For Punjab Kings, it was a season of reflecting on lost opportunities as they unfortunately couldn’t finish in the top four in the points table. Nevertheless, there were some individual accolades to celebrate for the franchise, with two of their top performers being recognised in the post match presentation after the final. 

Ravi Bishnoi claimed the prize for his incredible diving catch of Sunil Narine in the India leg of the IPL. In a game played between KKR and Punjab Kings at Ahmedabad, Arshdeep Singh bowled one outside off-stump which Sunil Narine tried to tonk on the leg side. His shot seemed to perfectly pierce the two fielders on the leg side until Bishnoi came running in out of nowhere, precisely timed his dive and managed to dismiss the West Indian all-rounder. 

“I’m very glad to receive this award of VIVO Perfect Catch of the Season. That catch is always going to be memorable for me. Thanks a lot for your love and support,” said Bishnoi in an interview with the IPL on that catch. 

KL Rahul wins most sixes award

Captain Punjab also made an appearance last night in the end of the season presentation party as he picked up the award for the most sixes in the competition. The 29-year-old smashed 30 sixes in the competition, easily outscoring his peers with the next best in the list being Faf Du Plessis with 23 sixes. 

“Really excited to receive the Unacademy Let’s Crack It Sixes award for this season. It has been a great season for me personally, thank you for your love and support,” said Rahul.

Kl Rahul also narrowly missed out on retaining the Orange Cap for this season, as he was overtaken by Ruturaj Gaikwad and Faf Du Plessis on the day of the final. Nevertheless, it was yet another memorable season with bat in hand for the stylish Indian batsman, as he amassed 626 runs despite playing a game less than most of his peers.