Blame it on better bats and shorter boundaries, but today’s finishers have more faith in clearing the rope. David Miller’s three consecutive sixes in the final over to take Gujarat Titans home in the Qualifier-1 on Tuesday would have thrilled, but not surprised the 50,000 at the Eden Gardens. The means and methods of chasing down the impossible may have changed, but what hasn’t is the need for that calm amidst the storm.

Conversation with Hardik

“Hardik is a cool, calm, collected kind of bloke. He was pretty chilled about the chase,” Miller (68 not out) said in an interaction with teammate Shubman Gill on IPL’s official website, acknowledging the crucial role of his skipper during the unbeaten partnership of 106 that took the Titans past Rajasthan Royals total of 188. “I was a bit nervous to be honest, but Hardik kept saying just play the good cricket shots and hit the gaps,” he added.