Bisla's birthday gift to his wife Arpita--a winning knock that gives KKR it's first IPL trophy

Manvinder Singh Bisla played the innings of his life on Sunday that not only gave Kolkata Knight Riders their first IPL trophy but will change the life of the man of the night forever. It was sheer luck that Bisla got a chance as Laxmipathy Balaji got injured, misbalancing the playing combination and that prompted the management to drop Brendon McCullum and bring in the Haryana lad. He grabbed the opportunity with both hands and scored 89 off 48 balls and won KKR the title.

Meanwhile a report in Hindustan Times reveals that it was Bisla’s wife’s birthday on Sunday and the IPL winner’s trophy was the best gift that a husband could ever give to his wife. “It's your wife's birthday, you're searching around for a gift. Chances are you'll go with those old favourites - a diamond rock, dinner at a fancy restaurant or an impromptu bash. Kolkata Knight Riders Ipl-winning batsman Manvinder Bisla, however, had a special gift of his own for his wife - the IPL winner's trophy,” says the HT report.

Before boarding the return flight for Kolkata, Arpita revealed how this year she got the best birthday present of her life. “I’d followed a few matches this season and went to Kolkata, Jaipur and Mohali with the team.

“However, since we have a year-old-daughter (Aahana), I couldn't stay away from home for long intervals. I flew in for the final on Saturday. I didn't even have a clue he would play because these decisions are taken hours before the match,” she said to HT.

Residing in Gurgaon's Sector 23, she also gave an insight into the effort the KKR wicketkeeper had put in over the years.

“He is employed with Air India through the sports quota, so when the Ranji season is not on, or he's not representing AI in corporate tournaments, he goes to the Air India office at Safdarjung Airport. His shift timings are from 9am to 1pm.

“As soon as he returns, he goes to Chiranjeev Bharati Public School in Gurgaon, where he works on his fitness and trains in both searing heat and freezing cold,” she said.

Meanwhile the humble guy said that he was lucky to get the chance and played the innings of his life. “I am happy that my innings helped my team win the trophy,” said Bisla, adding that he can never compare himself with Mc-Cullum. “He is in a different plane and I didn't even think on those lines. And Brendon himself told me that I will do well in this game. It felt good, coming from a senior like him, who has done so well at the international level,” said Bisla in an interview to The Times Of India.

Bisla also admitted that he was tensed after Gautam Gambhir got out but somehow held his nerves and things fell in place. “Gambhir has been superb in the tournament and you're bound to feel the heat when a player like him gets out in the first over, chasing 191. But Kallis, walking in, just told me to play my natural game and I, too, knew my best chance was to keep playing the shots.”