Mitchell Starc’s bowling heroics and Shreyas Iyer’s batter masterclass helped table-toppers KKR defeat in-form SRH by eight wickets in Qualifier 1 at the Narendra Modi Stadium on Tuesday, securing their place in the final of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024.

Shreyas Iyer’s motivation in this match was clear. The World Cup 2023 final loss was a painful memory, and facing Pat Cummins and Travis Head again in such a crucial match was a chance for redemption.

Shreyas Iyer’s Blazing Knock

The World Cup 2023 final loss for India at the Narendra Modi Stadium against Pat Cummins’ Australia is one of the most heartbreaking moments in the history of Indian cricket. It is still fresh in the minds of millions of cricket fans. When Pat Cummins led SRH, including Travis Head, the centurion of that World Cup final, took on KKR, Shreyas Iyer would have had that World Cup final loss in mind. Determined to avenge that defeat, Shreyas and his team hammered SRH by eight wickets with 38 balls to spare, storming into the IPL 2024 final.

See Also: KKR advance to IPL 2024 final with convincing 8-wicket victory over SRH

Shreyas Iyer smashed 58 off just 24 balls, including three sixes and a four against Travis Head on consecutive deliveries. This power-hitting spectacle came in the 14th over, the last over of the game, sealing KKR’s victory.

Turning the Tide in Head’s Over

The first ball of the over, a fuller one on the middle stump line by Head, was launched deep into the stands towards the deep mid-wicket region. The second delivery was powered away with disdain for a boundary. The third delivery, a tossed-up one, saw Shreyas Iyer reaching his fifty with another biggie over deep mid-wicket. The final winning six was launched over long-on with great swagger, showcasing Iyer’s dominance.

The loss for SRH means that they will now play the winner of the Eliminator between Rajasthan Royals and Royal Challengers Bengaluru and would be hoping to win that game and avenge this loss in the final of IPL 2024 at Chepauk on 26th of May.

Shreyas Iyer: The Best Captain in IPL

Under Shreyas Iyer’s captaincy, KKR has reached new heights:

1. Finalist with DC in 2020
2. Finalist with KKR in 2024
3. 9 Wins in League Stage This Season
4. KKR Topping the Points Table for the First Time
5. Highest NRR Ever in IPL History

• Match-Winning Knock: Iyer scored an unbeaten 58*(24) in Qualifier 1.
• Leadership Excellence: His strategic brilliance and ability to inspire his team have been pivotal in KKR’s success.

BCCI’s Controversial Decision

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced the Annual Player Contracts for Team India (Senior Men) for the 2023-24 season on February 28 but axed Shreyas Iyer from the list. Iyer was excluded from the list of centrally contracted players for not playing in the Ranji Trophy.

Despite the exclusion, Iyer has shown his tremendous talent in IPL 2024, leading KKR to the playoffs and now into the final.

Social Media Praise for Shreyas Iyer

After KKR’s dominant win, fans and cricket enthusiasts took to social media to praise Shreyas Iyer for his great captaincy and explosive batting. Hashtags and posts celebrating Iyer’s leadership and performance have been trending, highlighting his impact on KKR’s success this season.

Shreyas Iyer has been outstanding with his changes thru out the season. But today he took his captaincy to another level.

— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) May 21, 2024

By chasing 160 in only 14 overs, KKR has given SRH taste of their own medicine 🤣

Another fiery start by KKR openers in PP & then the crackling partnership of Venkatesh Iyer 51 (28) & Shreyas Iyer 58 (24) totally annihilated the opposition!! pic.twitter.com/k4je5z2ptw

— 🚬🔥 (@_zalzala_) May 21, 2024

Respect Increase by 50% for Shreyas Iyer with his captaincy and todays finish🔥

Repeat this in Final…I BEG🙏 pic.twitter.com/4Fuvdbt3Nb

— कट्टर KKR समर्थक 🦁🇮🇳 ™ (@KKRWeRule) May 21, 2024

Indian Captain to beat Cummins in a Knockout game

Shreyas Iyer 💜

End of the list pic.twitter.com/i1ddQ8lOGY

— Aditya ❄️ (@Hurricanrana_27) May 21, 2024

10 rupay ki Pepsi, Iyer bhai sexy. What a captain's knock from Shreyas Iyer tonight 💜 pic.twitter.com/fYakfTdvP2

— sohom (@AwaaraHoon) May 21, 2024

What a captain Shreyas Iyer has been for KKR! Brilliant use of his bowlers and all rounders throughout the tournament. Always played a good anchor role whenever needed.

The man deserves every amount of appreciation and credit. KKR should retain him💜#KKRvsSRH pic.twitter.com/6o5IZdBkEK

— काली🚩 (@SRKsVampire_) May 21, 2024

KKR Captain to take KKR into the IPL Finals.🏆

1. Gautam Gambhir
2. Eoin Morgan
3. Shreyas Iyer * pic.twitter.com/9SjtF39kGV

— कट्टर KKR समर्थक 🦁🇮🇳 ™ (@KKRWeRule) May 21, 2024

Shreyas Iyer as Captain took Delhi Capitals to the IPL 2020 finals and has now taken KKR into the IPL 2024 finals. pic.twitter.com/cgEx3AxZ8N

— R A T N I S H (@LoyalSachinFan) May 21, 2024

Shreyas Iyer gave only 1 over to Starc against MI and today he gave 3 overs to starc in Powerplay itself. Shreyas knows how to get the best out of Starc 🔥👏 pic.twitter.com/rD3A18QDMx

— 𝐘𝐒𝐗 (@savagestranger3) May 21, 2024

Shreyas Iyer to Gautam Gambhir pic.twitter.com/vtGWXei8sK

— Sagar (@sagarcasm) May 21, 2024

Captain Shreyas Iyer would've won us this match 💔 pic.twitter.com/yt2nF1Uy3G

— Beast (@Beast__07_) May 21, 2024

– Dropped from BCCI's Central contract.
– Not picked Indian team for T20 WC.
– A lot of trolls & criticism.
– Injured during Test series
– But he comeback in this IPL.
– Most Wins as Captain.
– Table Toppers.
– Qualified for Final in this IPL.

– CAPTAIN SHREYAS IYER FOR YOU. ⭐ pic.twitter.com/qs8I1ZrEcY

— Tanuj Singh (@ImTanujSingh) May 21, 2024

Kaptaan Shreyas Iyer while chasing in IPL 2024:-

Vs RCB 39(24)*
Vs LSG 38(38)*
Vs DC 33(23)*
Vs SRH 58(24)*

Runs – 168
Average – Infinity
Strike Rate – 154

He is leading us from the front🙌🔥 pic.twitter.com/Vh3lio3uGj

— Rokte Amar KKR 🟣🟡 (@Rokte_Amarr_KKR) May 21, 2024