Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) clinched their third Indian Premier League (IPL) title spectacularly, defeating Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) by eight wickets at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. Among the many celebrations, one stood out a video call to England and KKR opener Phil Salt, who played a pivotal role in the team’s success before leaving for international duty.

Phil Salt’s Role in KKR’s Success

Salt’s performance was nothing short of sensational. His highest score of 89* came at a crucial juncture, showcasing his ability to handle pressure. His four half-centuries were all scored at Eden Gardens, where he enjoyed a prolific run, scoring 358 runs in seven matches at an average of 58.33 and a strike rate of 185.19.

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KKR’s Journey to the Title

KKR’s journey to their third IPL title was marked by resilience and strategic brilliance. Under Shreyas Iyer’s captaincy, the team showed remarkable consistency and fighting spirit. Key victories against top teams and a solid performance in the playoffs highlighted their campaign.

The Final Match Recap

In the final, SRH won the toss and elected to bat. However, KKR’s bowlers, led by Mitchell Starc and Andre Russell, dismantled the SRH batting lineup, restricting them to a modest 113 runs. In response, KKR chased down the target in just 10.3 overs, with Venkatesh Iyer and Rahmanullah Gurbaz shining with the bat.

Phil Salt’s Video Call Celebration

As soon as KKR secured the title, the first video call was made to Phil Salt, who was back home preparing for a T20I series against Pakistan. The joyous interaction was shared on KKR’s official social media, showing Salt’s excitement and his teammates’ appreciation for his contributions.

Phil Salt and Sunil Narine: The Dynamic Opening Pair

The opening partnership between Phil Salt and Sunil Narine was a game-changer for KKR. Their complementary styles—Salt’s aggressive batting and Narine’s steady hand—created a formidable opening duo that often put KKR in commanding positions right from the start.

Salt’s journey in IPL 2024 was a story of redemption. Unsold in the previous auction, he was brought in as a replacement for Jason Roy. Salt seized the opportunity, turning his fortunes around and becoming a key player for KKR.