Delhi Capitals (DC) have announced a strategic shake-up in their coaching lineup for IPL 2025, appointing former Indian pacer and 2011 ODI World Cup winner Munaf Patel as their new bowling coach. Munaf joins a revamped DC backroom team featuring head coach Hemang Badani and director of cricket Venugopal Rao, replacing Australian James Hopes. This high-profile addition raises questions on how Delhi’s upgraded lineup could impact Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), DC’s key competitor, especially as both franchises gear up for the mega auction on November 24 and 25 with new ambitions.

Delhi Capitals secure bowling coach with Munaf Patel's experience

Munaf Patel, a renowned Indian pacer, takes on his first major coaching role since retiring from competitive cricket in 2018. Known for his skillful reverse swing and his ability to bowl precise yorkers, Munaf’s international career spanned across formats between 2006 and 2011. In IPL, he represented teams such as Rajasthan Royals, Mumbai Indians, and Gujarat Lions, clinching an IPL title with Mumbai in 2013. His transition to coaching comes as DC seeks a fresh approach for IPL 2025, with Munaf’s expertise set to guide the team’s pace attack through the rigors of the season.

DC’s new backroom shift follows an overhaul in July 2024, parting ways with head coach Ricky Ponting and bowling coach James Hopes. This strategic move aligns with DC’s goal to build a coaching unit primarily comprising Indian talent, aiming for renewed success after three unsuccessful seasons of missing out on the playoffs. With Munaf on board, DC hopes to leverage his experience to bring a disciplined edge to their bowling lineup, a change that could create ripples in their competition with other IPL teams, particularly KKR.

See Also: Alzarri returns as Andre Russell sidelined by injury for remainder of T20I Series

What Munaf Patel’s appointment means for KKR’s IPL 2025 plans

Munaf Patel’s appointment could pose unique challenges for KKR, as they also seek to bolster their bowling attack for IPL 2025. KKR will have to anticipate changes in Delhi’s bowling strategies as Munaf works with DC’s roster of bowlers, aiming to boost their wicket-taking potential. Munaf's expertise in handling key moments on the field will likely enhance Delhi’s bowling strategy in tight matches—something KKR will need to prepare for. With DC’s upgraded purse of INR 73 crore for the upcoming auction, KKR faces increased competition for top talent that can strengthen their pace attack.

DC's decision to retain key players like spin-bowling allrounder Axar Patel, wristspinner Kuldeep Yadav, and new faces like South African batter Tristan Stubbs places KKR in a tight spot. With Munaf’s focus on refining DC's bowling unit, KKR’s strategy may need to adapt accordingly to counter DC's new strengths.

The Delhi Capitals' makeover signals a competitive IPL season as teams, including KKR, will need to up their game in response to DC’s fresh strategies.

Ricky Ponting is beginning his journey with the Punjab Kings by forming a dedicated support staff team, including some familiar faces from his time at Delhi Capitals. With a new four-year contract, he’s setting the stage for a successful tenure.

Familiar faces join Ponting at Punjab Kings

Ricky Ponting has taken his first major step in creating his team at Punjab Kings, starting with the addition of James Hopes, the former Australian all-rounder. Hopes, who has worked closely with Ponting at Delhi Capitals, joins as the new fast-bowling coach. Hopes had been offered a contract extension with the Delhi franchise after Ponting’s exit, but he chose to follow his former captain to Punjab Kings. This move signifies the exit of Charl Langeveldt, the former South African pacer, who had been in charge of fast-bowling under Trevor Bayliss in the last two IPL seasons.

Hopes, known for his international career with 84 ODIs and 12 T20Is for Australia, previously played for Punjab Kings (then Kings XI Punjab) during the inaugural IPL season in 2008. His familiarity with the IPL landscape and experience in the league will bring strategic insights to the team’s bowling lineup.

Key retentions and departures in the support staff

Alongside Hopes, Ponting has retained Brad Haddin as assistant coach, with responsibilities over batting and wicket-keeping. Haddin, initially brought in by Bayliss, had worked with Ponting in the past and has been a reliable presence for the team’s coaching framework. Sunil Joshi, former India spinner, also remains in his role as spin-bowling coach, adding continuity to the Punjab Kings’ coaching roster. Sanjay Bangar, however, has exited from his role as head of cricket development. His contract, initially set for three years, was terminated midway.

See Also: BCCI announces Indian squads for South Africa and Australia tours

Ponting has kept other essential staff, such as Adrian le Roux as strength and conditioning (S&C) coach and Andrew Leipus as team physio, to ensure continuity in the player fitness program. Now, his main priority is finalizing the player retention list, with discussions around key players like Arshdeep Singh and options for utilizing Right to Match (RTM) cards to secure talent at competitive prices.

The mega auction for the 18th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) is just around the corner. Teams will be embroiled in an intense tussle to get their hands on star players. While some teams insist on preserving their loyal long-serving members, other teams most notably the RCB and LSG have broad ambitions and are more than willing to scout for fresh talent at the expense of their experienced guns. Rishab Pant is one such name that has attracted the attention of several IPL franchises. The 26-year-old swashbuckling wicketkeeper-batsman made his IPL debut with the now-defunct Delhi Daredevils (Delhi Capitals) in 2016.

However, as per reports, Pant has put his name forward for the auction as it is believed that the Delhi-based outfit is willing to move on from him ahead of the next season. Many experts speculate that Pant had a series of discussions with the Delhi Capitals franchise and expressed his desire to lead the side. Unfortunately, his wish never materialized as he was informed that he was not the first choice for captaincy. This major reason may have caused Pant to part ways with them ahead of the next IPL season. 

The reason behind RCB's drive to acquire Pant 

Eyeing their maiden title, RCB are more than willing to secure the services of Rishab Pant who has been in prolific form in recent times. Pant brings with him an X-factor and has the ability to take the game from the opposition like no other. Following the exit of Faf du Plessis and wicketkeeper-batsman Dinesh Karthik, the door is now left wide open for RCB to rope in a dynamic batter like Pant. He has been a star performer for India across all formats and can provide the franchise with a great deal of stability in the middle order. Moreover, with the departure of Faf, the possibility of assuming a leadership role for RCB is also open for Pant. It was initially believed that RCB had their eyes set on acquiring KL Rahul but now it looks evidently clear that they have more exciting options at their disposal.  

LSG & PBKS jostle to rope in Rishab Pant

Two other franchises apart from RCB have also shown keep interest in Rishab Pant ahead of the mega auction. Kl Rahul is all set to be relieved from LSG earlier next year. Once he is gone, LSG will be on the hunt for a reliable wicketkeeper option who can not only contribute with the bat and keep behind the stumps, but also lead the franchise to new heights. Pant with his leadership skills could give the Lucknow-based franchise just the edge they need to propel them to their maiden IPL title. On the other hand, PBKS are also reportedly hoping for Pant to join their side under a new head coach Ricky Ponting with whom he shares a special relationship.

Pant is part of the Indian squad in the ongoing 3-match Test series against the Black Caps. The ace wicketkeeper batter was last seen in action during the first Test in Bangalore where he played a match-reviving innings for his side and almost bailed them out of trouble. But his unfortunate demise on 99 in the second innings allowed the Kiwis to crawl back and take a 1-0 assailable lead.  

The Delhi Capitals franchise has recently announced some major operational changes before the IPL 2025 on Thursday, October 17. The GMR and JSW Groups, owners of the franchise, decided to alternate the management of cricket operations for Delhi Capitals' IPL (Men) and WPL (Women) teams on a two-year rotational basis. This initiative hopes to enhance operational efficiency in both teams within the Delhi Capitals franchise as well.

Operational change can bring more success to Delhi Capitals

However, for the next two years, GMR Group will check the cricketing operations of the Delhi Capitals Men’s team, while JSW Sports will manage the operations of the Women’s team as well. In 2027, the roles will reverse, with JSW Sports looking after the Men’s team and GMR Group will assess the women's team as well. However, despite this rotation, the franchise’s business operations will be handled by the Delhi Capitals management team only. Key decisions, including auctions, captaincy, player retention, and releases, will be assessed by the Delhi Capitals’ board, with input from senior leadership of both GMR and JSW groups as well.

See Also: T20 World Cup 2024: Top 5 captains of the tournament

However, GMR Group, one of the founding owners of the IPL in 2008, initially launched the team with the name “Delhi Daredevils.” In 2018, GMR partnered with JSW Sports in a 50:50 ownership deal as well, which led the team’s rebranding as Delhi Capitals as well.

Delhi Capitals tasted success in IPL so far

Since 2008, they have been a consistent participant in the Indian Premier League, reaching the semi-finals in its first two seasons and reaching playoffs several times as well. In 2019, Delhi Capitals registered their best-ever finish as second runners-up, followed by their first appearance in an IPL final in 2020 as well.

Meanwhile, the Delhi Capitals Women’s team, bought in 2023, has already made a strong impact so far, reaching the final in both seasons of the Women’s Premier League as well. However, alongside the Indian teams, GMR will continue to manage the Dubai Capitals in the ILT20 League, while JSW Sports will look after the Pretoria Capitals in the SA20 South African League as well.

Former Indian player Venugopal Rao, who featured in 16 ODIs for India from 2005 to 2006, is likely to replace Sourav Ganguly as Director of Cricket in Delhi Capitals for the upcoming season of the Indian Premier League (IPL). Alongside him, another former India player Hemang Badani will be the new head coach of Delhi as well. According to a report in Cricbuzz on Wednesday (October 16), Badani will replace Ricky Ponting as head coach as well.

However, Badani has earlier worked with Brian Lara in Sunrisers Hyderabad as well, but here it will be his first assignment as head coach of any IPL team as well. The former Tamil Nadu player also played four Tests and 40 ODIs between 2001-2004 for the Men in Blue and scored an ODI century against Australia during the 2001 bilateral series as well. Meanwhile, Badani and Venugopal are known for their strong association and as per the report, Delhi Capitals' management has granted them the freedom to pick the rest of the coaching staff as well.

Hemang Badani will be the new head coach of Delhi

Meanwhile, Ricky Ponting, who was associated with the Delhi Capitals from 2018, parted ways with the Delhi Capitals in July 2024, appointed as the new head coach of the Punjab Kings last month as well.

See Also: T20 World Cup 2024: Top 5 captains of the tournament

“Hemang Badani will take charge as head coach for the upcoming two seasons. Additionally, Badani’s former India teammate, Venugopal Rao, will serve as the team’s director of cricket,” the Cricbuzz report stated.

“Both Venugopal and Badani have been involved with the franchise’s subsidiaries elsewhere—mainly in the ILT20 in the UAE and Major League Cricket (MLC) in the US. Incidentally, both those sides—Dubai Capitals and Seattle Orcas—are owned by Delhi Capitals co-owner Kiran Kumar Grandhi of the GMR Group. The JSW group is the other co-owner of the Delhi side, and the GMR group currently holds the reins of the franchise management that alternates between the partners every two years.”

Delhi Capitals to retain Rishabh Pant, Axar Patel, and Kuldeep Yadav

However, the Delhi Capitals are likely to retain captain Rishabh Pant (18 crore), all-rounder Axar Patel (Rs 14 crore), and left-arm wrist spinner Kuldeep Yadav (Rs 11 crore) before the IPL 2025 mega auction. Moreover, there's a possibility that Australian top-order batter Jake-Fraser McGurk, who made his IPL debut last year, and South African player Tristan Stubbs could be picked with the Right To Match (RTM) cards if their price tags are within budget as well.

The 2024 IPL edition is one of the most intensifying tournaments in the Indian franchise-based fraternity. With many broken records and some commendable performances, the team’s captains have acted as the epitome of such cricketing displays, making the concluded edition more memorable for the cricketing world.

With different captains having different strategies and intent, here is a ranking of all the teams’ heads who have contributed to the fullest with their cricketing minds and calibre in the recently concluded IPL 2024 edition. The ranking is based on a combination of factors, including the team’s performance, the captain’s leadership skills, and their contributions to the team’s success.

1. Shreyas Iyer- Kolkata Knight Riders

The 2024 IPL champions, Kolkata Knight Riders, have been a jack-of-all-trades team, checking all the boxes in all aspects, with particular praise from their skipper, Shreyas Iyer, and the coaching staff. Shreyas Iyer has done well as a captain, and the team is doing well under his leadership.

His decision-making has been sound, with no significant weaknesses identified in his leadership. KKR has perhaps the finest balance of bat and ball. The leading cause for this has been player selection and, therefore, player performance. He played aggressive cricket with the bat, hitting 351 runs at a strike rate of 146.

2. Pat Cummins- Sunrisers Hyderabad

Pat Cummins excelled as a captain. After performing well for Australia, which has a strong lineup, the star player’s challenge was to turn around SRH’s fortunes. And he did just that. Thanks to Cummins’ inspired captaincy, the hitters transformed the dynamics of the league with their aggressive style, and the developing bowlers dominated it to the fullest.

Cummins was also effective with the ball, taking 18 wickets over the season. As a captain, he inspired the SRH team to break records in the IPL 2024. Cummins has pulled the best out of numerous players this season, leading them to the grand finals.

3. Faf du Plessis- Royal Challengers Bengaluru

Though the team had one heck of a forgettable start, Royal Challengers Bengaluru made a fantabulous and memorable comeback, even when there was a bleak 1% chance of qualification. All credit would go to the former South African ace opener, Faf du Plessis, who focused on strengthening its batting core and improvising its bowling department.

Overall, it was a valiant display of captaincy and team effort by the Royal Challengers Bengaluru. As of his batting performance, du Plessis made 438 runs at a strike rate of 161.

4. Sanju Samson- Rajasthan Royals

In the initial and mid stages of the league, Rajasthan Royals (RR) were the favourites to finish first in the points standings, having won eight of their nine games. However, their season deteriorated following that, and they made the playoffs in third place.

This was primarily about critiquing the team’s consistency and captain Sanju Samson’s evolving plans and methods. If not for this season, Samson is praised for his constant batting and captaincy efforts, which was unsurprising given his performance this season. He had a spectacular batting tenure, amassing 531 runs with a strike rate of 153.

5. Rishabh Pant- Delhi Capitals

Rishabh Pant returns to play after being out for more than 15 months. After avoiding a life-threatening accident, the top player returned to cricket and performed well as a batsman. But he was a decent skipper. He began his IPL 2024 campaign with some difficulties.

But by the second half of the tournament, he had returned to his excellent levels. The Delhi Capitals skipper scored 446 runs with a strike rate of 155. Pant made poor selections about the team’s batting and bowling. Pant would need to improve over time for the following season.

See Also: Gambhir reveals KKR’s 2024 victory secret

6. Ruturaj Gaikwad- Chennai Super Kings

Ruturaj Gaikwad captained Chennai Super Kings for the first time in IPL history. His leadership was not up to par, but it could have a future influence on the team’s destiny in the long term, especially after a long and prosperous era of MS Dhoni. The batting order constantly changed in numerous games, hampered the players’ performance.

Ruturaj Gaikwad led Chennai Super Kings through a consistent season, not to forget his spectacular batting stint by scoring 583 runs, making him the second-highest run-scorer of the tournament. Gaikwad won only seven games in his 14-match campaign, indicating significant room for development.

7. Sam Curran- Punjab Kings

Though Shikhar Dhawan had to lead the Punjab Kings full-time, Sam Curran’s appearance as a captain for majority of time was interesting to check out. However, he wasn’t appealing with his overall all-rounder performance, as he made just 270 runs at a strike rate of 123 and snapped 16 wickets.

But, his ability to utilise emerging domestic talent has prompted his arsenal to change the game and can act as the future of the team’s successes. In the end, the team was able to win just a mere five wins and ended up ninth in the points table.

8. KL Rahul- Lucknow Super Giants

KL Rahul led the Lucknow Super Giants to a 50-50 record, winning seven of their fourteen matches. Under his guidance, the squad won as many games as it lost, indicating an up-and-down season. They started brightly but lost momentum in the middle.

Meanwhile, Rahul scored 520 runs this season, but his strike rate of 136 was significantly below average and ordinary for openers in the IPL 2024 season, which was a high-scoring event. It sums up his tactics of runs coming off his bat, but not at the rate his side needs.  The Super Giants missed the playoffs for the first time in their three-season history.

9. Shubman Gill- Gujarat Titans

Shubman Gill, a budding opening batter, has become the captain of the Gujarat Titans after Hardik Pandya moved to the Mumbai Indians. In his first stint as captain, Gill faced challenges, including critical player injuries, leading to some perplexed and vague decisions.

Despite this, he viewed it as a learning experience. The team won only five out of 14 matches, but Gill’s batting was solid, with 426 runs in 12 games. But it will be interesting to see how he evolves as a captain for the Gujarat Titans.

10. Hardik Pandya- Mumbai Indians

Hardik Pandya, the new Mumbai Indians captain, was perhaps the most disappointing captain and big-name player of the IPL 2024 season, especially given that he led Gujarat to an IPL trophy and a runners-up finish in the previous two seasons.

Despite huge expectations, the Mumbai Indians ended at the bottom of the points table, winning only four matches out of 14 games. Hardik scored 216 runs at an average of 18 as a player and took 11 wickets. Given his previous success, Pandya’s captaincy has been more forgettable this season.

Ricky Ponting has revealed that he was approached to be India’s next head coach. Despite significant interest in the job, Ponting indicated that it is an “unlikely” option for him at the moment due to the commitment it would require.

The deadline for applications closes on May 27, the day after the IPL final. Previously reported that Rahul Dravid will not be seeking another stint. Ponting expressed his ambitions to be a national coach but noted that his current roles—head coach at Delhi Capitals in IPL 2024 and television work in Australia—make the timing challenging.

“I’d love to be a senior coach of a national team…”

“I’ve seen a lot of reports about it,” Ponting told. “Normally these things pop up on social media before you even know about them, but there were a few little one-on-one conversations during the IPL, just to get a level of interest from me as to whether I would do it.

“I’d love to be a senior coach of a national team, but with the other things that I have in my life and wanting to have a bit of time at home…everyone knows if you take a job working with the Indian team you can’t be involved in an IPL team, so it would take that out of it as well.

“Also, a national head coach is a 10 or 11-month of the year job, and as much as I’d like to do it, it just doesn’t fit into my lifestyle right now and the things that I really enjoy doing.”

Gautam Gambhir has also been approached by the BCCI for the job, with other potential candidates including Stephen Fleming and Justin Langer.

Commitment concerns make India coaching unlikely for Ponting

Ponting, however, did leave the door slightly ajar, mentioning that his young son, Fletcher, had a positive response to the prospect of him taking the job. Ponting’s other roles include head of strategy at Hobart Hurricanes and head coach of Washington Freedom in MLC. He has signed a two-year deal for that tournament, which will follow the T20 World Cup in the USA and West Indies. Ponting has also previously worked with Australia’s T20I and ODI sides.

“My family and my kids have spent the last five weeks over at the IPL with me and they come over every year and I had a whisper to my son about it, and I said, ‘Dad’s been offered the Indian coaching job’ and he said, ‘Just take it dad, we would love to move over there for the next couple of years'” he said. “That’s how much they love being over there and the culture of cricket in India, but right now it probably doesn’t exactly fit into my lifestyle,” he added.

See also: IPL 2024: Qualifier 2: SRH vs RR: 3 players to be in focus from SRH

The BCCI has announced that the head coach role will cover all three formats for three and a half years, starting from July 2024 until December 2027. Rahul Dravid began his two-year term after the 2021 T20 World Cup. His stint was set to end after the 2023 ODI World Cup in November last year, but he agreed to an extension until the end of the upcoming T20 World Cup.

Rishabh Pant‘s remarkable comeback season in IPL 2024 reached a fitting conclusion as he concluded his batting campaign with an impressive tally of 446 runs at a striking rate of 156. Despite a lengthy hiatus due to injury, Pant showcased his explosive batting prowess, leaving a significant impact on the tournament.

Pant’s performance in today’s match

In today’s match against Lucknow Super Giants, Pant added to his impressive run tally by scoring 33 runs off just 23 deliveries, including five boundaries. His aggressive batting style contributed crucially to Delhi Capitals’ victory over LSG by 19 runs, further solidifying their position in the tournament.

Pant’s stellar performance in IPL 2024 underscores his status as one of the most dynamic batsmen in the league. Notably, he becomes the first Indian player to achieve 300 runs with a striking rate of over 150 in five different IPL seasons, reaffirming his consistency and adaptability on the field. With his 2024 season marking his third-best performance after 2018 and 2019, Pant’s resurgence in the IPL is evident.

Fans share different opinions on social media  

Fans across the cricketing world have lauded his remarkable comeback, recognizing his unwavering determination and talent. While many fans are satisfied with Rishabh Pant’s stellar performance and comeback in IPL 2024, others express disappointment over certain missed opportunities and inconsistent displays.

Some argue that Pant’s potential was not fully realized, highlighting the need for greater consistency in his performances. Nonetheless, Pant’s overall contribution to Delhi Capitals’ campaign remains undeniable, leaving fans eagerly anticipating his future endeavors in the league.

See Also: Watch: KL Rahul’s incredible juggling catch against DC

As the IPL 2024 season draws to a close, Rishabh Pant’s resurgence serves as a testament to his resilience and prowess, solidifying his position as one of the premier players in the league.

In the thrilling saga of the Indian Premier League (IPL), the Orange and Purple Caps are coveted symbols of batting and bowling prowess, respectively. Let’s explore the latest standings and stellar performances of players vying for these prestigious accolades in the IPL 2024 season.

IPL 2024: Orange Cap Standings

The stalwart of Royal Challengers Bangalore, Virat Kohli, continues to dazzle with his consistent batting brilliance. He notched up an impressive 70 runs recently, steering his team to a resounding victory. Kohli also achieved a monumental feat by becoming the first batter to breach the 500-run mark this season.

See Also: Jofra Archer set to be included in T20 World Cup squad for England: Reports

Ruturaj Gaikwad, the skipper of Chennai Super Kings, has been in scintillating form with the bat. His stunning knock of 98 runs against SRH catapulted him to second in the run-scoring charts. Gaikwad’s masterclass with the willow has been instrumental in CSK’s campaign.

Emerging as a shining star for the Gujarat Titans, Sai Sudarshan’s left-handed prowess has been a revelation. His innings of 84 runs stabilized the Titans’ innings, showcasing his reliability at the crease.

The dynamic captain of Delhi Capitals, Rishabh Pant, has been a force to reckon with in the batting department. Pant’s knock on 27 runs against KKR added value to his team’s total. With an overall tally of 398 runs in 11 matches, Pant remains a vital asset for DC.

KKR’s explosive opener, Phil Salt, has been a nightmare for bowlers in IPL 2024. Salt has been a consistent run-scorer for his team, with 392 runs in 9 matches at an impressive average of 49.00.

IPL 2024: Most Runs

IPL 2024: Purple Cap Standings

Mumbai Indians’ ace pacer, Jasprit Bumrah, leads the bowling charts with his class and impact. With 14 wickets in 9 games, including stellar performances, Bumrah’s bowling prowess remains unmatched.

The Bangladeshi speedster Mustafizur Rahman has been a revelation for Chennai Super Kings. With 14 wickets in 8 games and an impressive average, Rahman has been a key wicket-taker for CSK.

After initial challenges, Harshal Patel of Punjab Kings has staged a remarkable resurgence. With 14 wickets in 9 games, Patel has proved his mettle in picking crucial wickets for his team.

Matheesha Pathirana’s impactful performances have been pivotal for the Chennai Super Kings. With 13 wickets in just 6 matches, Pathirana has emerged as a valuable asset for CSK’s bowling unit.

Rajasthan Royals’ spin wizard, Yuzvendra Chahal, continues to weave his magic on the field. With 13 wickets in 8 games, Chahal remains one of the premier spinners in the tournament.

IPL 2024: Most Wickets

In a thrilling encounter of IPL 2024, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) secured a commanding seven-wicket win over Delhi Capitals (DC) in a high-stakes match. In a one-sided affair, KKR comfortably chased the target of 154 runs with 21 balls to spare, showcasing their dominance over DC in the match. With this convincing victory, KKR strengthened their position in the IPL 2024 standings, while DC faced a setback in their campaign.

KKR’s Dominant Bowling Display

KKR’s disciplined bowling unit performed stellar, restricting DC to a modest total of 153/9 in their allotted 20 overs. Led by spinner Varun Chakaravarthy, who finished with exceptional 3/16 figures and supported by the returning Vaibhav Arora, KKR’s bowlers kept a tight leash on DC’s batting lineup throughout the innings.

See Also: Watch: Varun Chakravarthy shines as KKR outclass DC in IPL 2024 clash

Phil Salt’s Explosive Innings

The highlight of KKR’s chase was the explosive batting display by Phil Salt, who showcased his aggressive intent right from the start. Salt’s blistering knock of 68 runs off just 33 balls propelled KKR to a flying start as he dismantled the DC bowling attack with a flurry of boundaries and sixes.

KKR vs DC at Eden Gardens
Mats: 10
Won: 8
Lost: 2

Most runs at Eden Gardens in an IPL season
344 – Phil Salt in 2024 (6 inns)*
331 – Sourav Ganguly in 2010 (7 inns)
311 – Andre Russell in 2019 (7 inns)
303 – Chris Lynn in 2018 (9 inns)

DC’s Batting Struggles

In contrast, DC endured a batting collapse, failing to capitalize on a solid start provided by their top order. Despite a promising inning from skipper Rishabh Pant, who scored 27 runs off 20 balls, DC’s batting lineup crumbled under the pressure of KKR’s bowlers.

Kuldeep Yadav’s Late Heroics

While DC struggled to build partnerships, spinner Kuldeep Yadav played a crucial role in stabilizing the innings with a gritty unbeaten knock of 34 runs off 26 balls. His late surge with the bat helped DC post a respectable total on the board.

Bowling Highlights

Apart from Chakaravarthy’s stellar performance, Vaibhav Arora also made an impact with the ball, claiming vital wickets, including that of Shai Hope. KKR’s bowling unit displayed excellent teamwork and execution, ensuring that DC’s batters were kept in check throughout the innings.

KKR’s comprehensive win over DC highlighted their prowess as a formidable team in IPL 2024. While KKR’s bowlers delivered a disciplined performance to restrict DC’s batting lineup, Phil Salt’s explosive innings powered KKR to a convincing victory. As the IPL season progresses, both teams will look to build on their strengths and address areas of improvement to stay competitive in the tournament.