Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) ended their decade-long IPL title drought with a spectacular win over Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. Chasing a modest target of 114 runs, KKR showcased their batting depth and prowess, achieving victory in just 10.3 overs with an 8-wicket margin.

Match Overview

The IPL 2024 final occurred at the iconic MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on a sunny Sunday evening. SRH won the toss and opted to bat first, aiming to set a challenging total for KKR. SRH managed to post a modest total of 114 runs in their allotted 20 overs, a target that seemed below par on a batting-friendly pitch.

See Also: Mitchell Starc hints at retiring from ODIs to play more franchise cricket

KKR’s Dominant Chase

KKR’s chase began confidently with their openers, who set a strong platform. Venkatesh Iyer was the standout performer for KKR, playing a match-winning innings of 52 not out off 26 balls. His aggressive batting included four boundaries and three sixes, maintaining a strike rate of 200. KKR chased the target in 10.3 overs, showcasing their batting depth and dominance.

SRK’s Joyous Moment

The victory sparked ecstatic celebrations among KKR players, management, and fans. Team owner Shah Rukh Khan led the celebrations, joining the team on the field.

Shah Rukh Khan, visibly overjoyed, celebrated alongside his children Suhana, AbRam, and Aryan Khan. A touching moment was captured when SRK kissed KKR mentor Gautam Gambhir on the forehead, acknowledging his pivotal role in the team’s success.

Family Moments

The victory provided heartwarming family moments. Suhana Khan hugged her father and asked, “Are you happy? I’m so happy.” This tender moment, along with the group hug that followed with AbRam and Aryan, quickly went viral on social media, endearing fans worldwide.

The team’s dominant performance, led by standout contributions from Venkatesh Iyer and Varun Chakravarthy and the strategic brilliance of Gautam Gambhir and Shreyas Iyer, was key to its success. The jubilant celebrations, particularly the heartfelt family moments, added a special touch to the occasion. As KKR basks in their glory, they promise to bring more thrilling cricket to their fans in the future.

Kolkata Knight Riders clinched their third Indian Premier League title with a resounding victory over Sunrisers Hyderabad in the final showdown. The match witnessed contrasting emotions for two Australian cricketers, with Mitchell Starc leading Kolkata’s charge while Pat Cummins endured a challenging outing as Hyderabad’s captain.

Mitchell Starc’s Early Dominance

Mitchell Starc showcased his prowess with the ball, rattling Hyderabad’s top order with a remarkable spell of 2-14. Supported by a collective effort from Kolkata’s bowling unit, including Andre Russell’s impactful performance, they restricted Hyderabad to a meager total of 113 runs, the lowest in the history of IPL finals.

See Also: “Old mate Starcy turned up again…”, Pat Cummins reveals the reason behind IPL 2024 final loss

Kolkata’s Commanding Chase

In response, Kolkata displayed their batting prowess as Venkatesh Iyer led the charge with a blazing unbeaten half-century, supported by Rahmanullah Gurbaz’s aggressive batting. Their partnership effectively sealed the game, securing Kolkata’s victory with 57 balls to spare.

Kolkata’s dominance throughout the season was evident as they finished on top at the end of the league stage. They had previously defeated Hyderabad in the league stage and qualifier, further emphasizing their superiority in the final showdown.

Hyderabad’s Missed Opportunities

Hyderabad’s batting struggles were evident from the start, with early dismissals denting their momentum. Despite a late resurgence from Pat Cummins, Hyderabad failed to pose a significant challenge to Kolkata’s formidable performance.

Here is how former cricketers and commentators reacted to KKR’s third IPL title win

The Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) secured their third Indian Premier League (IPL) title by defeating the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) by 8 wickets in the showdown at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. This victory added another trophy to KKR’s cabinet and highlighted their dominance in the IPL 2024 season.

Chasing a modest target of 114 runs, the Shreyas Iyer-led side delivered a commanding performance, clinching victory in just 10.3 overs. The match showcased KKR’s balanced and powerful bowling and batting gameplay.

First Innings Highlights

SRH’s batting lineup, which had been formidable throughout the season, faltered spectacularly in the final. They were bowled out for just 113 runs in 18.3 overs, unable to build any substantial partnerships.

See Also: Has Starc delivered the ball of IPL 2024? Have a look!

Andre Russell was the star with the ball, claiming three wickets for just 19 runs. His aggressive and precise bowling dismantled the SRH middle order, preventing them from gaining momentum.

Mitchell Starc’s Performance

Mitchell Starc set the tone early with his lethal deliveries. He struck in the first over, removing Abhishek Sharma with a delivery that nipped away sharply to hit the off-stump. Starc finished with impressive figures of 2 for 14, showcasing his skill and justifying his hefty price tag.

Harshit Rana effectively supported the main bowlers, taking 2 crucial wickets for 24 runs. His ability to bowl in the right areas and extract movement off the pitch was instrumental in keeping the SRH batters in check.

SRH’s Struggle

The SRH batting lineup crumbled under the pressure of KKR’s disciplined bowling. Aiden Markram and Nitish Kumar Reddy tried to counter-attack but failed to convert their starts into significant scores. Pat Cummins’ brief resistance, scoring 24 runs, was the only highlight in an otherwise disappointing innings for SRH.

KKR’s Chase

KKR’s chase began steadily, with 5 runs from the opening over. However, they suffered a setback in the second over when opener Sunil Narine was caught by Shabaz off a delivery from Pat Cummins after hitting a maximum. Narine managed to score six runs from just two deliveries before his dismissal.

The Iyer-Gurbaz Partnership

Venkatesh Iyer and Rahmanullah Gurbaz forged a formidable partnership in the middle, amassing 91 runs off just 45 balls. Gurbaz played a supportive role, scoring 39 runs from 32 deliveries, before falling to Cummins.

Venkatesh Iyer’s aggressive and calculated approach saw him reach his fifty in just 24 balls. His powerful hitting and smart shot selection ensured that KKR stayed ahead of the required run rate.

Skipper Shreyas Iyer joined the chase with only 12 runs required off 67 balls. He opened his account with a boundary and guided the team to victory, displaying calm and decisive leadership.

The Indian Premier League (IPL), one of the world’s most popular cricket tournaments, has recently witnessed a significant surge in viewership. The latest edition, IPL 2024, has broken records and garnered unprecedented attention from cricket enthusiasts worldwide.

Record-breaking Viewership Figures

In its initial ten matches, IPL 2024 recorded an astounding viewership of 35 crore. This remarkable figure surpasses the viewership numbers of any previous edition of the tournament, even those held during the challenging circumstances of the COVID-19 pandemic.

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According to data released by BARC and Disney Star, the official broadcaster of the IPL, the overall watch-time for the tournament has skyrocketed to 8028 crore minutes. This represents a remarkable 20% increase compared to the previous year, highlighting the growing popularity and engagement with the event.

Significance of IPL 2024

The extraordinary viewership figures of IPL 2024 underscore its significance in the realm of cricket entertainment. Despite facing disruptions due to the COVID-19 pandemic in previous seasons, the current edition has managed to captivate audiences like never before.

Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic

The resilience displayed by IPL 2024 amidst the ongoing pandemic reflects the tournament’s ability to adapt and thrive in challenging circumstances. Despite initial concerns regarding spectator attendance and broadcasting logistics, the IPL has emerged stronger, attracting millions of viewers globally.

Disney Star’s Statement

Sanjog Gupta, Head of Disney Star (Sports), expressed elation over the record-breaking viewership figures for IPL 2024. He highlighted Disney Star’s commitment to enhancing fan engagement through innovative initiatives aimed at fostering passion and fandom for the tournament.

“We are overwhelmed with the record-breaking viewing figures for TATA IPL 2024. Disney Star has started the 17th season from where it left off last year, doubling down on fan-centred initiatives that seek to drive passion and fandom for the tournament,” Sanjog Gupta, Head of Disney Star (Sports) said in a press release.

Broadcasting in Multiple Languages

Disney Star’s comprehensive coverage of IPL 2024 includes broadcasting across 14 feeds in 10 languages, ensuring accessibility and inclusivity for diverse audiences. This multi-lingual approach has significantly expanded the reach of the tournament, attracting viewers from various regions and demographics.

In a commendable move towards inclusivity, Disney Star introduced a special feed in Indian Sign Language for Deaf, Hard-of-Hearing, and Visually Impaired fans. This initiative reflects the broadcaster’s dedication to ensuring that IPL 2024 is accessible to all cricket enthusiasts, regardless of their abilities.

Opening Day Viewership of IPL 2024

The inaugural match of IPL 2024 witnessed blockbuster viewership numbers, with 16.8 crore individuals tuning in to watch the clash between Chennai Super Kings and Royal Challengers Bengaluru on March 22nd.

Additionally, the opening day of the tournament registered a historic watch-time of 1276 crore minutes, marking the highest-ever viewership for the first day of any IPL season. This unprecedented engagement highlights the immense excitement and anticipation surrounding IPL 2024.

In the thrilling saga of the Indian Premier League (IPL), individual brilliance often takes center stage, exemplified by the prestigious Orange and Purple Caps awarded to the leading run scorer and leading wicket-taker, respectively. Let’s delve into the captivating narratives of the Orange and Purple Cap races in IPL 2024.

IPL 2024: Orange Cap

As the battle for batting supremacy unfolds, Virat Kohli emerges as a formidable contender, showcasing his exceptional talent with a dazzling innings of 77 runs against Punjab Kings. This stellar performance propels him to the summit of the leading run scorer’s list in IPL 2024. Following closely behind is Sam Curran, whose valiant effort of 23 runs catapults him to the second position. The leaderboard for the leading run scorers in IPL 2024 reflects these cricketing maestros’ competitive spirit and unparalleled skill.

See Also: IPL 2024: Royal Challengers Bengaluru beat Punjab Kings by 4 wickets, Points table updated

Most Runs in IPL 2024

IPL 2024: Purple Cap

On the bowling front, Mustafizur Rahman makes a resounding statement with a spectacular four-wicket haul on his Chennai Super Kings debut, seizing the coveted Purple Cap. Meanwhile, Jasprit Bumrah showcases his mastery of the craft despite Mumbai Indians’ narrow loss to the Gujarat Titans, securing three crucial wickets. Harshit Rana and T Natarajan also leave an indelible mark with their exceptional bowling performances, contributing significantly to their teams’ success. The comprehensive list of leading wicket-takers in IPL 2024 highlights the exceptional talent and diversity of bowling prowess on display.

Most Runs in IPL 2024

The M. Chinnaswamy Stadium witnessed an enthralling contest as Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) emerged victorious against Punjab Kings in the IPL 2024 match, showcasing a thrilling display of cricketing prowess.

In a high-stakes encounter, RCB secured a crucial win against Punjab Kings by four wickets. The match unfolded with captivating moments, leaving spectators on the edge of their seats.

RCB’s Chase

In response, RCB’s chase was spearheaded by the dynamic Virat Kohli, who showcased his masterful batting skills with a classy innings of 77 runs. Despite losing wickets at crucial junctures, RCB maintained their composure, thanks to Dinesh Karthik’s and Mahipal Lomror’s contributions. This pair ended up seeing the hosts through to the end. Karthik hit the winning runs with a four, finishing unbeaten on 28 off 10 balls while Lomror scored 16 in eight balls.

See Also: IPL 2024: Virat Kohli creates history but fails to achieve target against PBKS

Match Highlights

The match was characterized by intense battles and decisive moments, with both teams showcasing their competitive spirit and determination to secure victory. RCB’s bowling unit delivered a commendable performance, with standout contributions from Yash Dayal and Mohammed Siraj, who played pivotal roles in restricting Punjab Kings’ batting lineup.

Toss and Punjab Kings’ Innings

Faf du Plessis’ strategic decision to bowl first set the tone for RCB’s disciplined performance, putting pressure on Punjab Kings from the outset and laying the foundation for their eventual victory.

Punjab Kings faced an early setback with the dismissal of opener Jonny Bairstow in the 3rd over. However, skipper Shikhar Dhawan anchored the innings with a stellar knock of 45 runs, supported by Shashank Singh’s impactful cameo towards the end. RCB did well to keep the batters in check and put pressure on PBKS in the first 10 overs. Dhawan was eventually dismissed for 44 off 37 while the dangerous Liam Livingstone fell for just 17 runs in 13 balls. PBKS are now hoping that Jitesh Sharma and Sam Curran can given them a good finish.

Yash Dayal and Mohammed Siraj were the stars for RCB with the ball. Dayal returned figures of 1/23 while Siraj returned 2/26.

IPL 2024: Updated Points Table

In a heartening revelation, Faf du Plessis, skipper of Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), has shed light on the profound camaraderie he shares with the iconic Indian cricketer Virat Kohli. Du Plessis, who assumed captaincy after Kohli’s departure in 2021, admired Kohli’s infectious energy on and off the cricket field.

The Infectious Energy of Virat Kohli

According to Faf du Plessis, batting alongside Virat Kohli is an exhilarating experience characterized by abundant energy and passion. Du Plessis describes Kohli’s energy as infectious, noting how it elevates his performance and morale during matches. The South African cricketer marvels at Kohli’s unwavering enthusiasm and wonders at his ability to sustain it throughout the game.

See Also: IPL 2024: Kolkata Knight Riders best playing XI and impact player strategies

“It’s infectious the way he gives that energy,… how this guy is always on and how does he manage it…on the field, while catching balls, we both are very competitive and make sure we get those good catches for the team,” the stylish skipper of RCB said in an interview with ‘Star Sports.’

Unparalleled On-Field Chemistry

Du Plessis emphasizes the remarkable chemistry he shares with Kohli on the field, highlighting their mutual competitiveness and commitment to the team’s success. He describes moments where Kohli’s passion for the game translates into exceptional fielding efforts, inspiring the team to elevate their performance. The synergy between the two players exemplifies the spirit of camaraderie and teamwork essential for success in cricket.

“It’s unbelievable batting with him. He is one of my favorite guys to bat with. He brings out so much energy in me. Sometimes, I feel like I am fist bumping my glove through his hand because he gets so passionate being out there in the middle,” Du Plessis added.

Kohli’s Impact on Fielding

While Kohli may no longer hold the captaincy, his influence on RCB’s fielding unit remains indispensable, according to Faf du Plessis. Du Plessis lauds Kohli’s role in setting the tone and energy on the field, mainly through his exemplary fielding efforts. Kohli’s dedication to excellence serves as a source of inspiration for his teammates, driving them to match his intensity and commitment.

“He is critical to me in terms of field, I think. He leads in so many things as far as a team is concerned, but fielding is where he sets the tone and energy for the field,” the former South African captain mentioned in the last.

Mahendra Singh Dhoni completed 16 years with Chennai Super Kings on February 20, 2024. When Dhoni and Chennai Super Kings began the journey, nobody would have thought of this to be one of the most memorable associations in the history of cricket. No wonder, after achieving so many milestones under MS Dhoni, the Chennai Super Kings have taken to social media to celebrate the 16-year-long journey.

Chennai Super Kings led by ‘Thala’

On the 16^th anniversary of signing Mahendra Singh Dhoni, Chennai Super Kings paid tribute to the legend who made everything possible. Thala, as Dhoni is fondly called by the CSK fans, has made CSK one of the most successful IPL franchises. He took CSK to 10 IPL finals, 12 playoffs out of the 14 times Chennai played.

Under the able captaincy of MS Dhoni, Chennai Super Kings claimed five IPL titles, won two CLT20 trophies, and ended runners-up five times. Since 2008, Dhoni has led CSK with his super cool head and continued to reach new feats. His services were acquired with a whooping Rupees 6 Crores and CSK fought against all to secure the same.

Dhoni: Captain of all-time greatest IPL team

Interestingly MS Dhoni has been also selected as the captain of IPL’s all-time greatest team by an expert panel comprising former cricketers and journalists. It was just after India’s first T20 World Cup victory in 2007 under Dhoni’s captaincy BCCI decided to launch the Indian Premier League which became the most successful T20 league of all time.

Greatest IPL team

MS Dhoni (c), Virat Kohli, Chris Gayle, David Warner, Suresh Raina, AB de Villiers, Suryakumar Yadav, Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Kieron Pollard, Rashid Khan, Sunil Narine, Yuzvendra Chahal, Lasith Malinga and Jasprit Bumrah.

MS Dhoni despite suffering from a knee injury led CSK to victory in IPL 2023. He is all set to lead the team yet again in IPL 2024 and create new records.