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

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) secured their third Indian Premier League (IPL) title by defeating Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) by 8 wickets in the final showdown at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. The victory marked a remarkable achievement for the Shreyas Iyer-led side, which delivered a commanding performance to clinch the coveted title.

KKR’s Commanding Performance

Chasing a modest target of 114 runs, KKR showcased their prowess with the bat, achieving the target in just 10.3 overs. This impressive display of batting prowess highlighted KKR’s dominance throughout the match.

The early stages of SRH’s innings saw the formidable bowling duo of Mitchell Starc and Vaibhav Arora wreak havoc on their batting lineup. Starc’s crucial breakthroughs in the powerplay, including the dismissals of Abhishek Sharma and Rahul Tripathi, set the tone for KKR’s bowling attack. Arora further compounded SRH’s woes with his pivotal wicket of Travis Head, laying the groundwork for KKR’s victory.

See Also: KKR secure IPL Title after a decade; Fans go wild on social media

Starc’s Impactful Bowling

Mitchell Starc’s journey in IPL 2024 was marked by initial skepticism following his high-priced acquisition by KKR. However, Starc silenced his critics with stellar performances, particularly in the latter half of the tournament. His standout display in Qualifier 1 and the final match showcased his ability to deliver under pressure, solidifying his place as a key player for KKR.

Mitchell Starc’s Redemption

In the final showdown against SRH, Starc once again rose to the occasion, delivering a clinical bowling performance that stifled SRH’s batting lineup. His economical spell in the initial overs played a pivotal role in KKR’s dominant start, setting the stage for their eventual triumph.

Pat Cummins’ Acknowledgment

Following the match, SRH captain Pat Cummins commended KKR for their exceptional performance, acknowledging the impact of Starc’s bowling prowess. Cummins highlighted KKR’s bowling strength and expressed admiration for their strategic approach to the game.

Pat Cummins | SRH captain: They bowled fantastically. Old mate Starcy turned up again! Not enough tonight, totally outplayed. You hope you get some boundaries away but they bowled fantastically well, didn’t give us anything. Similar to how they bowled in Ahmedabad. It was a tricky wicket. If we got 160, we felt we would have been in the game. So many (positives), the style with which the guys played especially with the bat. Lot of skills to get to 250 three times. I loved how brave the guys were. It was a lot of fun, great season.

The stage is set for a thrilling conclusion to the IPL 2024 season as the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) face off against the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in what promises to be an electrifying final at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai will buzz with excitement and enthusiasm as fans rally behind their favorite teams.

SRH vs KKR

KKR and SRH have been the standout teams in the tournament by quite some distance. And it does not surprise me that these two are in the final, especially because of the presence of two individuals who have thrived under pressure over the years in crunch matches—Gautam Gambhir and Pat Cummins.

See Also: IPL 2024 Final: Updated weather report of Chepauk for final showdown

Gautam Gambhir’s Impact on KKR

Gautam Gambhir‘s influence on KKR is legendary. As a player, he led the team to two IPL titles in 2012 and 2014. From 2011 to 2017, Kolkata made the playoffs five times. When Gambhir was not with them for six seasons, they tried multiple captains, but none could win the title.

Now, as a mentor, his strategic understanding and ability to motivate players have been invaluable. Gambhir’s knack for thriving in knockout matches is well-documented, and his presence in the KKR camp has undoubtedly been a confidence booster. His experience and guidance have been key to KKR’s resurgence this season.

Pat Cummins’ Leadership for SRH

Pat Cummins has had a remarkable run as SRH’s captain. Despite initial skepticism about his leadership abilities in the T20 format, Cummins has silenced critics with his outstanding performance. His strategic decisions and ability to inspire his team have been crucial to SRH’s success. Cummins’ versatility as a player and leader has shone through, making him an integral part of SRH’s journey to the final.

Cummins’ Versatile Cricketing Skills

During SRH’s dream run this season, they faced many questions. The Sunrisers were criticized for their ‘apparently’ not-so-strong bowling attack. The Orange Army also encountered criticism for their inability to chase down targets. Yet, under Cummins’ leadership, they’ve overcome these hurdles, proving their critics wrong.

Recap of KKR’s Season

Consistent performances and strategic gameplay have marked KKR’s journey to the final. Key matches showcased their ability to handle pressure and deliver when it mattered most.

Recap of SRH’s Season

SRH’s season was a rollercoaster, with initial struggles followed by a remarkable turnaround. Their resilience and tactical acumen saw them navigate through tough matches and emerge victorious.

India’s prominent batter, Shreyas Iyer, recently opened up about his struggles with back issues, particularly after the 2023 ODI World Cup, and how missing a few first-class games last season, citing back problems, culminating in him losing his central contract with the BCCI. Iyer, who captains the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the IPL, shared that his concerns about his back problems were initially dismissed.

Shreyas Iyer’s Back Problems

Iyer first raised concerns about his back following the 2023 ODI World Cup. Despite his efforts to communicate the severity of his condition, he needed more agreement from the medical staff and team management.

After the World Cup, Iyer’s struggles continued. He noted significant difficulties while playing in longer formats, an issue that was exacerbated by his unaddressed back problems.

“I was definitely struggling after the World Cup in the longer format,” Iyer, the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) captain, said a day before the IPL final against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in Chennai. “When I raised my concern, no one was agreeing to it.

“But at the same time the competition is with myself. When the IPL was approaching all I wanted to see was that I’ve put my best foot forward and whatever planning and strategising we [KKR] did before it, basically if we could execute it to the best of our abilities, we would have been in a great spot – and that’s where we are right now.”

See Also: Pat Cummins reveals how Vettori’s decision helps in winning Qualifier 2

Return to Competitive Cricket

Iyer’s return to form led to his selection for the first two home Tests against England in early 2024. However, back spasms following the second Test forced him out of the remaining matches. This disruption highlighted ongoing concerns about his fitness and readiness for continuous play.

Conflicting Commitments

Conflicting commitments compounded his challenges. Iyer missed several Ranji Trophy games for his domestic side, Mumbai, while attending a KKR pre-season camp. This decision drew scrutiny, particularly given the timing and importance of these domestic fixtures.

BCCI’s Stance

The BCCI’s stance on prioritizing domestic cricket over the IPL added another layer of complexity. Secretary Jay Shah’s warning to players underscored the importance of domestic commitments. Despite meeting the minimum criteria set by the board, Iyer lost his central contract, a decision influenced by these conflicting priorities.

Injury Management and Communication

Iyer’s communication with the Mumbai Cricket Association indicated his ongoing struggles with back spasms, even though he was medically cleared for selection. This discrepancy highlighted issues in injury management and the importance of clear communication between players and management.

Preparations for IPL

Transitioning from red-ball to white-ball cricket posed its own set of challenges. Iyer discussed the difficulty of this transition and the importance of strategizing and planning to excel in the IPL. His preparations ensured he could contribute effectively to KKR’s campaign.

Talking about his preparations for the IPL, Iyer said: “The transformation from red-ball cricket to white ball, it’s kind of difficult as a batsman and also as a bowler, I feel. It was kind of difficult at the start but once you get used to it, I think you pick up the pace and march on with the other players.”

The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 has reached its climax as the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) prepare to battle it out in the final on Sunday, May 26. The grand showdown will take place at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai, a venue known for its electrifying atmosphere and passionate cricket fans.

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR)

KKR has had a remarkable season, showcasing a blend of experience and young talent. Under Shreyas Iyer’s leadership, KKR has emerged as a formidable force. Key players like Sunil Narine, Andre Russell, and the young Afghan sensation Rahmanullah Gurbaz have played pivotal roles in their journey to the final.

KKR’s Road to the Final

KKR’s journey to the final has been nothing short of spectacular. They secured a direct entry to the final by defeating SRH in Qualifier 1. Their performance was highlighted by Mitchell Starc’s brilliant bowling and Gurbaz’s impactful return to the team.

See Also: Fans applaud ‘lone warrior’ Dhruv Jurel against SRH in Qualifier 2

3 Players to be in focus from KKR

The IPL 2024 Final is upon us, and all eyes are on the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) as they prepare to face Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH). Among the many stars in the KKR lineup, three players stand out as key to their success: Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Shreyas Iyer, and Varun Chakravarthy.

1. Rahmanullah Gurbaz

Rahmanullah Gurbaz, the talented Afghan cricketer, has faced significant personal challenges this season. Mid-tournament, he returned to Afghanistan to be with his ailing mother. However, the Kolkata Knight Riders needed him back urgently after their primary keeper-batter, Phil Salt, left for national duties.

Gurbaz’s return to the team was nothing short of dramatic. In Qualifier 1 against SRH, he played a pivotal role. His quick 23-run knock off just 14 balls, including two fours and two sixes, set a blistering pace in KKR’s 160-run chase.

As KKR heads into the final, Gurbaz’s role will be crucial. His ability to provide a blistering start can put the opposition under pressure right from the beginning. Fans and teammates alike will be looking for him to replicate his explosive performance and set the tone for the match.

2. Shreyas Iyer

Shreyas Iyer’s journey to this final has been a rollercoaster. Despite a fine run in the ODI World Cup, he faced a tough period afterward. He lost his Test place in the home series against England, overshadowed by emerging youngsters. He also missed out on the T20 World Cup squad and, to add to his woes lost his BCCI central contract due to unavailability for domestic first-class games.

Despite these setbacks, Iyer has shown resilience and strong leadership. Gautam Gambhir’s influence on the team has been significant, but Iyer’s personal growth as a captain has also been evident. His previous success with Delhi Capitals, where he led them to their maiden IPL final in 2020, speaks volumes about his capabilities.

In IPL 2024, Iyer has had a decent run with the bat. Scoring 345 runs at a strike rate of 146.19 in 13 innings, he has largely batted in the middle order, capitalizing on the strong starts provided by the top order. As KKR’s captain, his strategic insight and batting prowess will be critical in the final against SRH.

Varun Chakravarthy

Varun Chakravarthy has been a standout performer for KKR this season. With 20 wickets to his name, he ranks among the top wicket-takers of IPL 2024. His mystery spin continues to baffle batters, making him a vital cog in KKR’s bowling attack.

In the crucial Qualifier 1 against SRH, Chakravarthy’s spin was instrumental. He took two important wickets, helping KKR to stifle the SRH batting lineup and secure their place in the final. His ability to perform under pressure highlights his importance to the team.

The final at Chepauk, known for its spin-friendly conditions, is the perfect stage for Chakravarthy to weave his magic. His performance will be crucial in breaking through SRH’s batting order and keeping the runs in check. If he can continue his form, KKR will have a significant advantage.