The 2024 edition of the Indian Premier League, a tournament that has always set the benchmark for the shortest format of the game, has once again raised the bar.

This year, we’ve witnessed some incredible performances, with shattered long-standing records and international and emerging players making their mark on Indian soil. The batters of the tournament have indeed embodied the spirit of IPL 2024. In this listicle, we’re taking a closer look at the top five extraordinary batting innings that have captivated the cricketing world in the 2024 edition. 

1. Sunil Narine (Kolkata Knight Riders) vs Rajasthan Royals- 109 runs off 56 balls

Hailed as one of the toughest spinners, Sunil Narine, the Trinidadian spinmeister, has proved his impeccable calibre with the bat, thanks to the IPL platform for displaying his willow-handling skills. Though he started his stint as an opener during the 2017 Big Bash League, his long stint with the Kolkata Knight Riders helped him unleash batting prowess, and the clash against Rajasthan Royals summed it all up.

Against a robust Royals bowling attack on the vast Eden Gardens track, Narine pumped up his batting shots and got off to a flying start. With 13 boundaries and six sixes, he had hit his first-ever century across his batting timeline, with a commendable strike rate of 194.64. To add things up, this memorable batting innings made him the first player in the IPL to have scored a hundred and picked a five-wicket haul.

2. Jos Buttler (Rajasthan Royals) vs Kolkata Knight Riders- 107* runs off 60 balls

To give a small continuation to Sunil Narine’s memorable first century, it was in the same clash of the best; the fans witnessed another stupendous batting innings. After giving a target of 224 runs to the Rajasthan Royals, the away side was up for it amongst the vast grounds of the Eden Gardens. But he had got off slightly slow as he made only 25 off his first 18 balls.

But although struggling with the injury that kept him out of the last RR game and rapidly running out of batting partners, Buttler stayed the course. And taking the match to an enthralling last ball, Buttler’s innings of 107* runs off 60 balls, with nine fours and six sixes, he had taken his visitor’s side team to a victory by two wickets, which kind of overshadowed Narine’s commendable knock. 

3. Will Jacks (Royal Challengers Bengaluru) vs Gujarat Titans- 100* runs off 41 balls

With a quick-pace triple-digit mark and an awestruck reaction by King Kohli, Will Jacks’s century is a wholesome and flavourful batting innings. Starting things off with 17 runs in just 17 balls, in the successive 24 balls, the English batter hit the remaining runs to reach his first-ever IPL century.

Though he had come lately to the Royal Challengers Bengaluru batting campaign, he had proved to be an instrumental element to the team’s middle order batting, which led him to a memorable six-consecutive winning stint, which led them to seal the final playoffs spot, when they just had a mere 1% chance, symbolising the team’s resilient and robust mentality approach. 

See Also: First batch of Indian Team leaves for USA ahead of T20 World Cup 2024

4. Travis Head (Sunrisers Hyderabad) vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru- 102 runs off 41 balls

In the clash between the Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Sunrisers Hyderabad on the small dimensions of Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru broke the long-held record of the highest team score ever in IPL, where Sunrisers Hyderabad took that title away from the previous holders of Bengaluru, thanks to the swashbuckling Aussie batter, Travis Head.

With already announcing his stint in the IPL from an excellent first-match performance, Head accelerated his performance and got him to this stage, where he proved to be handy in scoring the highest team total of IPL of 287/3 by making a century off just 39 balls. In his innings of 102 runs off 41 balls, he hit nine fours and eight sixes at a colossal strike rate of 248.78. 

5. Shashank Singh (Punjab Kings) vs Gujarat Titans- 61* runs off 29 balls 

In this listicle, we have seen all the centuries making the mark, but a few innings have created a long-lasting impact, but it didn’t require a triple-digit mark. One such innings is by the Punjab Kings’ middle-order batting powerhouse, Shashank Singh. It all started in last year’s IPL auction when the Kings bought him instead of another player with the same name, leading to a case of mistaken identity.

With several rumours goofed up, the franchise clarified it and mentioned that he was always on their planned list. As it implies, the batter from Chattisgarh paid back the trust and scored an impeccable innings of 61* runs off 29 balls in a 200-run chase against the Gujarat Titans. This innings is a testament to seizing any opportunity given to a person from different walks of life, which also bolstered the batter’s confidence and led him to be a valuable batting asset to the Punjab Kings. 

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) have found an exceptional combination of Sunil Narine and Phil Salt, whose performances have been instrumental in the team’s success in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 season.

Sunil Narine’s Role as an Opener

Sunil Narine, traditionally known for his spin bowling prowess, has been promoted by KKR as an opener, a move that has paid dividends for the team. Narine’s explosive batting at the top of the order has provided KKR with blistering starts and put pressure on the opposition bowlers from the outset.

See Also: Historic win for Scotland over Ireland to qualify for Women’s World Cup

Narine’s innings against LSG were nothing short of spectacular. Displaying his trademark power-hitting, Narine dispatched the ball to all parts of the ground, accumulating runs rapidly and putting KKR in a commanding position. His ability to quickly find the boundaries and clear the ropes will leave the opposition bowlers needing to be more knowledgeable. He scored 81 runs off 39 balls with a fantastic strike rate of 207.69.

Phil Salt’s Impact

Phil Salt, who stepped in as Jason Roy’s replacement player, immediately impacted KKR. His aggressive batting style and ability to take on opposition bowlers have added a new dimension to the team’s batting lineup, making him a valuable asset for the franchise. He scored 32 runs off 15 balls.

Narine and Salt’s Partnership Against Lucknow Super Giants

In a recent match against the Lucknow Super Giants, the duo of Narine and Salt exhibited their batting prowess, mainly targeting LSG bowler Naveen-ul-Haq. Their aggressive approach saw them dominate the bowling attack, with Narine and Salt hammering the opposition for boundaries and sixes. They scored 61 runs in just 25 balls.

Six 50+ opening partnerships by Phil Salt & Sunil Narine this season is the most for KKR in an IPL season

Most 50+ opening partnerships in IPL 2024
6 – Phil Salt & Sunil Narine*
4 – Ishan Kishan & Rohit Sharma
3 – Virat Kohli & Faf du Plessis

Importance of the Match for Both Teams

The match against LSG held immense significance for both teams as they jostled for crucial points in the race to the playoffs. With the competition intensifying as the tournament progresses, every match becomes a vital opportunity for teams to solidify their position in the league standings.

In a thrilling match of the Indian Premier League (IPL), Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) stormed to a dominant 7-wicket victory over Delhi Capitals (DC), showcasing a remarkable comeback after their previous setback and solidifying their second-place position on the leaderboard.

Phil Salt and Sunil Narine become the ultimate game changer of the match 

Chasing a modest target of 154 runs set by Delhi, Kolkata’s openers, Phil Salt and Sunil Narine, set the stage on fire with a blazing 79-run partnership in just 6 overs, putting their team in a commanding position early in the game.

Although Narine’s departure caused a brief hiccup, Shreyas Iyer and Venkatesh Iyer ensured a smooth finish for KKR, guiding their team to victory with ease. Delhi’s bowlers, especially Lizaad Williams in the initial overs, struggled to contain the aggressive KKR batsmen, allowing them to dictate terms.

Their partnership, characterized by one player taking charge while the other rotates the strike, played a crucial role in KKR’s victory.

On the other hand, Delhi’s batting faltered right from the start as they failed to find momentum. Losing crucial wickets in the Powerplay, they struggled to capitalize on promising starts. While players like Rishabh Pant, Axar Patel, and Abishek Porel showed glimpses of potential, only Kuldeep Yadav’s resilient knock of 35 runs offered any significant resistance.

Varun Chakaravarthy shows brilliance in the bowling unit 

KKR’s bowling unit, led by Varun Chakaravarthy’s three-wicket haul, put the brakes on Delhi’s batting line-up, with Vaibhav Arora and Harshit Rana also making valuable contributions with two wickets each.

Phil Salt, the hero of KKR’s chase, expressed his delight at contributing to the team’s success in the IPL. He credited the bowlers for their stellar performance and praised the team’s ability to bounce back from their previous defeat. Salt highlighted the team’s aggressive approach at the top of the order, stating that while it involves risks, it often pays off in their favor. He also emphasized the importance of his experience as a wicketkeeper, which helped him assess the conditions and enhance his batting performance.

See Also: IPL 2024: Phil Salt gives explosive start to KKR against DC

With this win, KKR secured their sixth victory of the season, further solidifying their position as the second-best team in the IPL standings.

Sunil Narine and Phil Salt set the stage on fire with their explosive batting performance for Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in Match 42 of IPL 2024 at Eden Gardens, Kolkata, against Punjab Kings.

Narine and Salt’s Explosive Partnership

In a display of aggressive batting, Sunil Narine and Phil Salt propelled KKR to a blistering start after Sam Curran, the Punjab Kings’ captain, chose to field first. Their fearless approach saw KKR racing to 70 runs off just five overs, courtesy of their explosive hitting that left the opposition reeling. They have added 137 runs in 10 overs.

See Also: Mitchell Starc unavailable for KKR vs PBKS today; Here’s why

Highest scores after first 10 overs of an IPL innings
158/4 – SRH vs DC, Delhi, 2024
148/2 – SRH vs MI, Hyderabad, 2024
141/2 – MI vs SRH, Hyderabad, 2024
138/4 – DC vs SRH, Delhi, 2024
137/0 – KKR vs PBKS, Kolkata, 2024
135/1 – KKR vs DC, Visakhapatnam, 2024

Highest partnerships for KKR in the IPL (any wicket)
184* – Gautam Gambhir & Chris Lynn vs GL, Rajkot, 2017
158 – Gautam Gambhir & Robin Uthappa vs RPS, Pune, 2017
152* – Gautam Gambhir & Jacques Kallis vs RR, Jaipur, 2011
138 – Sunil Narine & Phil Salt vs PBKS, Kolkata, 2024
136 – Manvinder Bisla & Jacques Kallis vs CSK, Chennai, 2012 final
The 138-run partnership between Narine and Salt was the 8th 100-plus opening stand for KKR in the IPL, and the first since 105 between Narine and Lynn against RCB in Bengaluru back in 2017.

Highest run-rates for a 100-plus opening stand in the IPL
20.68 – 131 off 38 – Travis Head & Abhishek Sharma (SRH) vs DC, Delhi, 2024
17.02 – 105 off 37 – Chris Lynn & Sunil Narine (KKR) vs RCB, Bengaluru, 2017
14.86 – 109 off 44 – Brendon McCullum & Dwayne Smith (CSK) vs MI, Mumbai WS, 2015
13.36 – 147 off 66 – Chris Gayle & Virat Kohli (RCB) vs PBKS, Bengaluru, 2016
13.35 – 138 off 62 – Sunil Narine & Phil Salt (KKR) vs PBKS, Kolkata, 2024

Phil Salt’s Dominance Against Harshal Patel

Phil Salt’s onslaught against Punjab Kings’ bowler Harshal Patel was a sight. With relentless aggression, Salt targeted Patel’s deliveries, dispatching them to the boundary with ease. His ability to find gaps and unleash powerful shots showcased his prowess as a destructive opener. Phil Salt reaches the fifty-run mark in 25 deliveries.

Least balls taken to 500 runs in IPL by Foreign batters

260 – Glenn Maxwell
284 – Travis Head
294 – Andre Russell
297 – Phil Salt*
298 – Henrich Klaasen

Narine’s Contribution to the Partnership

Sunil Narine complemented Salt’s ferocity with his brand of power-hitting. Narine’s fearless approach saw him taking charge against Kagiso Rabada, smashing boundaries and sixes to disrupt the opposition’s plans. His contribution added impetus to KKR’s innings, setting the tone for a formidable total.

Most runs in the Powerplay in IPL 2024
259 – Travis Head (SR: 229.20)
216 – Virat Kohli (SR: 155.39)
204 – Sunil Narine (SR: 177.39)
201 – Abhishek Sharma (SR: 233.72)
193 – Phil Salt (SR: 175.45)

Impact on KKR’s Innings

The explosive partnership between Narine and Salt piled pressure on the opposition and injected momentum into KKR’s batting lineup. Their aggressive batting laid a solid foundation for the middle order to capitalize on, putting KKR in a commanding position in the match.

Former Pakistan fast bowler Wasim Akram recently shared some interesting insights into the unusual schedule followed by West Indies stars Sunil Narine and Andre Russell during the Indian Premier League (IPL) season. Akram, who previously served as the bowling coach for Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), revealed that Narine and Russell have a unique routine of staying awake all night and sleeping during the day while in India for the IPL.

This peculiar schedule is particularly notable given the significant time difference between India and the West Indies, with India being 9 hours and 30 minutes ahead.

“These guys sleep in the day during IPL and stay up whole night…”

Akram told, “When I was a part of KKR, I would wake up early for breakfast. Sunil Narine came for breakfast with swollen eyes. I asked him, ‘Hey mate! What’s happening?’ I tried for a West Indies accent, but it did not come out that way. It sounded like a British or Aussie accent (laughs).”

“So, yeah, I asked him why he looked tired. He said I haven’t slept. I said what do you mean I haven’t slept. He said I am on West Indies time. I asked him to explain. Sunil said he stays up at night and sleeps in the day. Even Andre Russell, I think he does the same thing. These guys sleep in the day during IPL and stay up whole night,” he added.

Despite their unconventional routine, Narine and Russell have been key players for the KKR franchise. Narine, especially, has been instrumental under the leadership of his former teammate Gautam Gambhir.

Both create impact in the team

In the first seven matches of the IPL season, Narine has showcased his versatility by not only excelling with the ball but also by opening the batting for KKR. He has scored an impressive 286 runs at an average of 40.86 and a strike rate of 176.54, while also picking up 9 wickets with an economy rate of 7.11.

See Also: What RCB’s IPL 2024 playoff chances look like?

Meanwhile, Russell has also made significant contributions with both bat and ball for KKR. In seven games, he has scored 155 runs at an average of 51.67 and a strike rate of 184.52, in addition to claiming 9 wickets. Narine and Russell’s unorthodox approach to their daily schedule hasn’t hindered their performance on the field, as they continue to play pivotal roles for KKR in the IPL.

In a thrilling IPL showdown, Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) suffered a heart-wrenching one-run defeat against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) despite valiant efforts from Will Jacks and Rajat Patidar. The match, held in Kolkata on Sunday, showcased a gripping battle between bat and ball.

Jacks blazed through the pitch, smashing a dynamic half-century, scoring 55 runs off just 32 balls with an impressive display of power hitting. Patidar, too, joined the onslaught, contributing a quickfire 52 runs from just 23 deliveries, including a flurry of boundaries and sixes. However, their heroic efforts fell short as RCB failed to chase down KKR’s imposing target of 223 runs.

Andre Russell plays on point 

Even with a sensational last-over blitz from Karn Sharma, who scored 20 runs off just 7 balls, RCB could only muster a total of 221 all out. KKR’s bowlers, led by Andre Russell with three crucial wickets, along with Sunil Narine and Harshit Rana, proved to be formidable adversaries for the visiting team.

Smallest margin of win for KKR in IPL:
1 run vs RCB at Eden Gardens in 2024
2 runs vs RCB at Sharjah in 2014
2 runs vs PBKS at Abu Dhabi in 2020

Phil Salt creates a mark with his batting 

In the first innings, KKR’s batsmen set the tone with a commanding performance. Opener Phil Salt provided an explosive start, smashing 48 runs off a mere 16 balls, while skipper Shreyas Iyer anchored the innings with a composed half-century, scoring 50 runs off 36 deliveries. Contributions from Ramandeep Singh and Andre Russell propelled KKR’s total to a challenging 222/6.

Despite a commendable effort from RCB’s Cameron Green, who claimed two wickets conceding 35 runs, KKR managed to set a daunting target for their opponents. The match was marked by several key moments, including Salt’s aggressive start, Narine’s dismissal, and Iyer’s crucial fifty. However, it was RCB’s narrow miss in the chase that stole the spotlight, as they fell agonizingly short of KKR’s total, ultimately losing by a solitary run.

See Also: Virat Kohli reacts after dismissal, becomes victim of controversial umpiring, DRS

With this thrilling victory, KKR celebrated a hard-fought win, while RCB was left to rue their missed opportunity in a closely contested encounter.

Gautam Gambhir, mentor of the Knight Riders, praised Sunil Narine‘s remarkable performance in the Indian Premier League (IPL) on social media. Narine, who usually bowls, surprised everyone by scoring his first IPL century in just 49 balls during the match against Rajasthan. Despite his outstanding effort, the Knight Riders couldn’t secure a win as Rajasthan, led by Jos Buttler’s exceptional performance, emerged victorious.

Gambhir shares on social media

Nevertheless, Gambhir remained positive and congratulated Narine with a Shah Rukh Khan-inspired caption. Gambhir is often credited with helping Narine excel as an opening batsman for the Knight Riders.

Narine showcased his batting maturity by aggressively targeting the Rajasthan bowlers throughout the innings. He particularly dominated the off-spinner R Ashwin, hitting 6 sixes and 13 boundaries. Narine’s century makes him only the third player from the Knight Riders to achieve this milestone in the IPL, following Brendon McCullum and Venkatesh Iyer.

Narine shows amazing performance

Currently, Narine is competing with Virat Kohli for the Orange Cap, awarded to the highest run-scorer in the season. With 276 runs in 6 matches at a remarkable strike rate of 187, including a fifty and a century, Narine has been the key player for the Knight Riders this year.

“GG coming back, he gave me the confidence and assurance that I can open the batting and do a good job,” Sunil Narine added.

In addition to his batting prowess, Narine has also been effective with the ball, picking up 7 wickets in 6 matches at an economy rate of 6.88. His success as an opener began under Gambhir’s captaincy in 2017, where he scored 224 runs at a strike rate of 172.30.

See Also: Rashid Khan threatens to pullout of BBL after Australia postpone Afghanistan T20I

However, in recent years, Narine was not utilized as an opener by the Knight Riders. Gambhir’s return to the team as a mentor changed this strategy, leading to Narine’s resurgence as an impactful opening batsman.

Sunil Narine, the talented cricketer from the West Indies, recently expressed his certainty about watching the upcoming T20 World Cup “from home.” However, after his impressive performance against Rajasthan Royals at the Eden Gardens, there seems to be a glimmer of hope for seeing him back in international cricket once again.

“It is what it is but we will have to see what the future holds”

Narine told the broadcaster in a sideline chat after his hundred. In a remarkable display of skill, Narine scored a century off just 49 balls, catching the attention of cricket enthusiasts worldwide. Speaking to Harsha Bhogle after his outstanding innings, Narine hinted at the possibility of returning to international cricket, sparking excitement among fans.

Adding to the speculation, West Indies captain Rovman Powell, who faced Narine’s onslaught during the match against Rajasthan Royals, revealed that he has been actively trying to convince Narine to come out of retirement.

He said, “For the last 12 months, I have been whispering in his ears,” Powell said of Narine, “but he’s blocked out everyone.”

“I’ve asked [Kieron] Pollard, [Dwayne] Bravo, [Nicholas] Pooran. Hopefully, before they select the team, they can crack his skull.”

Powell wants to see Narine

Powell’s efforts indicate a strong desire within the cricketing community to see Narine back on the international stage, showcasing his talents and contributing to his team’s success.

As discussions and speculations continue, cricket fans eagerly await further developments regarding Narine’s potential comeback to international cricket. If successful, it would undoubtedly be a momentous occasion for both Narine and cricket enthusiasts around the world.

See Also: Jos Buttler surpasses Chris Gayle to become second highest centurion in IPL

Sunil Narine’s last appearance for the West Indies dates back to August 2019. However, in November 2023, he surprised fans by announcing his retirement from international cricket. At that time, Narine expressed his intention to focus on playing in franchise cricket, suggesting that his days representing his country were behind him. This decision disappointed many fans who had hoped to see him continue to don the maroon jersey, but Narine seemed determined to pursue a different path in his cricketing career.

The Indian Premier League (IPL) is no stranger to high-octane, edge-of-your-seat cricket matches, but few games have captured the imagination of cricket fans quite like the historic chase by the Rajasthan Royals (RR) during the 2020 IPL season. Not only did they achieve the highest successful run chase in IPL history, but their feat has remained a benchmark for batting excellence. As the IPL 2024 season unfolds, memories of that game remain fresh, especially as high scores continue to thrill fans.

The Game at Eden Gardens

On a humid Tuesday at Eden Gardens, the stage was set for another high-scoring drama. Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), batting first, were propelled by Sunil Narine’s explosive maiden T20 hundred, culminating in a formidable 223-run total. The target was daunting, and the pressure immense, as RR began their chase.

See Also: Watch: Brilliant Buttler completes the chase in style for Rajasthan Royals

Rajasthan Royals’ Chase

The chase began on a shaky note with Jaiswal falling early for a quick 19 off 9 balls. However, the Royals did not let the early setback dampen their spirits. Sanju Samson, after a narrow escape, started hitting boundaries, bringing the chase back on track.

Despite a promising start, RR faced a slump in the middle overs. Narine’s strategic bowling and Chakravarthy’s consecutive wickets caused significant dents in their progress. The scoring rate dipped, and the required runs seemed like a steep climb.

At a critical juncture, Jos Buttler took charge. His experience and calm demeanor were evident as he meticulously built his innings. From being 42 off 33 balls, he accelerated, maintaining a balance between aggression and precision.

The Climax: Final Overs

The final overs were a spectacle of cricketing prowess and nerves of steel. Buttler’s consecutive boundaries in the 18th over turned the game on its head. His duel with Narine was particularly memorable, overcoming Narine’s season-long streak of no boundary concessions.

Fan and Media Reaction

The game was a viral sensation, with clips and memes celebrating Buttler’s performance and the thrilling finish circulating widely across social media platforms. Media outlets hailed it as one of the greatest IPL games ever played.

The IPL 2024 match between Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Rajasthan Royals (RR) at the iconic Eden Gardens witnessed a monumental performance from Sunil Narine. Coming into bat under challenging circumstances, Narine’s scorching century not only propelled KKR’s total but also left fans and critics in awe of his explosive batting.

Early Game Analysis

The match began with KKR batting first after RR’s captain, Sanju Samson, won the toss and opted to field. The decision seemed sound as RR’s bowlers initially managed to restrict KKR’s openers. Phil Salt’s early dismissal set the stage for Narine, who started cautiously but was clearly gearing up for a significant onslaught.

See Also: BCB rope in Pakistani legend as bowling coach ahead of T20 WC 2024

Narine’s Batting Strategy

Narine’s approach against both spin and pace was calculated. Focusing on waiting for the bad ball, he capitalized significantly on anything pitched wrong. His strategy to dominate the spinners, especially targeting Ashwin and Chahal, played a crucial role in accelerating his scoring rate.

Narine’s fifty came off just 29 balls, a fiery innings highlighted by a massive six to bring up his half-century. The first 10 overs were crucial, with Narine and Angkrish Raghuvanshi pushing the score past 100, setting a robust platform for a big total.

Race to the Century

Post the half-century, Narine shifted gears. Each over seemed like a spectacle, with Narine smashing boundaries at will. The climactic moment came when he hit a powerful six over long-off to notch up his century in just 49 balls, sending the crowd into a frenzy.

Narine’s ability to read the bowlers and his impeccable timing were evident throughout his innings. His preference for straight drives and clearing the long-off and long-on boundaries demonstrated his technical prowess and understanding of the field placements.

Boult to Narine, out Bowled!! Knocked him over! It has been a sensational knock from Narine and Boult congratulates him on his way back! A standing ovation for Narine! Narine scored 109(56) [4s-13 6s-6]

IPL hundreds for KKR
158* – Brendon McCullum vs RCB, Bengaluru, 2008
105* – Sunil Narine vs RR, Kolkata, 2024
104 – Venkatesh Iyer vs MI, Mumbai WS, 2023

April 16th, 2013 – Sunil Narine took an IPL Hat-trick.
April 16th, 2024 – Sunil Narine scored IPL Hundred.

Fan and Media Reaction

The social media buzz was immediate, with fans and pundits praising Narine for his record-setting innings. Media coverage highlighted this innings as one of the top performances of IPL 2024.