Former Indian wicketkeeper-batter Dinesh Karthik has made a compelling case for including Varun Chakaravarthy in India's squad for the 2025 Champions Trophy. The seasoned "mystery spinner," who has shown exceptional form since his return to the international T20 scene, recently delivered an outstanding five-wicket haul in the second T20I against South Africa. Karthik believes that India would be missing out on a valuable asset if they overlook Chakaravarthy for this major tournament.

Karthik highlights Chakaravarthy’s remarkable comeback

Dinesh Karthik has been closely following Varun Chakaravarthy’s journey, having played alongside him for both Tamil Nadu and the Kolkata Knight Riders in the IPL. Karthik emphasized the spinner's impressive growth and the vital role he could play in India’s Champions Trophy campaign. Since his return to the national squad in the T20I series against Bangladesh, Chakaravarthy has grabbed attention with his bowling, finishing as a joint-highest wicket-taker in that series.

Reflecting on the journey of the 33-year-old, Karthik took to social media to emphasize the impact Chakaravarthy could make if chosen for the Champions Trophy, stating, "If India don't pick VARUN CHAKRAVARTHY for the Champions Trophy, then they are making a grave error. Outstanding bowler he is turning out to be."

If india don't pick VARUN CHAKRAVARTHY for the Champions Trophy , then they are making a grave error

Outstanding Bowler he is turning out to be #INDvSA #CricketTwitter #Cricket

— DK (@DineshKarthik) November 10, 2024

Chakaravarthy’s five-for against South Africa strengthen his case

In the recent T20I match against South Africa at St George's Park, Chakaravarthy exhibited his ability to deliver under pressure, claiming five wickets for just 17 runs. Despite India's struggles with the bat, where they managed a modest total of 124/6, Chakaravarthy’s remarkable spell nearly swung the game in India’s favor. His introduction in the sixth over dismantled South Africa's batting order, with the Proteas losing wickets consistently.

Ultimately, Chakaravarthy’s stellar performance couldn’t prevent India from a narrow defeat, as South Africa chased down the target with three wickets remaining, thanks to an impressive 42-run eighth-wicket partnership between Tristan Stubbs (47*) and Gerald Coetzee (19*). Chakaravarthy’s impact, however, underscored his value as a game-changer, reinforcing Karthik’s call for his inclusion in the Champions Trophy squad.

See Also: ICC Champions Trophy 2025: PCB reportedly wants clarification from ICC about BCCI's decision

Karthik's plea on behalf of Chakaravarthy reflects a belief in his unique skill set and the balance he could bring to India’s bowling attack. Given his ability to adapt to various conditions and his knack for taking wickets in the middle overs, Chakaravarthy could be an asset to India's Champions Trophy aspirations. Karthik’s endorsement further positions the spinner as a potential X-factor for India, particularly in high-stakes matches.

In an intense second T20I showdown, South Africa edged past India to level the series, thanks to a stellar finish by Tristan Stubbs, who single-handedly carried his side to victory. India's Varun Chakaravarthy was the star with the ball, claiming a brilliant five-wicket haul, but his efforts went in vain as India's pace attack faltered at the death. Sent into bat by South African skipper Aiden Markram under cloudy skies, India struggled to find momentum. Early breakthroughs by Marco Jansen and Gerald Coetzee sent shockwaves through India’s top order, with Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma departing cheaply. Despite Hardik Pandya's resilient 39* off 45 balls and brief support from Tilak Varma and Axar Patel, India could only muster a modest 124/8.

In response, South Africa's chase began with a quick 22-run stand between Reeza Hendricks and Ryan Rickelton before Arshdeep Singh provided India with a breakthrough. Chakaravarthy then spun his web, decimating South Africa's top order and recording his career-best figures of 5/17. However, as the match neared its conclusion, Gerald Coetzee's quickfire cameo (19 off 9) set the stage for Stubbs, the local hero, to seal the game. With unwavering composure, Stubbs scored an unbeaten 47 off 41 balls, guiding South Africa home with an over to spare and giving the home crowd a reason to celebrate. Despite India’s valiant efforts, particularly from Chakaravarthy, the Proteas emerged victorious in this gripping encounter.

See Also: Varun Chakravarthy's Consistent Form Shines Again in South Africa

Breaking Down Varun Chakaravarthy's Mastery on Stump-Focused Deliveries

In a thrilling second T20I against South Africa, Varun Chakaravarthy emerged as India’s standout bowler, displaying impeccable precision and control. Concentrating 58% of his deliveries on the stumps, Varun relentlessly attacked the batters, forcing them into constant defense and eventually breaking through their lineup. His bowling spell of 4 overs was a masterclass in spin bowling, where his consistent stump-focused approach made it difficult for the South African batters to score freely.

Each over in Varun’s spell demonstrated his tactical bowling and his ability to adapt to the game’s demands. He started with an economical first over, conceding only 1 run, setting the tone for a controlled spell. Although his second and third overs were slightly more expensive, conceding 7 and 8 runs respectively, Varun's wicket-taking ability kept South Africa under pressure. He returned in his final over with another low-scoring performance, conceding only 1 run, showcasing his ability to adjust and finish strong.

Varun’s impact on the South African batting order was immense, as seen in his remarkable stats. He bowled 54% of his deliveries as dot balls, putting a stranglehold on the scoring rate. This pressure led to five crucial wickets, with Varun achieving a fantastic economy rate of 4.5, the lowest among Indian bowlers in the match. His ability to maintain pressure through dots and breakthroughs played a pivotal role in containing the South African batters, despite India's eventual loss.

The pitch map analysis of Varun's deliveries further highlights his skill in targeting key areas. He delivered a mix of variations, with his deliveries primarily around the stumps, as seen by the cluster of dots and wickets on the map. The pitch map also shows his effectiveness in conceding minimal boundaries, as indicated by the sparse presence of runs scored off him. His disciplined line and length forced errors, resulting in the multiple wickets that brought India back into the game during crucial phases.

Despite India falling short in the final moments, Varun Chakaravarthy’s spell was a major highlight of the game, showcasing his immense value as a spinner. His ability to execute a stump-focused strategy and maintain a consistent economy rate while taking wickets reflects his potential to be a game-changer for India in T20 cricket. Although the match ended in South Africa’s favor, Varun’s performance will be remembered as a brave and skilled effort that nearly turned the tide for his team.

See Also: Sanju Samson's brilliant century propels India in T20 series against South Africa

Varun Chakravarthy’s impressive form in T20s for India continues to soar, with his performance peaking at the perfect time in the series against South Africa. In the first T20, Chakravarthy played a pivotal role, claiming 3 crucial wickets to complement Sanju Samson's commanding century. His disciplined bowling restricted South Africa's scoring, creating pressure that ultimately led to their downfall. With an economy rate of just 6.12 and a high dot-ball percentage of 47.9% across his last four T20 innings, Chakravarthy has been instrumental in breaking partnerships and slowing down the opposition’s momentum. His consistency is evident in his strike rate of 12.0 and bowling average of 12.2, making him one of India's key assets in the format.

In this match, Chakravarthy’s 3/25 showcased his skill in exploiting South Africa's weaknesses and maintaining control in crucial overs. His ability to consistently hit the right lengths and vary his pace made it difficult for South African batters to score freely. Alongside Samson’s spectacular century, Chakravarthy’s bowling contribution was equally significant in securing India’s 61-run victory. As his form peaks in T20s, India’s spin attack looks increasingly potent, with Chakravarthy proving to be a consistent match-winner. 

See Also: Sanju Samson's brilliant century propels India in T20 series against South Africa

Varun Chakravarty's 3 for 25 Analysis 

Varun Chakravarthy delivered a spellbinding performance in the first T20I against South Africa, finishing with figures of 3/25. His economy rate of 6.25 was a testament to his control and accuracy, especially in a format where containment is challenging. Chakravarthy’s pitch map analysis reveals his calculated approach, targeting a good length area around the stumps. His deceptive variations and tight line left South African batters struggling to find gaps, resulting in multiple dot balls that built pressure on the opposition.

The pitch map indicates that Chakravarthy consistently bowled in the "good" length region, with several deliveries landing just outside off-stump. This area, often difficult for batters to attack with power, proved effective as he forced them into defensive strokes or mistimed shots. The grey dots on the map, representing dot balls, show how he controlled the flow of runs by denying easy scoring opportunities. His ability to bowl tight lines repeatedly kept South Africa’s batters on edge, waiting for a loose delivery that rarely came.

Chakravarthy’s red dots on the map, indicating wicket-taking deliveries, show his knack for striking when it mattered most. These wickets weren’t just random breakthroughs but were the result of sustained pressure, as the batters eventually tried to break free. His mix of subtle variations — from slower balls to quicker, skiddier deliveries — forced the South African batsmen to take risks, leading to their dismissals. Chakravarthy’s wickets came at crucial moments, breaking partnerships and derailing South Africa's chase.

Another highlight of Chakravarthy’s spell was his disciplined length variation. The pitch map shows minimal back-of-length or full-toss deliveries, indicating his precise control over length. By focusing on the "good" length, he made it harder for South African batters to settle, as they couldn't anticipate whether the ball would turn or skid straight. This control allowed Chakravarthy to maintain a high dot-ball percentage and apply constant pressure, a critical factor in T20 cricket where every dot ball counts.

Overall, Varun Chakravarthy’s spell was a perfect example of strategic bowling in the T20 format. By sticking to his plans, targeting the right lengths, and using variations at the right times, he effectively neutralized South Africa's batting lineup. His pitch map analysis highlights a masterclass in T20 bowling, where discipline, consistency, and smart variations proved as valuable as raw pace or extravagant turn. This performance not only helped India secure a solid victory but also reinforced Chakravarthy’s reputation as a key weapon in their bowling arsenal.

See Also: What factors led to India's first-ever home series whitewash by New Zealand?

India’s wrist spinner Varun Chakravarthy made a stellar return to international cricket after nearly three years, playing a pivotal role in India’s dominance over Bangladesh in the first T20I at the New Madhavrao Scindia Cricket Stadium, Gwalior. Chakravarthy's spell of 3/31 helped dismantle the Bangladesh middle-order, marking his best figures in T20Is as India restricted the visitors to 127 in 19.5 overs.

Chakravarthy's comeback magic

Returning to the national team after two years and 11 months, Varun Chakravarthy displayed his class and variation, making an immediate impact despite a shaky start. Brought into the attack in the fifth over, Chakravarthy nearly got his first wicket when Towhid Hridoy mis-hit a shot to square leg. Unfortunately, debutant Nitish Kumar Reddy dropped the chance, and the ball raced to the boundary. Hridoy capitalized on the missed opportunity, hitting another boundary off the next delivery. To make matters worse, Bangladesh skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto smashed Chakravarthy for a six off the final ball, resulting in a 15-run over for the spinner.

However, the 33-year-old bounced back brilliantly in his second over. He dismissed Hridoy (12 off 18) as the batter holed out to long-on, giving Chakravarthy his first wicket. He continued to torment Bangladesh’s middle-order, deceiving Jaker Ali with a sharp googly, which uprooted the stumps in his third over. Chakravarthy’s relentless variations kept the Bangladesh batters in check, and in his final over, he dismissed Rishad Hossain (11 off 5), who miscued a shot to Hardik Pandya at deep mid-wicket. Chakravarthy's efforts were instrumental in India’s grip over the match, finishing with impressive figures of 3/31.

Varun Chakravarthy finishes with a three-wicket haul in his comeback match! 💪

Second catch for Hardik Pandya 🙌

Live - https://t.co/Q8cyP5jXLe#TeamIndia | #INDvBAN | @IDFCFIRSTBank pic.twitter.com/3CxbO56Z4Z

— BCCI (@BCCI) October 6, 2024

Debutant Mayank yadav impresses

In addition to Chakravarthy’s heroics, debutant fast bowler Mayank Yadav also had a memorable outing. Yadav started his international career in fine fashion by bowling a maiden over, becoming the third Indian cricketer after Ajit Agarkar and Arshdeep Singh to begin a T20I career with a maiden. The young pacer didn’t stop there and claimed his first international wicket in his second over, dismissing the experienced Mahmudullah (1 off 2). His disciplined bowling played a crucial role in India’s efforts to keep Bangladesh on the back foot.

Yadav’s composed performance, alongside Arshdeep Singh’s brilliant spell of 3/14, ensured that Bangladesh could never recover from early setbacks, and the visitors were bowled out for 127 with just one ball remaining in their innings.

See Also: Women's T20 World Cup 2024: India edge past Pakistan in close chase

Bangladesh's innings came to a close at 127 in 19.5 overs. Mehidy Hasan Miraz was the top scorer for Bangladesh with 35 runs, but their batting lineup crumbled against India’s disciplined bowling attack. Arshdeep Singh and Varun Chakravarthy shared six wickets between them, with Mayank Yadav and Washington Sundar also chipping in with crucial breakthroughs. India will now look to chase down the target of 128 in 20 overs to take a 1-0 lead in the series.

After a triumphant 2024 T20 World Cup, the Indian Cricket team is now focusing on its future prospects. With the retirement of leading players Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli and Ravindra Jadeja from the T20I format, the management is keen to test the new and emerging talent that has evolved from the IPL.

The upcoming Zimbabwe tour, a crucial series in the team’s rebuilding phase, is a significant opportunity for these players to prove their calibre and make a mark in the future of the Indian team. While a few players have been exceptional in the recent IPL stint, they haven’t made it to the tour squad. Here’s a list of the five deserving IPL performers who should have sealed a spot in the upcoming Zimbabwe tour.

1. T Natarajan

T Natarajan has been a vital pacer for the Sunrisers Hyderabad for a long time. His ability to bowl consecutive unplayable yorkers and quick speed deliveries have been instrumental in the Orange Army’s path of success. Natarajan was introduced to the world of International cricket during the 2021 India tour of Australia series. He was a part of all the formats and scalped crucial wickets for the team.

But, with regular injuries, he couldn’t get another International call. His 2024 IPL performance includes scalping 19 wickets in 14 encounters, making him SRH’s highest wicket-taker. As it implies, T Natarajan’s name not available in the upcoming tour has been a surprise for many, with a hope to find him in the upcoming tours.

2. Shashank Singh

Shashank Singh was the buzz of the town during the IPL 2024. He had a terrible experience after the IPL auction, as the Punjab Kings claimed they had signed the player by mistake. Shashank batted in the middle order and scored 354 runs in 14 matches, with a strike rate of 164.25. Despite playing a pivotal role in Punjab’s victories, the 32-year-old was left out of India’s selection for the forthcoming series against Zimbabwe.

This startled many fans, especially following his crucial and heroic efforts in leading the Punjab Kings to triumphs, including the most successful run-chase against the Kolkata Knight Riders. With his current recognition, seeing him compete on the local circuit and potentially earn his maiden international call in the coming days would be intriguing.

3. Tilak Varma

Tilak Varma was one of Mumbai Indians’ most dependable hitters in times of need and adversity. The left-handed hitter scored 416 runs with an average of 42 and a strike rate of 150. Varma emerged as one of the most appropriate names for the middle order.

Due to injury, Varma missed Mumbai’s final match of the season against the Lucknow Super Giants, but there’s no reason he wasn’t picked for this series. He began his international career with the West Indies tour and has played an essential part in bolstering the team’s batting order, with many hoping that he will turn the tables and change the course of the team’s middle-order batting.

Also Read: Team India honored by PM Modi for T20 World Cup 2024 triumph

4. Varun Chakravarthy

Varun Chakravarthy had a great run in the recently finished IPL season. As a member of the winning Kolkata Knight Riders’ third title trail, his moniker “Mystery Spinner” has aided the three-time champions in boosting their spin attack, which Sunil Narine, the spinmeister, leads.

He took 21 wickets in 15 matches and finished second in the edition’s wicket-taker standings. He last played a T20I for the country in 2021. Still, his improved performance has made him a deserving candidate for a position on the next Zimbabwe trip, especially given the team’s ambitions to have a solid spinner.

5. Rajat Patidar

Rajat Patidar has made a commendable comeback through the 2024 IPL. After getting recognition for hitting a game-changing century against the Lucknow Supergiants in the eliminator of the 2022 edition, many expected him to be the next big thing in India.

However, a significant injury hindered his game, which led him to get ruled out of the 2023 edition. His performance in the 2024 edition didn’t comprise high scores. But his swashbuckling approach has helped in obtaining crucial runs for the team. He has scored 395 runs in 15 matches in 2024, with an average of 30.38 and a 177.13 strike rate.

Get ready for another exhilarating season of cricket as the Tamil Nadu Premier League (TNPL) returns for its 2024 edition, kicking off on Friday, July 5. Just like last year, eight dynamic teams will battle it out for the coveted TNPL trophy, promising fans a summer filled with high-octane action, nail-biting finishes, and exceptional cricketing talent.

History of TNPL

The TNPL, established in 2016, has rapidly grown into one of India’s premier T20 leagues. It has provided a platform for local talent to shine and has been instrumental in discovering future stars for Indian cricket. Over the years, the league has seen fierce competition, with teams like Chepauk Super Gillies and Lyca Kovai Kings emerging as dominant forces.

See Also: T20 World Cup winning team members to be honored in Maharashtra State Assembly

Teams and Players to watch

The 2024 edition features eight teams, each packed with talent and ready to make their mark. Key players to watch include Sai Sudharsan, Shahrukh Khan, Baba Aparajith, N Jagadeesan, Ravichandran Ashwin, Varun Chakravarthy, Sandeep Warrier, Vijay Shankar, T Natarajan, Sai Kishore, and Baba Indrajith. These stars are expected to light up the tournament with their skills and performances.

Kickoff Match: Lyca Kovai Kings vs. Chepauk Super Gillies

The tournament will kick off with a thrilling match between the defending champions Lyca Kovai Kings and the formidable Chepauk Super Gillies at the SCF Cricket Ground in Salem. This opening clash promises to set the tone for the rest of the tournament, with key players from both sides looking to make a strong start.

Venue Details

SCF Cricket Ground, Salem

A picturesque venue known for its lively atmosphere and excellent pitch conditions, making it a favorite among players and fans alike.

SBR College Cricket Ground, Coimbatore

A relatively new venue but quickly gaining a reputation for high-scoring games and passionate local support.

Indian Cement Company Ground, Tirunelveli

A historic ground that has hosted numerous memorable matches, known for its challenging pitch and vibrant crowd.

NPR College Ground, Dindigul

Renowned for its excellent facilities and a track that offers something for both batsmen and bowlers.

MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai

One of India’s iconic cricket stadiums, famous for its electric atmosphere and being a fortress for the home teams.

Tournament format

The TNPL 2024 will follow a single round-robin format, with each team facing every other team once. This ensures a total of 28 league stage matches, keeping fans on the edge of their seats. The top four teams will then progress to the playoffs, adopting a format similar to the IPL:

Qualifier 1

The top two teams face off, with the winner earning a direct ticket to the Final.

Eliminator

The third and fourth-placed teams battle it out, with the winner moving on to play the loser of Qualifier 1 in Qualifier 2.

Qualifier 2

The winner of the Eliminator takes on the loser of Qualifier 1, with the victor advancing to the Final.

Final

The ultimate showdown where the winners of Qualifier 1 and Qualifier 2 compete for the TNPL 2024 title.

Schedule and Key dates

The league stage runs from July 5 to July 16, across five venues. The Quarter Finals and Eliminator will be played on July 30 and 31 in Dindigul, while the final stages, including Quarter Final 2 and the grand finale, will be hosted at the MA Chidambaram Stadium on August 2 and 4.

Double headers

Seven double-headers are scheduled throughout the league stage, with afternoon matches starting at 3:15 pm IST and evening encounters commencing at 7:15 pm IST. This format not only maximizes viewership but also adds to the excitement and intensity of the competition.

Introduction of DRS

For the first time in TNPL history, umpires will have access to the Decision Review System (DRS) for all matches. However, the DRS cannot be used to overturn no-ball or wide calls, ensuring that the system complements the on-field umpires without undermining their authority.

Broadcast and Live Streaming details

All matches will be streamed live on the FanCode app and website. However, none of the games will be broadcast on TV.

Tamil Nadu Premier League 2024: Full schedule

• Match 1: July 5, Lyca Kovai Kings vs Chepauk Super Gillies, 7:15 pm, Salem
• Match 2: July 6, Dindigul Dragons vs Trichy Grand Cholas, 3:15 pm, Salem
• Match 3: July 6, Salem Spartans vs Siechem Madurai Panthers, 7:15 pm, Salem
• Match 4: July 7, Nellai Royal Kings vs Chepauk Super Gillies, 3:15 pm, Salem
• Match 5: July 7, Lyca Kovai Kings vs IDream Tiruppur Tamizhans, 7:15 pm, Salem
• Match 6: July 8, Dindigul Dragons vs Salem Spartans, 7:15 pm, Salem
• Match 7: July 9, Siechem Madurai Panthers vs Trichy Grand Cholas, 7:15 pm, Salem
• Match 8: July 10, Chepauk Super Gillies vs IDream Tiruppur Tamizhans, 7:15 pm, Salem
• Match 9: July 11, Nellai Royal Kings vs Salem Spartans, 7:15 pm, Salem
• Match 10: July 13, Siechem Madurai Panthers vs IDream Tiruppur Tamizhans, 3:15 pm, Coimbatore
• Match 11: July 13, Lyca Kovai Kings vs Nellai Royal Kings, 7:15 pm, Coimbatore
• Match 12: July 14, Salem Spartans vs Trichy Grand Cholas, 3:15 pm, Coimbatore
• Match 13: July 14, Chepauk Super Gillies vs Dindigul Dragons, 7:15 pm, Coimbatore
• Match 14: July 15, Siechem Madurai Panthers vs Nellai Royal Kings, 7:15 pm, Coimbatore
• Match 15: July 16, Trichy Grand Cholas vs Lyca Kovai Kings, 7:15 pm, Coimbatore
• Match 16: July 17, IDream Tiruppur Tamizhans vs Dindigul Dragons, 7:15 pm, Coimbatore
• Match 17: July 18, Salem Spartans vs Chepauk Super Gillies, 7:15 pm, Coimbatore
• Match 18: July 20, Trichy Grand Cholas vs Nellai Royal Kings, 7:15 pm, Tirunelveli
• Match 19: July 21, Dindigul Dragons vs Lyca Kovai Kings, 3:15 pm, Tirunelveli
• Match 20: July 21, IDream Tiruppur Tamizhans vs Salem Spartans, 7:15 pm, Tirunelveli
• Match 21: July 22, Trichy Grand Cholas vs Chepauk Super Gillies, 7:15 pm, Tirunelveli
• Match 22: July 23, Siechem Madurai Panthers vs Lyca Kovai Kings, 7:15 pm, Tirunelveli
• Match 23: July 24, Nellai Royal Kings vs IDream Tiruppur Tamizhans, 7:15 pm, Tirunelveli
• Match 24: July 26, Dindigul Dragons vs Siechem Madurai Panthers, 7:15 pm, Dindigul
• Match 25: July 27, Salem Spartans vs Lyca Kovai Kings, 3:15 pm, Dindigul
• Match 26: July 27, IDream Tiruppur Tamizhans vs Trichy Grand Cholas, 7:15 pm, Dindigul
• Match 27: July 28, Chepauk Super Gillies vs Siechem Madurai Panthers, 3:15 pm, Dindigul
• Match 28: July 28, Nellai Royal Kings vs Dindigul Dragons, 7:15 pm, Dindigul
• Match 29: July 30, Qualifier 1, 7:15 pm, Dindigul
• Match 30: July 31, Eliminator, 7:15 pm, Dindigul
• Match 31: August 2, Qualifier 2, 7:15 pm, Chennai
• Match 32: August 4, Final, 7:15 pm, Chennai

TNPL 2024: Squads of all 8 teams

Chepauk Super Gillies: Aparajith B, Arunachalam V, Ayyappan B, Narayan Jagadeesan, Jitendra Kumar CH, Lokesh Raj TD, Madankumar S, Pradosh Ranjan Paul, Rahil S Shah, Sibi R, Silambarasan M, Daryl S Ferrario, Periyasamy G, Aswin Christ A, Abhishek Tanwar, Satish R, Shajahan M , Surya B, Santhosh Kumar D, Andre Siddharth C.

Dindigul Dragons: Affan Khader M, Ravichandran Ashwin, Boopathi, Vaishnav Kumar, Diran VP, Indrajith B, Kishore G, Sarath Kumar C, Shivam Singh, Subodh Kumar Bhati, Varun CV, Vignesh P, Vimal Khumar R, Sandeep Warrier, Rocky B, Rohan Raju, Om Nithin K, Ilaiyaraja P, Ashik K.

IDream Tiruppur Tamizhans: Ajith Ram S, Anirudh Sita Ram, Buvaneshwaran P, Ganesh S, Karuppusamy A, Manikandan S, Mohammed Ali S, Radhakrishnan S, Tushar Raheja, Vijay Shankar, Sai Kishore R, Thangarasu Natarajan, Maan K Bafna, Anovankar, Ram Kumar, Jeevanantham, Amit Sathvik, Karthik Saran, Rohit R, Madhivanan M

Lyca Kovai Kings: Atheeq ur Rahman MA, Divakar R, Gowtham Thamarai Kannan K, Hemcharan P, Jhathavedh Subramanyan, Mohammed M, Mugilesh U, Om Prakash KM, Ram Arvindh R, Sachin B, Sai Sudharsan B, Shahrukh Khan M, Siddharth M, Sujay S, Suresh Kumar J, Vidyuth P, Yudheeswaran V, Manish GR, Vignesh GV, Meeran Rahil Rahman.

Nellai Royal Kings: Ajithesh G, Arun Karthik KB, Arun Kumar SJ, Emmanuel Cheriyan B, Harish NS, Kabilan N, Lakshay Jain S, Mohan Prasath S, Nidhish S Rajagopal, Rithik Eswaran S, Rohan J, Sonu Yadav R, Sugendhiran P, Suryaprakash L, Mokit Hariharan .S, Gohulmoorthi S, Gowtham V, Abhilash AV, Kirubakaran R, Silambarasan R.

Salem Spartans: Abhishiek S, Ganesh Moorthi M, Guru Sayee S, Jaganath Sinivas RS, Kavin R, Mohammed Adnan Khan, Sachin Rathi, Selvakumaran N, Sunny Sandhu, Vivek R, Harish Kumar S, Aushiq Srinivas R, Robin Singh Bist, Shijit Chandran P, Vishal Vaidhya K, Poiyamozhi M, Rajan R, Yazh Arun Mozhi, Tarun Kumar V, Sudhan Sanjeevi Kandepan.

Siechem Madurai Panthers: Aditya V, Ajay K Krishnan, Ashwin M, Ayush M, Gurjapneet Singh, Hari Nishaanth C, Kousik J, Lokeshwar S, Rahul D, Saravanan P, Sri Abisek AS, Swapnil K Singh, Washington Sundar MS, Chatruvedh NS, Sasidev. U, Alexander R, Kiran Akash, Ajay Chetan J, Karthik Manikandan VS, Akram Khan M.

Trichy Grand Cholas (Ba11sy Trichy): Anthony Das, Adithyaraj Davidson, Eswaran K, Francis Rokins, Ganga Sridhar Raju V, Godson G, Jafar Jamal, Mani Bharathi K, Raj Kumar K, Raj Kumar R, Vinod SP, Saravanakumar P, Vignesh K, Sanjay Yadav R, Nirmal Kumar P, Shyam Sundar, Mohammed Ashik, Arjun P Murthy, Arya Yohan Menon, Rajin J.

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.

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.