As per growing speculation, Mumbai's Ranji Trophy captain Ajinkya Rahane has emerged as a potential candidate to lead the KKR franchise in the IPL 2025 season. The 36-year-old was omitted from the leadership position from his domestic Mumbai side in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. 

However, given his experience at the highest level, Rahane's leadership capabilities are still held in high regard.

See also: Suryakumar Yadav ready to play in SMAT and Vijay Hazare Trophy

Speculation around Rahane leading the Kolkata Knight Riders

Rahane was bought by the KKR for an impressive amount of Rs 1.5 crore in the Jeddah mega-auction. From what we understand from a source in TOI, Rahane is being considered over Venkatesh Iyer as a viable captaincy candidate for the three-time IPL champions. 

"Yes, at the moment it's 90% confirmed that Ajinkya will be the new KKR captain. He was bought by KKR specifically for the purpose of being a viable captaincy option."

If this development becomes a reality, then it would surely be seen as a surprising move from the Shahrukh Khan-owned KKR since the franchise was vying to appoint the all-rounder Venkatesh Iyer as a captain initially who was bought for a whopping Rs 23.75 crore in the mega auction.

Rahane was previously removed as the Mumbai captain in the ongoing Syed Mushtaq Ali tournament as the MCA preferred to have the in-form Shreyas Iyer for the job instead. However, it will be an ironic turnaround for Rahane if he becomes the captain of KKR, and while doing so he will replace Shreyas in the process who led the Kolkata-based outfit to the title last year. 

Rahane is no longer a part of the Indian setup across formats but under his leadership, the national side went on to achieve some significant milestones that are still etched in the chapters of India's glorious cricket history. 

The IPL 2025 Mega Auction, held in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, on November 24 and 25, witnessed historic bidding wars, but none more dramatic than Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) shelling out a jaw-dropping ₹23.75 crore for Venkatesh Iyer. Known for his explosive batting and ability to turn games single-handedly, Iyer became the most sought-after player in the auction. The 30-year-old all-rounder, despite inconsistent performances with the ball, has carved a niche as a game-changer at the top of the order. His ability to dominate powerplays, deliver momentum-shifting knocks, and occasional handy medium-pace bowling made him a prized asset. For KKR, who have long searched for a marquee Indian all-rounder to anchor their squad, Iyer’s versatility and impact potential justified the massive investment.

KKR’s strategy revolved around building a dynamic squad, and Iyer fit perfectly into their plans. His stellar performances in recent seasons, combined with his match-winning ability under pressure, made him irreplaceable. While his bowling hasn’t been as reliable, his knack for delivering with the bat in critical moments stood out. Additionally, Iyer’s fielding prowess and leadership potential added to his appeal. The franchise is banking on his experience and hunger to evolve as a player to spearhead their campaign for the coveted IPL trophy. As KKR fans celebrated the acquisition, the spotlight is now on Iyer to live up to the expectations and deliver on his massive price tag.

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Breakdown of Venkatesh Iyer's price tag in IPL 2025 Mega Auction 

Venkatesh Iyer’s IPL journey has been a roller-coaster ride since his debut in 2021, marked by bursts of brilliance and phases of inconsistency. In his maiden season, he took the league by storm, scoring 370 runs at an impressive strike rate of 128.5, with four fifties to his name. His ability to dominate the powerplay and finish innings with aggression made him an instant sensation. However, his performance dipped significantly in 2022, managing just 182 runs across 12 innings at a meager average of 16.5 and a strike rate of 107.7, which raised questions about his consistency and adaptability against quality bowling attacks.

The 2023 season saw a resurgence, with Iyer amassing 404 runs, including his maiden IPL century, at an excellent strike rate of 145.8. His ability to clear the ropes and rotate the strike improved, as reflected in his reduced dot-ball percentage of 32.5%. Despite his efforts, the pressure to deliver consistently remained, as he averaged 28.9 across 14 innings. In 2024, Iyer showcased his best version yet, scoring 370 runs in 13 innings at a career-high strike rate of 158.8 and a solid average of 46.2. His aggressive approach in the middle overs and ability to accelerate in the death overs made him a standout performer for his team.

Strategy behind the gamlble by KKR

While Iyer’s batting prowess and explosive potential are undeniable, his inconsistency across seasons raises concerns. His bowling, which once offered a secondary dimension, has been unreliable, leaving him as a specialist batter for most of his IPL career. Furthermore, Iyer lacks a proven track record as a captain or leader, which significantly limits his overall value in the auction. Leadership potential often plays a key role in commanding sky-high bids, as seen with players like MS Dhoni or Hardik Pandya, but Iyer has yet to demonstrate the qualities required to lead a side effectively.

KKR’s massive ₹23.75 crore investment in Iyer in the 2025 auction seems disproportionate given his current skill set and past performances. While he undoubtedly deserved a high bid, an amount between ₹12 to ₹13 crore would have been a more reasonable valuation based on his explosive batting and occasional bowling contributions. The staggering price tag not only heaps immense pressure on Iyer to deliver consistently but also limits the franchise’s ability to invest in other key areas of the squad.

For KKR, the challenge lies in ensuring that Iyer lives up to these lofty expectations. While he has the potential to justify their faith, it is a gamble that comes with significant risk. The ₹23.75 crore tag comes with a weight of responsibility, and for Iyer, this is an opportunity to silence critics and establish himself as one of the IPL’s most impactful players. Whether he rises to the occasion remains to be seen, but for now, the onus is on him to prove he is worth every penny.

See Also: Temba Bavuma's mixed battle against Sri Lanka's bowling Attack: A tale of grit and adaptability

The 2025 IPL Mega Auction ended in Jeddah on November 24th and 25th. While all the teams moved on to rebuild their respective squads, they purchased several players for colossal sums of money. Following a tremendous two-day event that saw 577 participants go under the hammer, teams with increased player purses of INR 120 Crores made competent choices and built their squads to cater for their next three years' prospects.

But, certain purchases have resulted in the franchise breaking the bank to obtain its playability. However, these offers have left many wondering whether the price tag they provided is justified. That said, here are the top five pricey bids from the recent 2025 IPL Mega Auction.

Venkatesh Iyer- INR 23.75 Crores (Kolkata Knight Riders)

Kolkata Knight Riders spent a big bank on Venkatesh Iyer. The reigning champions repurchased their ace southpaw for a hefty INR 23.75 crore, making him the most expensive allrounder being acquired. Fans were taken aback when the Kolkata outfits agreed to pay Iyer such a high price. His paycheque last season was a decent INR 8 crores, which has increased significantly through the recently concluded 2025 IPL Mega Auction.

While it was understandable for KKR to repurchase a top-order batter from their title-winning side, the sum paid for Venky Iyer seemed to be exorbitant. In his IPL stint of 50 matches, he has made 1326 runs, averaging over 32 and scalped three wickets.

Jitesh Sharma- INR 11 Crores (Royal Challengers Bengaluru)

The Royal Challengers Bengaluru purchased Jitesh Sharma at the recent Mega Auction. But the keeper could see himself being sold for a large sum, which was a shock for many. Given his decline in performance since last season, it was a surprise when RCB signed him for a whopping INR 11 crores. Several fans and reviewers have expressed reservations about Jitesh's high price.

However, given the franchise's new ideals and game plan of developing young players, Jitesh Sharma will likely be a worthwhile investment as a long-term wicketkeeper. However, it sparks much debate among fans and critics about whether the price tag is justified. He has scored 730 runs in 40 matches, with a fantastic strike rate of 151.14. 

Jofra Archer- INR 12.5 Crores (Rajasthan Royals)

Jofra Archer had a reunion stint in the IPL 2025 Mega Auction. The English speedster was initially excluded from the auction, but a few days before, he obtained his NOC (No Objection Certificate) and registered his name. At the auction, Rajasthan Royals purchased him for 12.5 crores. Archer has had several injuries throughout the years, and he could never produce some crucial spells for the Mumbai Indians. 

But now that RR has spent so much money on the ace speedster, it would be interesting to see the Englishman's homecoming performance. In 35 IPL appearances, he has taken 46 wickets at an economy rate of 7.13.

See Also: IPL 2025: Top 5 Most Expensive Players from the 2025 IPL Mega Auction

Noor Ahmad- INR 10 Crores (Chennai Super Kings)

Noor Ahmad made his IPL debut for the Gujarat Titans in 2023 and was an instant success, taking 16 wickets in 13 games. Though his form slipped the previous season, he took just ten wickets in 10 games. And at the IPL 2025 Mega Auction, the Chennai Super Kings signed him for a whopping ten crores, representing a 3233% salary increase. Interestingly, GT was on a basic salary of 30 lakhs.

Given Noor Ahmad's just a mere few appearances for his national team, the new price tag appears to be far too much. Interestingly, in IPL 2021, he was a nets bowler for CSK, which might be the key reason for having him onboard to the yellow side. In 23 IPL matches, he has taken 24 wickets at an economy rate of eight.

Josh Hazlewood- INR 12.5 Crores (Royal Challengers Bengaluru)

The Australian quickie, Josh Hazlewood, has had a reasonably strong position in the IPL, though he might not be the ideal pacemaker in the shortest format overseas. The Royal Challengers Bengaluru have repurchased him for Rs 12.5 crore. Having already contributed to RCB's successful 2021 season, Hazlewood is expected to spearhead their speed assault again.

His demonstrated ability to generate bounce and movement will considerably improve RCB's fast bowling department. However, his lack of familiarity and poor stats might hurt the team's bowling mix, exposing it to be too expensive. His IPL record consists of him playing only 12 matches and scalping 12 wickets at an economy of 7.93.

The 2025 IPL Mega Auction has kept several cricket fanatics and critics on the hook, as it dealt with cash-rich bids under the hammer and impeccable campaigners who will be a part of different or their old and homely franchises. As the Mega Auction notion suggests, almost every side has gone for a significant restructuring, whether going for a new captain or parting ways with their reliable bowling duo; it has shown it all.

However, the recent Mega Auction saw a colossal amount of bucks spent on several promising contenders. As expected, this time, we know a list comprising sole domestic players who have made a mark to the most expensive players for the forthcoming tournament, highlighting their robust calibre in offer for the respective franchises. That said, here's the list of the top five most expensive bids from the 2025 IPL Mega Auction. 

Rishabh Pant- INR 27 Crores (Lucknow Super Giants)

Rishabh Pant became the most expensive player in IPL history when the Lucknow Super Giants signed him for a staggering INR 27 crore. Lucknow emerged victorious in a tough bidding battle against clubs such as Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Sunrisers Hyderabad, and Delhi Capitals, with the latter wanting to recover their former skipper. 

As the Super Giants released their first and reliable captain, KL Rahul, it was clear that the arsenal would go all out to capture the dashing left-handed wicketkeeper. A strong batsman with an IPL stats of 3,284 runs in 111 matches and a strike rate of 148.93 helps to add tremendous value to Lucknow's squad, which might potentially fill the wicketkeeping and, more importantly, their captaincy deficit.  

Shreyas Iyer- INR 26.75 Crores (Punjab Kings)

Shreyas Iyer, who guided the Kolkata Knight Riders to their third IPL title in 2024, was signed by the Punjab Super Kings for an enormous INR 26.75 crore. The fierce bidding saw Punjab, Delhi Capitals, and Kolkata compete, with Punjab eventually outlasting the others. Iyer broke Mitchell Starc's IPL 2024 record for the highest-paid player, but Pant topped him shortly after.

With the Punjab Kings still to win their maiden IPL trophy, it would be interesting to observe how Iyer will lead his high-profile and influential team under the direction of his old coach, Ricky Ponting. Iyer, known for his dependability, has 3,127 runs in 115 IPL matches, which will help to stabilise Punjab's middle order as their new captain.  

Venkatesh Iyer- INR 23.75 Crores (Kolkata Knight Riders)

Despite releasing him before, the Kolkata Knight Riders went all out to re-sign Venkatesh Iyer for INR 23.75 crore. Iyer, known for his all-around abilities, was instrumental in KKR's success and continues to be a valuable asset to the brand. Kolkata won the bidding fight over Lucknow and Bengaluru.

In exchange, it has elicited various criticisms and perplexing thoughts about his performance and height, which deserve the price tag. But, as time passes, seeing how the most expensive IPL allrounder performs for the reigning champions will be intriguing. Iyer has 1,326 runs with a strike rate of 137.13 and three wickets in 50 IPL matches since making his debut in 2021. 

See Also: IPL 2025: Know about Priyansh Arya, Gurjapneet Singh, and Eshan Malinga?

Arshdeep Singh- INR 18 Crores (Punjab Kings)

Arshdeep Singh triggered a bidding battle as the day's first name. Teams including Chennai, Delhi, Rajasthan, and Gujarat made competitive bids before the Punjab Super Kings utilised their Right to Match (RTM) card to retain him for INR 18 crore. The 25-year-old left-arm bowler, who won the T20 World Cup, has 76 wickets in 65 IPL games and excelled with his recent exploits for India, including being the joint-highest wicket-taker in the recent successful 2024 T20 World Cup.

To summarise, his ability to bowl under pressure makes him an essential player for Punjab, putting tremendous pressure on any batsman with the new ball and simultaneously in the death overs.

Yuzvendra Chahal- INR 18 Crores (Punjab Kings)

Yuzvendra Chahal, IPL's prominent spinmeister, was signed by Punjab Kings for INR 18 crore. Gujarat, Chennai, and Lucknow first contended for the star legspinner until Punjab emerged successfully against Hyderabad in the intense bidding war. Chahal, who has a fantastic record in numerous sports formats, provides experience and match-winning qualities to Punjab's bowling attack.

This will be Chahal's fourth IPL team, following stints with Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Rajasthan. In his 160-match career, he has taken 205 wickets, making him the tournament's all-time leading wicket-taker, making it the cherry on top for the new Punjab Kings squad. 

Three-time IPL winners and reigning IPL champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) went all out in the IPL 2025 mega auction opening day to retain Venkatesh Iyer. KKR stunned by spending INR 23.75 crore for the capped Indian player. 

Although Kolkata Knight Riders didn't retain Venkatesh Iyer before the IPL 2025 auction, they bought the 29-year-old capped all-rounder for INR 23.75 crore. In the IPL 2025 mega auction, KKR were desperate for the known face, whose price IPL value has jumped huge from INR 8 crore to INR 23.75. 

LSG and RCB challenged KKR in the auction

From his base price of INR 2 crore, KKR started the bidding war with Lucknow Super Giants. After their bid ended INR 7.75 crore, Royal Challengers Bengaluru joined the battle with big bids. That intense expensive battle crossed the INR 23 crore mark, where the KKR finally won the bid. 

Iyer's IPL career

The 29-year-old Venkatesh Iyer has played all 51 IPL matches for KKR between 2021 and 2024. While the left-handed batter scored 1326 runs with an average of 31.57 and a strike rate of 137.12, including one century and 11 half-centuries, the right-arm medium pacer has bagged three wickets in his IPL career. 

During the IPL 2023, Iyer scored his most runs in an IPL edition, 404 runs in 14 innings (average of 28.86 and strike rate of 145.84), including his first IPL century. While he finished as the third leading run-scorer for his team in that season, he also finished in the same place for the IPL 2024 champions by scoring 370 runs in 13 innings (average of 46.25 and strike rate of 158.79) with the help of four half-centuries. 

In the meantime, the right-arm medium took all three IPL wickets in his debutant IPL season (2021). 

By spending a huge amount on Iyer in the IPL auction, the KKR have restricted their next auction battles, as the remaining purse suddenly dropped to less than INR 30 crore. 

Indian all-rounder Venkatesh Iyer has joined Lancashire County Cricket Club for the next five weeks. Known for his standout performance with the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in their IPL 2024 title win, he will participate in the Metro Bank One-Day Cup and the final two rounds of the Vitality County Championship in late August.

Lancashire County Cricket Club confirmed his signing in a statement on Friday. Venkatesh, the energetic Madhya Pradesh all-rounder, is excited about this chance and aims to make a strong comeback to the Indian national team.

Venkatesh’s excitement about county cricket debut

“I am incredibly excited about heading over to England and to have the opportunity to play county cricket for the first time in my career. Lancashire is a very historic county with a long history of welcoming Indian players to their club. I am looking forward to emulating the likes of Farokh Engineer, Sourav Ganguly, VVS Laxman, and most recently, Washington Sundar in wearing the Red Rose colours at Emirates Old Trafford,” Venkatesh stated.

“To test my skills in both one-day and first-class cricket in English conditions is going to really benefit my game. I hope that I can entertain the fans and help my Lancashire teammates to achieve their targets in both formats this summer.”, He added.

Mark Chilton, Lancashire’s Director of Cricket Performance, is thrilled about the new addition. “Venkatesh will add experience to a young side during the One-Day Cup, whilst providing an explosive batting option in the middle-order and another seam bowler that we can turn to with the ball,” Chilton said. He confirmed that Venkatesh will play in the County games against Surrey and Hampshire.

Venkatesh’s plans to return for Duleep Trophy

Media reports suggest that Venkatesh has not agreed to a long term contract, as he wants to return to India in time for the Duleep Trophy, which starts on September 5. He plans to use this domestic tournament to re enter the Indian national team setup.

The four squads for the Duleep Trophy will be chosen after India’s tour to Zimbabwe. Venkatesh’s performances for Lancashire will be closely watched by selectors as they finalize the teams for this prestigious domestic competition.

In a dominant display of cricket, the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) clinched their third Indian Premier League (IPL) title with a resounding eight-wicket victory over Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in a one-sided final on Sunday. The victory was marked by a clinical performance from KKR’s bowlers and an equally impressive chase by their batsmen.

Having lost the toss, KKR were put into the field by SRH, who opted to bat first. The decision backfired spectacularly as SRH’s batting lineup crumbled under the pressure of the final. SRH managed to post only 113 runs, which became the lowest-ever total in an IPL final.

KKR’s bowlers dominate as SRH crumble to lowest-ever IPL final total

The innings started disastrously for SRH. They lost their first wicket in the very first over when Abhishek Sharma was bowled by Mitchell Starc. Starc delivered a peach of a delivery that opened up the left-hander before hitting the top of the off stump. This early breakthrough set the tone for KKR’s bowling dominance.

SRH’s woes deepened when Travis Head was dismissed for a first-ball duck, caught behind off a beautiful outswinger. With just six runs on the board, SRH were reeling at 6/2. Starc continued his impressive spell, taking the wicket of Rahul Tripathi, who could only manage 9 runs before being caught behind. At this point, SRH were struggling at 21/3 in the fifth over.

Harshit Rana, coming in as the first change bowler, maintained the pressure by dismissing Nitish Reddy for 13. Andre Russell then joined the party, claiming the crucial wicket of SRH captain Aiden Markram, who was out for 20. This left SRH tottering at 62/5 in the 11th over.

The middle and lower order of SRH offered little resistance. Shahbaz Nadeem was dismissed for 8 by Varun Chakravarthy, while Abdul Samad could only score 4 before falling to Russell. SRH’s innings continued to collapse as Harshit Rana returned to take the wicket of Heinrich Klaasen, who scored 16. Jaydev Unadkat was trapped LBW by Sunil Narine for 4, and Pat Cummins was the last man out, leaving SRH all out for a paltry 113.

Venkatesh Iyer’s blistering knock seals emphatic victory for Kolkata Knight Riders

In response, KKR started their chase confidently. Sunil Narine, opening the innings, hit a six off the very first over bowled by Pat Cummins but was soon dismissed for 6. However, Venkatesh Iyer, in a scintillating form, took charge of the chase. He punished Bhuvneshwar Kumar, scoring 20 runs in an over, showcasing his aggressive intent.

Rahmanullah Gurbaz supported Iyer well, contributing a brisk 39 before being dismissed by Shahbaz Nadeem. By then, KKR were already in a commanding position. Iyer continued his assault on the SRH bowlers, completing his fifty off just 24 balls.

With Iyer remaining unbeaten on 52 off 26 balls, KKR comfortably chased down the target of 114 with 57 balls to spare, sealing an emphatic eight-wicket win. This victory marked a historic moment for KKR as they lifted their third IPL trophy, adding to their previous titles and solidifying their status as one of the premier franchises in the league.

See Also: IPL 2024 final: KKR win their third title, beat SRH by 8 wickets

The match highlighted KKR’s strength in both bowling and batting. Mitchell Starc, Andre Russell, and Harshit Rana were the standout performers with the ball, while Venkatesh Iyer’s explosive innings ensured a smooth chase. SRH, on the other hand, failed to rise to the occasion, struggling both with the bat and the ball in a match that they will look back on with disappointment.

In a decisive victory, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) secured their place in the final of IPL 2024 with an emphatic eight-wicket win over Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in Qualifier 1 on Tuesday. KKR’s path to the final was paved by a brilliant performance from their bowlers, especially Mitchell Starc, who dismantled SRH’s top order early in the innings.

Mitchell Starc’s powerplay dominance sets up KKR’s victory

Winning the toss, SRH opted to bat first but found themselves in immediate trouble as Mitchell Starc struck thrice during the powerplay. Travis Head was bowled out for a duck, followed by Abhishek Sharma who was dismissed for just 3 runs. Nitish Reddy, who managed only 9 runs, and Shahbaz Nadeem, who followed him out on the very next delivery, left SRH reeling at 45/4 after six overs.

Despite the early setbacks, Rahul Tripathi stood tall with a resilient knock, scoring 55 off 35 balls. He found some support in Heinrich Klaasen, who contributed 32 off 21 balls. Their 62-run partnership was a rare bright spot in SRH’s innings. However, once Klaasen was dismissed by Varun Chakravarthy, and Tripathi was run out, SRH’s innings quickly unraveled. The lower order couldn’t offer much resistance as Sunil Narine claimed two crucial wickets, including Sanveer Singh for a duck and Abdul Samad for 16. Bhuvneshwar Kumar also fell for a duck, leaving SRH all out for 159.

Venkatesh Iyer and Shreyas Iyer lead KKR to IPL 2024 final

Chasing a target of 160, KKR started their innings with Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Sunil Narine. Gurbaz scored a quick 23 before being dismissed by T. Natarajan, with KKR reaching their 50 in just the fifth over. Narine, who scored 21, was next to fall to Pat Cummins, but by then, KKR was already in a strong position.

The chase was masterfully anchored by Venkatesh Iyer and captain Shreyas Iyer. Venkatesh Iyer scored an unbeaten 51 off 28 balls, while Shreyas Iyer led from the front with a commanding 58 not out off 23 balls. Their unbroken partnership ensured KKR reached the target comfortably in just 13.4 overs, sealing the victory by eight wickets and booking their fourth appearance in an IPL final.

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Sunrisers Hyderabad, though disappointed, will have another shot at making the final when they face the winner of the Eliminator in Chennai on Friday. For now, KKR can celebrate their dominant performance and prepare for the title clash.

In their second IPL 2024 match on Friday, Kolkata Knight Riders worked together to win by seven wickets against Royal Challengers Bangalore. They were chasing a target of 183 runs. The team got off to a good start thanks to Sunil Narine, who scored 47 runs off 22 balls. Then, Venkatesh Iyer scored 50 runs off 30 balls, and Shreyas Iyer remained not out with 39 runs off 24 balls. KKR reached 186/3 in 16.5 overs, securing their victory.

Venkatesh praises Shreyas and said…

“I think the wicket got better. Credit to you, you chose to bowl first. That was a very good decision. Important toss for us to win. You saw out there, it got better to bat. It was important for us to understand that the ball bowled at a slower pace was not coming on to the bat as nicely. So I think that was very important for us. Credit to Sunny for what he did in the second innings.”

Even though Virat Kohli played well and scored 83 runs off 59 balls for RCB, their total score was 182/6. It seemed like a tough target, but Narine’s quick start for KKR made it seem much easier.

Narine’s strong beginning put KKR in control, making it simpler for Venkatesh and Shreyas to finish the game with 19 balls to spare.

See Also: Netizens troll Virat Kohli despite his 83-run knock, here’s why

He also added, “It was important for me to carry on the momentum. We have all spoken about taking the momentum through and if we do get a platform, then banking on it. That’s what Sunny did, he gave us an amazing start and all I had to do was just go and capitalise on that. When you came in, I think the communication among us was amazing. You know which bowler to take on, which end to look for shots and I think that really helped us.”

Shreyas reveals their planning of batting by saying…

“To be honest when we were communicating in between, the wicket was two-paced and from one end it was coming great onto the bat and from the other end, it was stopping a bit, getting some extra nip with the slower one. So, that’s what basically I realised that this is the way we have to play and one end we have to target the bowlers and from the other, we need to atleast get ball-to-ball runs. That was the communication which we had and that was the mindset to finish off the game.” 

On March 29, in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024, Kolkata emerged victorious in their eagerly awaited encounter against Bengaluru, clinching a 7-wicket win. Phil Salt, Sunil Narine, and Venkatesh Iyer showcased exemplary batting skills, leading Kolkata to their sixth consecutive triumph at the M Chinnaswamy stadium since their maiden win in 2016.

Despite Virat Kohli’s impressive unbeaten 83-run innings, Bengaluru’s efforts fell short as Kolkata chased down the target of 183 runs in just the 17th over. The clash, much anticipated by the home crowd, turned into a disappointment as Kolkata became the first away team to secure a win in the IPL 2024 season. Despite notable performances by Kohli and Cameron Green, Bengaluru couldn’t prevent Kolkata from claiming their second victory of the season, thanks to their outstanding batting display.

Venkatesh Iyer and Shreyas Iyer rule the ground  

Venkatesh Iyer, scoring 50 runs off 30 deliveries, and skipper Shreyas Iyer, contributing 39 runs off 24 balls, played crucial roles in KKR’s victory, allowing them to achieve the target with 19 balls to spare, marking their second win in three games. Following their triumph, Kolkata Captain Shreyas Iyer emphasized how the break before the Bengaluru clash proved beneficial for the team’s preparation. He also commended Andre Russell for his impressive performance.

He said, “Coming here, getting those two sessions of practice, we were in a good shape from the previous game. Coming and hitting few balls, it felt comfortable from within. The way Russell came in and realised the wicket wasn’t giving much from bowlers, and went to slower ones, analysing the conditions on the spot was pleasing to the eye. The communication was brilliant.”

Sunil Narine continues to shine

KKR began the match with a strong start, with the opening pair of Philip Salt, scoring 30 runs off 20 balls, and Sunil Narine, contributing 47 runs off 22 balls, forging an impressive partnership of 86 runs in just 6.3 overs. Notably, Sunil Narine, in his landmark 500th T20 game, was honored with the Player of the Match award for his outstanding all-round display.

See Also: Kolkata Knight Riders beat Royal Challengers Bengaluru by 7 wickets; Points Table updated

Shreyas added for him, “See when Narine comes in to open, he knows he has one job which is to clear the infield. Today we were contemplating whether to start with him or not but he did a brilliant job.” 

Following their victory, Kolkata climbed to the second position in the IPL 2024 points table, while Bengaluru stayed put in sixth place. This win helped Kolkata improve their standing in the tournament, while Bengaluru maintained their position in the rankings.