KKR Secures IPL Final Spot, Gambhir's Prediction Comes True

In March 2024, Gautam Gambhir, the newly appointed mentor of Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), inadvertently revealed the date of the IPL final as May 26. Two months later, his prediction has come to fruition.

KKR, led by Shreyas Iyer, secured a spot in the final after defeating Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in Qualifier 1. Mitchell Starc's impressive bowling performance (3/34) restricted SRH to 159, which KKR chased down in just 13.4 overs. Skipper Iyer (58* off 24) and Venkatesh Iyer (51* off 28) played unbeaten half-century knocks to seal the victory.

The opponent for KKR in the final will be determined by Qualifier 2, scheduled for May 24. The winner of the Eliminator between Rajasthan Royals and Royal Challengers Bengaluru will face SRH in Qualifier 2.

Interestingly, Gambhir's prediction of the final date was made on March 16, when the full IPL schedule was still unknown. In a video posted by KKR, Gambhir expressed his desire for the team to reach the final on May 26.

"On 26th May, we should be there, giving everything possible; and it starts from today...So if we walk the same path and if we fight, I am sure we are going to achieve a lot of success," Gambhir had said.

Gambhir's words have proven prophetic, as KKR will now play their fourth IPL final on May 26. The former India opener is also reportedly in contention for the post of Team India's head coach, replacing Rahul Dravid after the T20 World Cup in June.

Tags: #IPL2024, #KKR, #SunrisersHyderabad, #GautamGambhir, #ShreyasIyer