Cricket

Gautam Gambhir's transformative leadership has propelled Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to their third Indian Premier League (IPL) title in 2024. As the mentor of the franchise, Gambhir has instilled a winning mindset and made strategic decisions that have paid dividends.Gambhir's return to KKR this season marked a turning point for the team. His experience as a two-time IPL-winning captain (with KKR in 2012 and 2014) proved invaluable. He brought a fresh perspective and a relentless pursuit of excellence to the team.Under Gambhir's guidance, KKR underwent a tactical overhaul. He emphasized the importance of adaptability, flexibility, and a never-say-die attitude. The team's performance improved significantly, culminating in their triumph on Sunday.Gambhir's influence extended beyond the field. He fostered a positive and supportive environment within the team, encouraging players to believe in themselves and their abilities. His motivational speeches and unwavering belief in the team's potential inspired the players to perform at their best.KKR's victory is a testament to Gambhir's strategic acumen and leadership skills. His ability to identify and nurture talent, coupled with his unwavering determination, has transformed the franchise into a formidable force in the IPL.After the match, KKR vice-captain Nitish Rana acknowledged Gambhir's pivotal role in the team's success. "GG bhaiya's message to me when he was named mentor was that he would be happy if we stood on the podium with the trophy in our hands. Today is that day," Rana said.KKR star Rinku Singh also expressed his gratitude to Gambhir. "I am proud of my whole team and GG sir. It was God's plan," he said.Gambhir's leadership has not only brought glory to KKR but has also left an enduring legacy in the IPL. His ability to inspire and motivate players, combined with his strategic brilliance, has set a new benchmark for franchise management in the league.

The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 concluded with a thrilling finale, crowning the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) as champions for the third time. The tournament witnessed intense competition, with the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) emerging as runners-up.KKR's victory earned them a substantial prize money of INR 20 crore, while SRH received INR 12.5 crore. The total prize pool of INR 46.5 crore was distributed among the top performers and teams.Rajasthan Royals and Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) finished third and fourth, respectively, securing prize money of INR 7 crore and INR 6.5 crore. RCB's Virat Kohli claimed the Orange Cap for scoring the most runs (741), while Punjab Kings' Harshal Patel won the Purple Cap for taking the most wickets (24). Both players received INR 10 lakh each for their achievements.Kohli's exceptional performance included a century and five fifties, with a strike rate of 154.69. Patel's impressive bowling saw him take 24 wickets in 14 matches, with an economy rate of 9.73.SRH's Nitish Kumar Reddy was named the Emerging Player of the Season for his all-round contributions, while KKR's Sunil Narine was awarded the Most Valuable Player of the Year.

Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) captain Pat Cummins admitted that his team was "totally outplayed" by Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the final of IPL 2024. SRH suffered an eight-wicket defeat, with 57 balls remaining, largely due to Mitchell Starc's devastating new-ball spell.Starc's swing bowling accounted for the dismissals of SRH's dangerous openers, Abhishek Sharma and Rahul Tripathi. "They bowled fantastically," Cummins said at the post-match presentation. "Unfortunately, [my] old mate Starcy turned it on again. Obviously, not enough tonight, [we were] totally outplayed."SRH never recovered from Starc's early onslaught and were eventually bowled out for a paltry 113. Their longest partnership was for the ninth wicket, lasting just 22 balls. "It was a bit of a tricky wicket," Cummins said. "I think if we got 160, it would have been like we were in the game. [It] didn't feel like a 200-plus wicket, again well short. But maybe [if] we found a few extra runs [it] might've given us a chance."Despite the disappointing result in the final, Cummins praised his team's aggressive batting approach throughout the season. Openers Abhishek and Travis Head played a key role in making IPL 2024 a high-scoring season. "The style that the guys played," Cummins said, "particularly with the bat, takes a lot of skill to not only get 250, [but] also [to do it] three times. You put yourself out there a fair bit. So I loved how brave the guys were in a high-pressure situation like the IPL. They took the game on, there was a lot of fun. Fans seemed to like it, back in Hyderabad. So, great season."

KKR's Triumphant Victory: Shah Rukh Khan's Heartfelt Kiss for Gautam GambhirKolkata Knight Riders (KKR) emerged victorious in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 final, securing their third IPL title. The triumph was marked by an emotional moment between co-owner Shah Rukh Khan and mentor Gautam Gambhir, who shared a heartfelt kiss amidst the jubilant celebrations.Gambhir, who captained KKR to IPL titles in 2012 and 2014, played a crucial role in guiding the team to victory. His strategic insights, leadership skills, and ability to motivate the players were instrumental in KKR's successful campaign.The match witnessed a sensational opening spell from Mitchell Starc, who helped KKR bowl out Hyderabad for IPL's lowest total of 113 in a final. Starc's figures of 2-14 showcased his exceptional bowling skills.Kolkata's batsmen had an easy task, with Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Venkatesh Iyer forming a 91-run partnership to lead the team to victory with 9.3 overs to spare.The victory was a testament to the strong bond within the KKR family. Shah Rukh Khan's kiss for Gambhir symbolized the deep respect and gratitude he holds for the mentor's unwavering dedication.

Sunrisers Hyderabad's remarkable journey in the 2024 Indian Premier League (IPL) was a testament to the transformative power of Pat Cummins' leadership. The Australian captain, who had previously led his national side to triumph in the World Test Championship Final and the ODI World Cup, came within a whisker of adding an IPL title to his impressive resume.Cummins' impact on the Hyderabad franchise was undeniable. Despite not being a regular in T20s for his country, he led from the front, scalping 18 wickets, the second-highest for his side. His ability to adapt to the fast-paced nature of T20 cricket was evident, as he drew upon his experience as ODI captain.Cummins' faith in his players, even during challenging times, was a key factor in the team's success. He backed Abhishek Sharma and Travis Head despite their initial struggles, recognizing their potential to be match-winners. This unwavering support fostered a positive and cohesive team environment.The Hyderabad side's aggressive brand of cricket, characterized by record-breaking totals, was a reflection of Cummins' own attacking mindset. He encouraged his players to take risks and play with freedom, which resulted in some of the most thrilling matches of the tournament.Cummins' leadership extended beyond the field. SRH assistant coach Simon Helmot praised his practical nature, humility, and empathy towards his teammates and coaching staff. This created a harmonious and supportive atmosphere within the team.Despite falling short of the ultimate prize, Sunrisers Hyderabad's 2024 campaign will be remembered as a watershed moment in the evolution of T20 cricket. Pat Cummins' exceptional leadership and the team's fearless approach to the game left an indelible mark on the competition.

Mitchell Starc's Early Strike Sets Tone for Kolkata Knight Riders in IPL 2024 FinalIn a pulsating IPL 2024 final at the iconic Chepauk Stadium, Kolkata Knight Riders' star pacer Mitchell Starc showcased his big-match temperament with a crucial early breakthrough against Sunrisers Hyderabad. The left-arm seamer struck in the very first over of the match, dismissing the in-form opener Abhishek Sharma, dealing a significant blow to Hyderabad's hopes of a strong start.Starc, the IPL's most expensive player, left the Chennai crowd in awe with a peach of a delivery that breached Sharma's defenses and clipped the outside of his off-stump. The length ball, pitched on middle stump, deviated away at the last moment, leaving Sharma helpless.The early strike set the tone for the match, as Kolkata Knight Riders tightened their grip on the proceedings. Sunrisers Hyderabad skipper Pat Cummins had won the toss and elected to bat first, hoping to capitalize on the momentum gained from their virtual semi-final victory over Rajasthan Royals two days prior.However, Starc's early breakthrough put Hyderabad on the back foot, and they struggled to recover. The Knight Riders bowlers maintained a disciplined line and length, restricting Hyderabad's scoring rate and forcing them to take unnecessary risks.Kolkata Knight Riders, under the guidance of former India batsman Gautam Gambhir, are seeking their third IPL title after victories in 2012 and 2014. Sunrisers Hyderabad, on the other hand, are aiming for their second title, having won their maiden crown in 2016 under Australian David Warner.As the match progressed, the Knight Riders continued to dominate, with their bowlers keeping the Hyderabad batsmen in check. The Sunrisers were unable to build any substantial partnerships, and their innings eventually folded for a below-par total.Kolkata Knight Riders, in response, chased down the target with relative ease, thanks to a solid batting performance led by their skipper, Shreyas Iyer. The victory marked a memorable triumph for the Knight Riders, who had endured a challenging season but rose to the occasion when it mattered most.

India's vice-captain Hardik Pandya is set to join the Rohit Sharma-led squad in New York on Sunday afternoon ahead of the upcoming Men's T20 World Cup. Pandya's absence from the first batch of Indian players and support staff departing for New York on Saturday night had raised eyebrows.According to Cricbuzz, Pandya had been vacationing overseas after Mumbai Indians' disappointing IPL 2024 campaign ended with a defeat to Lucknow Super Giants. He is now on his way to New York to link up with the Indian team for the showpiece event starting from June 1.Pandya's IPL 2024 performance was underwhelming, with the all-rounder struggling with both bat and ball. He managed only 216 runs in 14 matches at an average of 18 and a strike-rate of 143.05. With the ball, he picked up 11 wickets at an economy-rate of 10.75 and average of 35.18.As a leader, Pandya failed to inspire Mumbai Indians, who finished at the bottom of the points table. This was a stark contrast to his successful stint as captain of Gujarat Titans, who won the IPL title in 2022 and finished runners-up in 2023.Other players who will join the Indian team later include Sanju Samson, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Yuzvendra Chahal, and Avesh Khan, who played for Rajasthan Royals in Qualifier 2 of IPL 2024. Traveling reserve Rinku Singh, who will be playing in the IPL title clash on Sunday night, will also join the squad. Virat Kohli has reportedly sought permission to join the team late.Apart from Rohit, Suryakumar Yadav, Rishabh Pant, Shivam Dube, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Arshdeep Singh, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, and traveling substitutes Shubman Gill and Khaleel Ahmed, left for New York from Mumbai on Saturday night.India is set to play their lone warm-up game against Bangladesh at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium in New York on June 1. Their Men's T20 World Cup campaign begins on June 5 against Group A opponents Ireland in New York, followed by a highly-anticipated clash against Pakistan on June 9.India will then face co-hosts USA on June 12 in New York, before going to Florida to take on Canada on June 15 to wrap up their Group A league matches. India were the inaugural winners of the Men's T20 World Cup in 2007 and are aiming to claim the silverware for just the second time through the upcoming tournament.

Rajasthan Royals' hopes of capturing their second Indian Premier League (IPL) title were dashed after a heartbreaking 36-run defeat to Sunrisers Hyderabad in the Qualifier 2 match on Friday.Batting first, SRH posted a competitive total of 175/9, with Heinrich Klaasen leading the charge with a half-century. The Royals' chase was derailed by the spin duo of Shahbaz Ahmed and Abhishek Sharma, who combined for five wickets to restrict RR to 139/7.RR's elimination marked a disappointing end to a season that began with high expectations. The team had dominated the first half of the tournament, winning nine of their first ten matches. However, a string of four consecutive defeats in the second half of the season proved costly.Despite the setback, RR skipper Sanju Samson praised his team's performance and highlighted the emergence of young talent such as Riyan Parag and Dhruv Jurel."We have found some really great talent for the country," Samson said. "We have had some great seasons from the last three years."SRH's victory propelled them into the final, where they will face Kolkata Knight Riders on Sunday in Chennai.

Ahead of the highly anticipated IPL 2024 final between Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), skippers Shreyas Iyer and Pat Cummins engaged in a lighthearted banter that left both players in stitches.During a photoshoot for the IPL trophy, which included a visit to Chennai's Marina Beach and an auto ride, Iyer reminisced about his childhood days of riding autorickshaws. With a playful grin, he charged Cummins a hefty Rs 20 crore for the ride, a humorous reference to the Rs 20.5 crore price tag that SRH had paid for the Australian all-rounder in the IPL 2024 auction.Iyer also took a moment to ask Cummins about his experience as part of the KKR team that won the IPL in 2014. Cummins, who was a member of that victorious squad, shared his fond memories of the tournament.The banter between the two skippers highlighted the camaraderie and friendly rivalry that exists within the IPL. Both KKR and SRH have had impressive seasons, with KKR topping the points table at the end of the league stage and SRH overcoming setbacks to reach the final.The IPL 2024 final promises to be a thrilling encounter between two evenly matched teams. KKR will be looking to add to their trophy cabinet, while SRH will be determined to claim their second IPL title. The match will be played at the Chepauk Stadium in Chennai on Sunday, May 26th.