Cricket

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) emerged victorious in the IPL 2024, claiming their third title with an emphatic eight-wicket win over Sunrisers Hyderabad. The triumph marked a remarkable turnaround for KKR, who had endured a decade-long trophy drought.The team's success was largely attributed to their bowling prowess, as they restricted SRH to a mere 113 runs. Sunil Narine, the in-form all-rounder, played a pivotal role, opening the batting and contributing with both bat and ball.KKR's mentor, Gautam Gambhir, who had returned to the franchise with the aim of ending their title drought, was overjoyed with the victory. He had previously expressed his desire to lift the trophy with the team, and his words proved prophetic.Nitish Rana, who played a crucial role in the chase, revealed that Gambhir had sent him a message expressing his belief in the team's potential. "I want to share one short story that when GG bhaiya was named the mentor, I sent him a long message as I was really happy. But he replied saying, 'Thank you but I would be happy if we stand at the podium with the trophy in our hands.' Today is that day and I will never forget that message," Rana said.Assistant coach Abhishek Nayar, who joined the team at the behest of leg-spinner Varun Chakaravarthy, was equally ecstatic. "It means everything. I started playing IPL in the first season and it has taken me 16 years for the first title after two finals. I am really happy for the boys. I cannot express how happy I am," Nayar said.Venkatesh Iyer, who top-scored in the chase with an unbeaten 52, praised Nayar's contributions. "Really happy with it. As Varun mentioned, Abhishek Nayar deserves all the credit in the world," Iyer said.Andre Russell, who had faced criticism in the previous season, proved to be a vital cog in KKR's triumph. "No words to describe. It means so much. I am happy that all of us were very disciplined and worked towards one goal. This franchise has done a lot for me. It's a big gift from all of us to them," Russell said.Rinku Singh, who had been with KKR for seven years, was overjoyed to finally lift the trophy. "Outstanding feeling right now. My dream of seven years is complete. Finally I will lift the trophy. I am proud of my whole team and GG sir. It was God's plan," Singh said.Pacer Vaibhav Arora, who impressed alongside Harshit Rana, was happy to contribute to the team's success. "My role is to take wickets with the new ball. After that the spinners were doing their jobs. So today also the aim was to take wickets in the powerplay, which happened as well," Arora said.Bowling coach Bharat Arun praised the team's resilience and highlighted the impact of Mitchell Starc's inclusion. "I think it was pretty tough, the last two years. It was touch and go - we didn't qualify. It needed a lot of introspection and now we can savour this moment. He (Harshit Rana) has been outstanding. It's about backing your strengths," Arun said.Arun also lauded the decision to open with Narine, which was proposed by Gambhir. "Spinners mature with age, and with Sunny and Varun bowling in tandem, it was superb. He (Narine) brought a totally different dimension to our batting. It was Gautam who insisted that he opened and it paid dividends," Arun said.Opener-keeper Rahmanullah Gurbaz, who joined KKR late in the season, was delighted to be part of the winning team. "My mom is watching from the home. She is feeling good now. I asked mom before the match if she wanted anything. She said just the win. When Salt was playing, I wasn't expecting to get a chance but I knew it's a long tournament and I needed to be ready. Once I got the chance, I was well prepared," Gurbaz said.The KKR camp was abuzz with excitement and plans for celebrations. "I cannot tell how happy I am," said Harshit Rana. "It's yet to sink in yet. Maybe it will after the party at night," added Angkrish Raghuvanshi.All-rounder Ramandeep Singh said he would be busy selecting songs for the party. "I am really happy. We worked really hard for it, so feeling really happy. It's a great environment. Poora gaah payeya hoeya hai (We have had a ball). I am the DJ, I play the song people demand," Singh said.

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) has consistently defied conventions in the Indian Premier League (IPL). They were among the first teams to prioritize boundary-hitting, relying on mystery spinners like Sunil Narine and Varun Chakravarthy. They even experimented with Narine's batting as an opener, trusted wrist spinners like Kuldeep Yadav, unearthed gems like Suyash Sharma, and revitalized careers like Rahul Tripathi's.KKR is also renowned for its unwavering support of talent. Narine and Andre Russell have been with the franchise for over a decade, and Rinku Singh since 2018. Kuldeep stayed for five years, even when he was far from fully developed.KKR's IPL-17 campaign, which culminated in a resounding eight-wicket victory over Sunrisers Hyderabad and a third title, was a perfect embodiment of these qualities. The team lost only three matches, playing with a free-spirited approach, trusting its experienced stars, and reaping the rewards of integrating young players.KKR scored 200 or more six times this IPL, with Phil Salt's 435 runs at a strike rate of 182.01 playing a crucial role. Narine claimed 17 wickets at an impressive economy rate of 6.69 and scored 488 runs at a strike rate of 180.74.Russell, who had appeared to be a spent force last year, contributed with 19 wickets, while speedsters Harshit Rana (19 wickets) and Vaibhav Arora (11) had breakout seasons. Even 18-year-old Angkrish Raghuvanshi had his moments in the spotlight.Another strength of KKR was its solid Indian core. Along with Harshit and Arora, Venkatesh Iyer played a stellar role, highlighted by two match-winning half-centuries in Qualifier 1 and the final. Varun, with 21 wickets, was second only to Harshal Patel (24) in the top wicket-takers' list.The tournament also showcased Shreyas Iyer's astute leadership and his own redemption arc. His captaincy skills were never in doubt, having led Delhi Capitals to the final in 2020. However, Shreyas was not in the T20 scheme of things for India and even lost out on a central contract amidst injury setbacks and signs of mistrust between him and the cricketing establishment."He is pretty level-headed," said Mitchell Starc, the Player-of-the-Match in both Qualifier 1 and the final, about Shreyas. "Pretty calm in most situations, more so when things haven't gone our way. To be part of the group with him leading... there have been moments through the year where he has seen the game a certain way and gone with his instinct and that has paid off. He thoroughly deserves his success."It is unfortunate that such a dominant group, meticulously mentored and coached by Gautam Gambhir and Chandrakant Pandit, will likely be dismantled before the mega auction ahead of IPL-18. However, KKR's T20 blueprint is sure to stand the test of time and shape many a future outfit.

Pat Cummins, the Australian fast bowler and current captain of the Sunrisers Hyderabad in the Indian Premier League (IPL), has come a long way since his IPL debut in 2014.Cummins made his IPL debut for the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) under the captaincy of Gautam Gambhir. Despite playing only one match that season, he was part of KKR's title-winning campaign. In that match against the Chennai Super Kings, Cummins bowled four overs, conceding 29 runs, and claimed the wicket of Dwayne Smith.After his debut, Cummins spent much of the season on the bench, carrying drinks and bats for his teammates. However, he remained a valuable member of the team, cheering from the dugout and contributing to the team's success.In 2014, a video surfaced on social media showing Cummins dancing to KKR's anthem 'Korbo Lorbo Jeetbo Re'. This video resurfaced after Sunrisers Hyderabad's defeat in the 2024 IPL final, where Cummins was the captain.Since his debut in 2014, Cummins has played 58 IPL matches, taking 63 wickets and scoring 515 runs. He has played for KKR, the Delhi Daredevils (now Delhi Capitals), and Sunrisers Hyderabad.In the IPL 2024 Auction, Sunrisers Hyderabad acquired Cummins for a record Rs 20.50 crore, making him the second-most expensive player in IPL history. Cummins was appointed captain of Sunrisers Hyderabad for the 2024 season, and under his leadership, the team reached the final, finishing as runners-up after losing to KKR in Chennai.Cummins' journey in the IPL is a testament to his hard work, dedication, and talent. From carrying drinks and bats to becoming one of the most expensive players in the league, Cummins has come a long way. He is a valuable asset to any team he plays for, and his leadership skills have been instrumental in Sunrisers Hyderabad's success in recent years.

Shah Rukh Khan's Heartwarming Gesture Wins Chennai Crowd's HeartsBollywood superstar and Kolkata Knight Riders co-owner Shah Rukh Khan stole the hearts of Chennai fans after his team's emphatic victory in the IPL 2024 final. Despite KKR's dominant performance, Khan made a special effort to acknowledge the home crowd of five-time champions Chennai Super Kings.After KKR's comprehensive 113-run victory over SunRisers Hyderabad, Khan joined the Chennai crowd in chanting "CSK, CSK." The gesture was a heartwarming tribute to the city that has hosted numerous memorable IPL matches."It was a beautiful gesture by SRK," said Chennai fan John Abraham. "It showed that he understands the passion of the Chennai crowd and that he respects their team."Khan's gesture was not only a moment of sportsmanship but also a reflection of his deep connection with his fans. Despite being a co-owner of a rival team, Khan has always maintained a close relationship with the people of Chennai."Shah Rukh Khan is a true superstar," said Chennai resident Priya Sharma. "He knows how to make people happy, even when they're not supporting his team."KKR's victory was a culmination of a remarkable season for the team. After a long trophy drought, KKR finally lifted their third IPL title, thanks to a dominant performance throughout the tournament."We played like invincibles throughout the season," said KKR captain Shreyas Iyer. "There's so much to cherish right now. It is pleasing, the performance has been flawless throughout."SRH, who had a superb IPL 2024, were unable to replicate their form in the final. KKR's bowlers restricted SRH to a paltry 113, which the Kolkata batters chased down in just 10.3 overs."We were lucky to bowl first and every situation went in our favor," said Iyer. "We have been tremendous from game one, we stepped up today."Khan's heartwarming gesture and KKR's emphatic victory made the IPL 2024 final a memorable night for both Kolkata and Chennai fans.

Ambati Rayudu's Waistcoat Switch Draws Amusement from CommentatorsKolkata Knight Riders' (KKR) emphatic eight-wicket victory over Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in the IPL 2024 final on Sunday sparked a moment of lighthearted banter among commentators Kevin Pietersen and Matthew Hayden.Rayudu, who was initially seen supporting SRH in an orange waistcoat, swiftly switched to a blue one after KKR's triumph. This wardrobe change did not escape the notice of Pietersen and Hayden, who couldn't resist teasing the former Indian batsman."Thank you for bringing out the fact that he changed from orange to blue," said host Mayanti Langer."I've at least held firm. I wore it and I owned it," said Pietersen, referring to his own purple attire. "You are a joker, always a joker," he added, addressing Rayudu.Rayudu responded with a diplomatic answer: "I am supporting both the teams. I am supporting good cricket."KKR's victory was a comprehensive one, as they restricted SRH to a paltry 113, the lowest total in an IPL final. Venkatesh Iyer's unbeaten 52 off 26 balls led KKR's chase, which they completed with 57 balls to spare.Mitchell Starc, Andre Russell, and Harshit Rana were the standout bowlers for KKR, as SRH failed to put up a competitive total.Rayudu's waistcoat switch may have been a minor incident, but it provided a moment of amusement amidst the excitement of the IPL final. It also highlighted the camaraderie and banter that often exists among commentators and players in the world of cricket.

Sunil Narine, the enigmatic all-rounder from the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), has etched his name in the annals of the Indian Premier League (IPL) by becoming the first player to win the coveted 'Most Valuable Player' (MVP) award thrice. His exceptional performance in the 2024 season, where he led KKR to their third IPL title, cemented his status as one of the greatest all-rounders in the tournament's history.Narine's journey to the MVP throne began in his debut season in 2012, where he mesmerized the cricketing world with his mystery spin bowling. He picked up 24 wickets, the highest in the tournament, and played a pivotal role in KKR's maiden IPL triumph. His second MVP award came in 2018, where he showcased his versatility by scoring 357 runs and claiming 17 wickets.In the 2024 season, Narine continued to defy expectations with his all-around brilliance. He amassed 488 runs, the highest by any KKR player, and picked up 17 wickets, proving his worth as a genuine match-winner. His contributions were crucial in KKR's successful campaign, which culminated in a thrilling victory over the Sunrisers Hyderabad in the final.In the final match, Narine showcased his versatility once again. He bowled a tight spell of 4-1-16-1, removing the dangerous Jaydev Unadkat in the 18th over. With the bat, he scored a quickfire six runs off two balls, ensuring KKR's dominance in the run chase.Narine's MVP award is a testament to his exceptional skills and unwavering commitment to the game. He has consistently delivered match-winning performances for KKR, proving his value as a true all-rounder. His ability to adapt to different roles and perform under pressure makes him one of the most valuable players in the IPL.

Ambati Rayudu's Relentless Swipe at Royal Challengers Bengaluru Continues After KKR's IPL TriumphFormer Chennai Super Kings and Mumbai Indians batter Ambati Rayudu has reignited his feud with Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) following Kolkata Knight Riders' (KKR) victory in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024. Rayudu, who has been relentlessly trolling the Bengaluru franchise since their IPL 2024 exit, took another swipe, emphasizing the importance of collective performances over individual accolades.Rayudu's criticism stems from Virat Kohli's impressive performance this season, where he emerged as the top-scorer with over 700 runs. However, despite Kohli's individual brilliance, RCB was eliminated in the Eliminator by Rajasthan Royals."Congratulations to the KKR team for really standing up for stalwarts like Narine, Russell, and Starc and also contributing their share in the team's win. That's how a team wins the IPL. We have seen this over the years. It's not the Orange Cap that wins you the IPL, but it is the contributions like 300 runs each (of many players)," Rayudu said in a chat on Star Sports.Rayudu went on to suggest that Kohli should lower his standards to reduce the pressure on younger players in the team. "Virat Kohli is a stalwart and a legend there in the team. He sets so high standards which puts pressure on the youngsters to emulate him. So, Virat needs to lower his standards a bit so that the youngsters can be in a good state of mind in the dressing room," Rayudu stressed.Rayudu's criticism extends beyond Kohli's individual performance. He has also called out the poor management by RCB's bosses, accusing them of prioritizing individual milestones over team titles. "My heart truly goes out to all the RCB supporters who have passionately supported the team over the years. If only the management and the leaders had the team's interests ahead of individual milestones... RCB would have won multiple titles," Rayudu said in a social media post.While Kohli has consistently delivered runs for RCB, he has lacked the necessary support from his teammates. The franchise's bowling department has also struggled to produce consistency. Rayudu's criticism highlights the need for a more balanced approach and a greater emphasis on team cohesion if RCB is to break their title drought.

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.

Kolkata Knight Riders Celebrate IPL Triumph with Shreyas Iyer and FansThe Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) celebrated their third Indian Premier League (IPL) title in style, with skipper Shreyas Iyer leading the revelry. After a dominant eight-wicket victory over Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in the final, the party continued well into the night.In a video shared by KKR on social media, Iyer was seen dancing with the coveted trophy alongside fans. The team's official caption aptly described the moment: "Shreyas Bhai with the trophy is a vibe!"Iyer, who guided KKR to their first IPL title since 2014, expressed his pride in the team's performance. "We played like invincibles throughout the season," he said. "There's so much to cherish right now."The Knight Riders dominated SRH in the final, showcasing their exceptional bowling and strategic execution. SRH captain Pat Cummins acknowledged KKR's superiority, saying, "They bowled fantastically. We were outplayed."Iyer's special moments with the trophy and fans epitomized the joy and camaraderie of a team that truly played like invincibles. The victory was a testament to the team's unity and resilience throughout the tournament.As KKR celebrates their third IPL triumph, Iyer's leadership and the team's unwavering spirit will be remembered as key factors in their success. The party may have ended, but the memories of this unforgettable season will live on for years to come.