Cricket

The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 final is set to witness a thrilling clash between two formidable teams: Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH). Both teams have a rich history in the tournament and will be vying for their third and second IPL titles, respectively.KKR's Title Triumphs:KKR has emerged victorious in two previous IPL editions, both under the leadership of Gautam Gambhir. In 2012, they defeated Chennai Super Kings (CSK) by 5 wickets in Chennai, while in 2014, they overcame Kings XI Punjab (now Punjab Kings) by 3 wickets in Bengaluru.SRH's Title Victories:SRH has also tasted IPL glory, winning the title in 2016 under the captaincy of David Warner. They defeated Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) by 8 runs in Bengaluru. As Deccan Chargers, the Hyderabad-based franchise had previously won the title in 2009, beating RCB by 6 runs in Johannesburg under Adam Gilchrist's leadership.Captains' Records:Shreyas Iyer has led KKR to an impressive season, winning 10 out of 14 matches with a winning percentage of 76.92. Pat Cummins, on the other hand, has guided SRH to 9 victories and 6 defeats from 15 matches, with a winning percentage of 60.Top Performers:Sunil Narine has been a standout performer for KKR with the bat, amassing 482 runs from 14 matches, including a century and 3 fifties. Varun Chakaravarthy has been equally impressive with the ball, claiming 20 wickets.For SRH, Travis Head has been the leading run-scorer with 567 runs, including a century and four half-centuries. Thangarasu Natarajan has been the most successful bowler, taking 19 wickets.KKR's Advantage:KKR holds a slight advantage over SRH, having defeated them twice this season. They won by 4 runs in their first encounter and by 8 wickets in Qualifier 1. Mitchell Starc, KKR's most expensive player, has also had the upper hand against Head in Australian domestic cricket.Conclusion:The IPL 2024 final promises to be a captivating contest between two evenly matched teams. KKR's recent dominance and SRH's title-winning experience make this a highly anticipated clash. The outcome will hinge on the performances of key players and the tactical acumen of the captains.

The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 Final is set to witness a thrilling clash between Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) at the iconic MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. Both teams will be vying for the coveted IPL trophy on Sunday, with the match scheduled to commence at 07:30 PM IST.The MA Chidambaram Stadium has been a challenging battleground for both KKR and SRH, with both teams struggling to adapt to the pitch conditions. SRH have managed only two wins in 11 matches at this venue, while KKR have secured four wins in 14 matches.Analyzing the average scores at the MA Chidambaram Stadium reveals that SRH have an average score of 155 runs in T20 matches, while KKR have a slightly better average of 156 runs. However, both teams have faced difficulties on the slow and turning track of Chennai.SRH's highest score at this venue came in 2021 when they scored 177/5 against KKR, but they lost the match by 10 runs. KKR, on the other hand, achieved their highest total of 202/6 against Chennai Super Kings in 2018, but they also ended up on the losing side.The lowest scores at the MA Chidambaram Stadium also reflect the challenges both teams have faced. SRH recorded their lowest total of 134/10 against Chennai Super Kings in 2024, while KKR's lowest score was 142/9 against the same team in 2019.Despite their struggles at this venue, both KKR and SRH will be determined to overcome their past performances and secure the IPL title. The match promises to be a thrilling encounter, with both teams looking to rewrite their records and advance to another IPL title win.

Kolkata Knight Riders: From Underdogs to Champions with Gautam GambhirTwo-time Indian Premier League (IPL) champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) are set to face off against 2016 winners Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in the final of IPL 2024 in Chennai on Sunday. Ahead of the highly anticipated clash, KKR co-owner Shah Rukh Khan has reflected on the franchise's journey from underdogs to champions, crediting former skipper Gautam Gambhir for their success.In an interview with Star Sports, Khan recalled the early days of KKR, when the team struggled to find its footing in the IPL. "We had the nicest set of team in the world, but we kept on losing only again and again," he said. "I remember some expert talking this. It used to hurt."However, everything changed with the arrival of Gambhir as captain in 2011. Under his leadership, KKR transformed into a formidable force, winning the IPL title in 2012 and 2014. "To come back with GG (Gautam Gambhir) and do this was outstanding," Khan said. "It taught us how to lose but never be losers and never give up hope. Sports teaches you that."Gambhir's impact on KKR went beyond his on-field performances. He instilled a winning mentality in the team, emphasizing the importance of hard work, determination, and never giving up. "He was a leader who led by example," Khan said. "He was a fighter, and he never gave up. He taught us how to win, but more importantly, he taught us how to lose with dignity."KKR's success under Gambhir's leadership is a testament to the power of belief and the importance of having a strong leader. The franchise has since become one of the most successful in the IPL, and their journey from underdogs to champions is an inspiration to all.

The Indian Premier League (IPL) is a tournament where the spotlight often shines on the big Indian names and international stars who command hefty salaries. However, the true foundation of a team's success lies in its Indian domestic core. These players, some still finding their footing in the big leagues and others on the fringes of national team selection, can make or break a campaign.Opponents often target these so-called weak links, but many youngsters rise to the challenge and play a crucial role in their teams' progress to the latter stages of the tournament. It is no surprise, then, that the two finalists of the IPL 2023, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), have been blessed with some fine performances from their domestic cricketers.KKR's pacers Harshit Rana and Vaibhav Arora have been revelations, while Abhishek Sharma and Nitish Kumar Reddy's heroics with the bat have been instrumental in SRH's success. "It's been huge. Some youngsters have come through and won us games on their own. Nitish and Abhishek are probably the two biggest examples of guys who are kind of away from the Indian setup but have been fantastic," said SRH captain Pat Cummins."I feel like that's been the story of our team. A lot of guys are taking the game on, putting themselves out there, and having breakout seasons," added the Australian.KKR skipper Shreyas Iyer also spoke about how the domestic players have been proactive and have played with freedom. "When these guys come in, the youngsters, especially, are fearless in their approach, and their attitude is headstrong. A lot of them are versatile and enterprising in their approach and proactive," said Shreyas."They want to go out there and perform. So, it's just that when you give them that sort of freedom and back them during tough times, they deliver the best. And when these guys step up at the right time, they see that they win matches for you," he explained.The contributions of these domestic players highlight the importance of investing in grassroots cricket and providing opportunities for young talent to develop. By nurturing their domestic core, teams can build a solid foundation for long-term success in the IPL and beyond.

India's star batter Shreyas Iyer has revealed that he had raised concerns about persistent back issues after the 2023 ODI World Cup, but his concerns were initially dismissed."I was definitely struggling after the World Cup in the longer format," said Iyer, who captains the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the Indian Premier League (IPL). "When I raised my concern, no one was agreeing to it."Despite his concerns, Iyer remained determined to perform at his best in the IPL. "When the IPL was approaching, all I wanted to see was that I've put my best foot forward," he said. "We [KKR] had done a lot of planning and strategizing, and if we could execute it to the best of our abilities, we would have been in a great spot."Iyer's back injury had previously sidelined him from the Asia Cup in 2023 and the first two England Tests in early 2024. He was cleared for selection after the second England Test but missed subsequent Ranji Trophy games for Mumbai, citing back spasms.Despite being cleared by the BCCI medical staff, Iyer's absence from the Ranji Trophy raised questions about his priorities. BCCI secretary Jay Shah had warned players against prioritizing the IPL over domestic cricket, and Iyer lost his central BCCI contract despite meeting the minimum criteria for matches played.During the Ranji Trophy final against Vidarbha, Iyer was absent from the field for two consecutive days due to back issues.Iyer acknowledged the challenges of transitioning from red-ball to white-ball cricket. "It's kind of difficult as a batsman and also as a bowler," he said. "But once you get used to it, I think you pick up the pace and march on with the other players."

Shreyas Iyer, the captain of the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), has led his team to the IPL final twice in the past four years. Despite his success, Iyer remains unfazed by the lack of recognition he receives as a leader, acknowledging the significant contributions of his mentor, Gautam Gambhir.Iyer's leadership qualities were evident in 2020 when he guided the Delhi Capitals to the IPL title clash. Now, he has steered KKR to the summit match of this edition, where they will face the Sunrisers Hyderabad on Sunday.When asked about the perceived lack of recognition for his leadership achievements, Iyer responded assertively, "The hype is definitely created by you guys (media). Where I stand (as a skipper) is definitely on you (to decide)."Iyer praised Gambhir's invaluable contributions as a mentor, describing him as one of the finest readers of the game in the T20 format. "About Gautam bhai, I feel he has got immense knowledge about how the game is played. He has won two titles previously with KKR, and his strategies have been spot-on in terms of what execution we have to make against the opposition."Iyer expressed confidence in KKR's victory over SRH, attributing it to Gambhir's astute guidance from the dugout. "Hopefully, we keep continuing with the same momentum with his knowledge."The past six months have been a rollercoaster for Iyer. His initial reluctance to play red-ball domestic cricket resulted in the loss of his BCCI central contract. However, he returned to play the Ranji Trophy final against Vidarbha, scoring a crucial 95 in the second innings.Despite a middling IPL season and being overlooked for the T20 World Cup squad, Iyer has remained focused on his performance. He admitted to struggling with a back injury after the World Cup, but emphasized that he has put those concerns behind him."When IPL was approaching, all I wanted was to put my best foot forward. Whatever planning and strategizing we did before it and executing it to the best of our abilities, and that's where we are right now," he said.Iyer acknowledged the challenges of transitioning from red-ball to white-ball cricket, but stressed the importance of staying focused on the task at hand. "All I did was stay in the present and not think about what was going to happen to me or was worried about the selection process. I just wanted to come and participate and play to the best of my abilities."

Toss Significance in IPL 2024 Final: Mindset and Confidence Key, Says Kevin PietersenThe toss plays a crucial role in determining the outcome of cricket matches, but former England star Kevin Pietersen believes that mindset and confidence are paramount in the upcoming IPL 2024 final between Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH).Pietersen acknowledges that winning the toss can provide an advantage, but emphasizes that it is the team's mental preparedness and self-assurance that will ultimately shape their performance in the championship game. He highlights KKR's positive mindset as a key factor that will give them an edge over SRH."The toss is 50-50. I actually think that you have to consider the possibility of dew and also be prepared if it doesn't come. It's all about the mindset and confidence coming into this fixture," Pietersen said.He further adds, "That's where I think KKR have an advantage, given the way they've played, their convincing win in qualifier one, and their preparation over the last three or four days."Pietersen expresses disappointment with SRH's performance in their previous match, stating that their lack of fight could put them at a disadvantage in the final."I didn't like the way the Sunrisers threw in the towel the other evening in Ahmedabad, and I think it's going to put them on the back foot for the start on Sunday," Pietersen said.However, he acknowledges that SRH's recent success in the SA20 tournament demonstrates their ability to win under pressure."They've got a structure that knows how to win, and when you've got that belief within the franchise, that belief within the ownership, then momentum has its own way," Pietersen said.Ultimately, Pietersen believes that the team with the stronger mindset and confidence will emerge victorious in the IPL 2024 final.

Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) have opted to cancel their practice session ahead of their Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 final clash against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) on Sunday. The decision was made to prioritize player fitness amidst the scorching temperatures and humidity in Chennai.SRH secured their place in the summit clash after defeating Rajasthan Royals in Qualifier 2 on Friday. The team opted for a rest day to recover from their previous match. In contrast, KKR, who defeated SRH in Qualifier 1 on Tuesday, have had a longer break and held a practice session on Friday. They are expected to have another net session on Saturday evening.KKR's lack of match practice could be a concern, as their last two league matches against Gujarat Titans and Rajasthan Royals were abandoned due to rain. However, SRH captain Pat Cummins expressed confidence in his team's batting strength and the experience of his bowlers.Cummins praised the team's performance in Qualifier 2, highlighting the contributions of Shahbaz Ahmed and Abhishek Sharma. He also acknowledged the role of left-arm orthodox bowlers in the team's success."The boys have been fantastic all season. There's a great vibe in the squad... We knew our strength was our batting and we wouldn't underestimate the experience we have in this squad," Cummins said.The IPL 2024 final promises to be an exciting encounter between two evenly matched teams. SRH will be looking to lift their second IPL trophy, while KKR will be aiming for their third title.

The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 season culminates in a thrilling final between Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) on Sunday. KKR, the league stage toppers, defeated SRH in Qualifier 1, while SRH overcame Rajasthan Royals (RR) in Qualifier 2 to secure their place in the final.Four Intriguing Facts About the IPL 2024 Final:1. Cummins' Potential Hat-Trick: If SRH emerges victorious, Pat Cummins will become the third Australian captain to lead a Hyderabad-based franchise to an IPL title. Adam Gilchrist (Deccan Chargers, 2009) and David Warner (SRH, 2016) have previously achieved this feat.2. Costliest Players in IPL History: The 2024 IPL auction witnessed record-breaking deals for SRH's Nicholas Pooran (INR 20.50 crore) and KKR's Mitchell Starc (INR 24.75 crore). Both players will showcase their skills in the final.3. Absence of Indian T20 World Cup Squad Members: Unlike previous years, the IPL final will not feature any players from India's 15-member T20 World Cup squad. KKR and SRH do not have any representatives in the Indian team for the tournament scheduled from June 2 to 29.4. No New Champion: The IPL will not crown a new champion this year. Both KKR (2012, 2014) and SRH (2016) have previously won the title. Among the four playoff teams, only RCB remained without an IPL triumph.The final promises an exciting clash between two former champions, with both teams eager to add another trophy to their cabinet. The presence of star players like Cummins, Starc, and Pooran adds to the anticipation of a thrilling encounter.