Cricket

Rishabh Pant Joins Kolkata Knight Riders' IPL 2024 Title CelebrationsIndian wicket-keeper batter Rishabh Pant made a virtual appearance at the Kolkata Knight Riders' (KKR) victory celebrations after the team clinched the IPL 2024 title. In a heartwarming video that has gone viral on social media, Pant was seen congratulating Rinku Singh and Nitish Rana on their triumph over Sunrisers Hyderabad.Pant, who is currently in the USA with the Indian cricket team preparing for the T20 World Cup 2024, expressed his joy and admiration for the KKR players. Rinku, in turn, shared his excitement about joining the team in the USA soon."Bhaiya, I am coming [to US] on 28th," Rinku said to Pant on video call.In the match itself, KKR dominated SRH, bowling them out for a mere 113. Andre Russell led the bowling attack with three wickets, while Mitchell Starc and Harshit Rana chipped in with two each.In response, Venkatesh Iyer smashed a brilliant half-century, and Rahmanullah Gurbaz played a fiery knock to guide KKR to a comfortable victory.KKR bowling coach Bharat Arun praised the team's performance, particularly highlighting the contributions of Rana and Starc."He [Rana] has been outstanding and it's about the bowler understanding what his strengths are and when he does, it comes out beautifully on the ground," Arun said."Mitch coming into the team boosted the confidence of the other youngsters. He has been one of the best bowlers in world cricket and he has been in such situations before, it's about understanding Indian conditions and once he did that, it is magic all over."Arun also credited Gautam Gambhir for his decision to open the batting with Sunil Narine, which proved to be a game-changer for KKR."He [Narine] has brought a totally different dimension to our batting this year and it was Gautam who insisted that Sunny open and what Sunny did was outstanding," Arun said.

Kolkata Knight Riders' young paceman Harshit Rana has shared a heartwarming story involving franchise co-owner Shah Rukh Khan following KKR's victorious IPL 2024 campaign. Rana, who had a breakthrough season, played a pivotal role in KKR's third title victory, taking 19 wickets in 13 matches.However, Rana's season was not without controversy. He was handed a one-match ban for a Level 1 offence under Article 2.5 of the IPL's Code of Conduct during a match against Delhi Capitals at Eden Gardens. The young pacer made an animated gesture towards DC's Abhishek Porel after taking his wicket, marking his second penalty of the season. Earlier, Rana had been fined 60% of his match fees for giving a flying-kiss send-off to Sunrisers Hyderabad's batter Mayank Agarwal.Reflecting on his emotions after the ban, the 22-year-old disclosed a special interaction with Shah Rukh Khan. Feeling dejected, Rana received a pep talk from the Bollywood superstar, who made a heartfelt promise to lift his spirits."Oh Yes! After I got banned for one match, I was very sad and then Shah Rukh sir came to me and said 'Tu tension mat le ye waali celebration Trophy ke saath karenge' (Don't worry, we will celebrate this with the trophy). He promised me and made sure that we did that with the trophy and our team," Harshit told the Indian Express.True to his word, Shah Rukh Khan led the entire KKR team in a flying kiss celebration after they clinched the IPL trophy. This gesture not only fulfilled a promise but also united the team in a moment of shared joy and camaraderie.Rana's performance in the final against Sunrisers Hyderabad was outstanding. He claimed two wickets for just 24 runs in his four overs, including a rare maiden over in the summit clash. His contributions were crucial in securing KKR's victory.After the final, KKR's left-arm seamer Mitchell Starc lauded the young pacer's efforts, highlighting his growth and confidence throughout the season."Harshit is learning what his skills are capable of throughout this IPL. He seems pretty confident in his abilities. He started his season with the second-best team in this season (SRH). The right-arm seamer has bowled some tough overs and also crucial last overs and has taken a good amount of wickets this season as well," Starc said.Rana's journey in the IPL has been a testament to his hard work and determination. Despite facing setbacks, he has shown resilience and a willingness to learn. His performances have not only helped KKR achieve success but have also earned him the respect of his teammates and opponents.

Bollywood superstar and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) owner Shah Rukh Khan delivered an emotional and heartfelt speech in the dressing room following his team's triumph in the IPL 2024 final. KKR produced a dominant performance to defeat Sunrisers Hyderabad and secure their third IPL trophy.Despite being recently hospitalized due to a heat stroke, SRK made a special appearance at the summit clash to support his team alongside his family. In a video shared by KKR on social media, SRK expressed his gratitude to the players and staff, while also making a special request."I just have one request, which is my special thanks to Gautam Gambhir," SRK said. "I have not thanked him specially. Two things we had discussed when we started that maybe we can make him dance. Sunil (Narine) has already crossed that boundary. I saw him dance. So we have to make GG [Gautam Gambhir] dance tonight."SRK's speech was met with cheers and applause from the KKR players. He went on to express his love and appreciation for the team, acknowledging their hard work and dedication."Thank you, everybody. You guys are lovely. God bless you. Just stay healthy. And, wherever we go ahead from here onwards, I wish you the best. And, I know, I speak on behalf of Jay, Juhi, Jahnavi, Suhana, Pooja, all of us, who love you very much that you make us very emotional. And, we wish we had this team for the rest of our lives. And you kept on listening to my speeches and playing like this."In the match itself, SRH batters struggled against KKR's bowling attack, with Andre Russell claiming three wickets and Mitchell Starc and Harshit Rana taking two each. SRH were bundled out for a mere 113 runs.In response, Venkatesh Iyer and Rahmanullah Gurbaz guided KKR to an easy victory, securing the franchise's third IPL title.

Rinku Singh Breaks Silence on T20 World Cup Snub, Reveals Conversation with Rohit SharmaIndian cricketer Rinku Singh has expressed his disappointment over being excluded from the T20 World Cup 2024 squad, but has accepted the decision due to team composition.In an interview with Dainik Jagran, Singh revealed that he had a conversation with skipper Rohit Sharma about his omission. "Rohit Bhaiya did not say anything special. He only said that just keep working hard. There is a World Cup again after two years. There is no need to worry too much," Singh said.Singh's exclusion from the squad came as a surprise to many, given his impressive performances in the Indian Premier League (IPL) for Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). However, the BCCI selectors opted for Shivam Dube and Axar Patel as all-rounder options.Singh admitted to being upset initially, but has since come to terms with the decision. "Yes, anyone feels a little bad if he is not selected despite good performance. However, this time I could not get selected due to the team combination. It is okay, one should not think too much about things that are not in one's hands," he said.Despite his disappointment, Singh remains optimistic about his future prospects. "There is a World Cup again after two years. There is no need to worry too much," he said.Singh's exclusion from the T20 World Cup squad has sparked debate among fans and experts. Some have questioned the selectors' decision, while others have defended it, citing the need for a balanced team composition.

Gautam Gambhir, the former Indian cricketer and current mentor of the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), has emerged as a strong contender for the position of head coach of the Indian cricket team. Under Gambhir's guidance, KKR won the Indian Premier League (IPL) title in 2024. Prior to that, he was the mentor of the Lucknow Super Giants, who reached the IPL playoffs in both seasons under his leadership.According to reports, Gambhir's name is being seriously considered by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) for the head coach role. The official deadline for application submission has passed, and a "very high-profile owner of an IPL franchise" has reportedly stated that Gambhir's appointment is a "done deal."However, the BCCI has not made any official announcement, indicating that negotiations are still ongoing. BCCI secretary Jay Shah has emphasized that the next head coach should have a "deep understanding" of the Indian cricket structure, suggesting that an Indian candidate is likely to be appointed.Gambhir's credentials as a player and mentor make him a strong candidate for the role. As a player, he was a key member of the Indian team that won the 2011 Cricket World Cup. He is known for his aggressive batting style and leadership qualities. As a mentor, he has guided two IPL teams to success, demonstrating his ability to develop and motivate players.If appointed, Gambhir would succeed Rahul Dravid, who stepped down as head coach after the 2023 Cricket World Cup. Dravid's tenure was marked by a focus on youth development and a resurgence in India's Test cricket performance.The appointment of Gambhir as head coach would be a significant development for Indian cricket. He is a respected figure in the game and his appointment would likely be welcomed by fans and players alike.

Umar Akmal's KKR Blunder Sparks Social Media FrenzyPakistan wicketkeeper-batter Umar Akmal became the subject of social media ridicule after he misspelled Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) while congratulating the franchise on their third Indian Premier League (IPL) title.KKR emerged victorious in the IPL 2022 final on Sunday, defeating Sunrisers Hyderabad by 8 wickets in Chennai. As congratulatory messages poured in from all corners, Akmal joined the chorus, but his misspelling of KKR as "KKL" triggered a wave of hilarious reactions on social media."Congratulations to IPL for winning 3rd KKR," joked one user."Winning to third KKL conhrjulation trophy," wrote another, mocking Akmal's grammatical errors."KKL to congratulations on IPL third winning trophy. Lord Umar," quipped another.Akmal's blunder also drew criticism, with some users urging him to improve his spelling before using hashtags."Daru pike twitter mt chalao bhai," wrote one user, suggesting that Akmal was under the influence of alcohol."KKR likhna sikh jaao pehle fir hashtag banana," said another."Bhai ye KKL kaunsi team hai? Lord Umar Akmal is being Umar Akmal," remarked another user.Despite the social media backlash, Akmal's message was well-intentioned, as he praised KKR's title triumph. The franchise's victory was largely due to the sensational bowling performance of Mitchell Starc, who claimed 2 for 14 in the opening spell.Starc's brilliance helped KKR restrict Hyderabad to a paltry 113, the lowest total in an IPL final. Kolkata's batsmen then chased down the target with ease, with Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Venkatesh Iyer contributing valuable innings.

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) emerged victorious in the IPL 2024 final, defeating Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) by a commanding eight wickets. SRH's batting lineup faltered under the pressure of the summit clash, with Andre Russell and Mitchell Starc wreaking havoc on their opponents. Russell claimed three wickets, while Starc scalped two, restricting SRH to a meager 113 runs.In response, KKR's chase was a breeze, with the team reaching the target in just 10.3 overs. The victory marked KKR's third IPL title, sparking jubilation within the team. However, the mood was somber in the SRH camp, particularly for owner Kavya Maran.Maran, known for her unwavering support for SRH, was visibly distraught after the defeat. Her tears, captured on camera, went viral on social media, eliciting sympathy and support from fans. Many expressed their apologies for SRH's loss, while others created memes to lighten the mood.SRH skipper Pat Cummins acknowledged the team's shortcomings, praising KKR's bowling performance. "They bowled fantastically," he said. "Unfortunately, old mate Starcy turned it on again. Not enough tonight, totally outplayed."Cummins also expressed gratitude for the season, highlighting the camaraderie within the team. "Great season. It was fantastic, hadn't worked with many of the guys before at all. It was a real pleasure to work with some of the older, experienced guys like Bhuvi. Bhuvi, Nattu, Jaydev were great and lots of young talent throughout. Really great squad, the support staff were amazing, had a great couple of months."

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) batter Rinku Singh has been a loyal member of the franchise for seven seasons. In recent years, he has emerged as a key player, winning matches for KKR and earning a call-up to the Indian T20 World Cup squad as a reserve.Despite his impressive performances, Rinku's salary at KKR stands at a mere Rs 55 lakh, a stark contrast to his teammate Mitchell Starc's whopping Rs 24.75 crore. This disparity has raised questions about the value placed on Indian talent in the IPL.In an interview with Dainik Jagaran, Rinku displayed a remarkable level of humility and contentment. He expressed gratitude for his current salary, stating that it is a significant amount for him."Even 50-55 lakhs is a lot. When I started, I never thought I would earn so much. I was a kid then, and if I got even 10-5 rupees, I thought I would somehow manage. Now I am getting 55 lakh rupees, so this is a lot. I should be happy with whatever God gives me," Rinku said.Rinku's philosophy extends beyond financial matters. He believes in the transience of material possessions and the importance of staying grounded."If I tell you the truth today, then all this is an illusion. You did not bring anything with you, nor will you take anything with you. You never know when time will change. I would like to say that you have to go back the same way you came. Stay grounded, what else," Rinku said.Rinku's perspective serves as a reminder that true wealth lies not in material possessions but in contentment and gratitude. His story highlights the need for a more equitable distribution of resources in the IPL and a greater appreciation for the contributions of Indian players.

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) etched their name in the annals of the Indian Premier League (IPL) by clinching the 2024 title with an unprecedented record of the fewest defeats in a single edition. Under the astute leadership of Shreyas Iyer, KKR lifted their third IPL trophy, cementing their status as one of the most formidable teams in the tournament's history.KKR's dominance throughout the season was evident in their remarkable consistency. They suffered only three defeats, a testament to their exceptional team balance and unwavering determination. Their only setbacks came against Chennai Super Kings (CSK), Punjab Kings (PBKS), and Rajasthan Royals (RR).The previous record for the fewest defeats in an IPL season was held by Rajasthan Royals, who conceded three losses in the inaugural 2008 edition. Mumbai Indians also had three outright defeats in IPL 2020, but they lost twice in super overs.In the final match against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), KKR showcased their all-round prowess. SRH won the toss and opted to bat first, but KKR's bowlers wreaked havoc, restricting them to a paltry 113 runs in 18.3 overs. Mitchell Starc, the tournament's most expensive buy, justified his hefty price tag with a stellar performance, claiming two wickets for just 14 runs. Andre Russell, Harshit Rana, and Sunil Narine also chipped in with crucial wickets.KKR's chase was equally impressive. Venkatesh Iyer and Rahmanullah Gurbaz forged a formidable opening partnership, guiding their team to victory in just 10.3 overs with eight wickets in hand. Iyer remained unbeaten on 52 runs, while Gurbaz contributed 39 runs.KKR's triumph is a testament to their meticulous planning, strategic decision-making, and unwavering belief. They have set a new benchmark for consistency and dominance in the IPL, inspiring future generations of cricketers.