Cricket

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.

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) emerged victorious in the IPL 2024 final, claiming their third IPL title with an emphatic eight-wicket triumph over Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH). Led by captain Shreyas Iyer, KKR dominated the match from start to finish.SRH's batting lineup faltered under the pressure of the final, with Andre Russell, Harshit Rana, and Mitchell Starc combining to restrict them to a meager 113 runs. Russell's three wickets and Rana and Starc's two each proved decisive.In response, KKR's openers, Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Venkatesh Iyer, made light work of the chase. Gurbaz, who replaced Phil Salt in the squad, played a crucial role in the victory. Salt, who left for England's T20 World Cup preparations, joined the celebrations via video call.After the match, Iyer expressed his delight at his team's performance. "This is what we demanded from the team and every individual," he said. "They stood up to the right occasion and the feeling is hard to express."Iyer praised his team's consistency throughout the season. "We played like invincibles throughout the season," he said. "There's so much to cherish right now. It is pleasing, the performance has been flawless throughout."Iyer also highlighted the contributions of Starc and Russell. "That's when all the big players stand up, right!" he said about Starc. "He's been so good off the field. He's never shown any complacency in his work ethics. He stepped up to the right occasion.""He's got that magic wand," Iyer said about Russell. "He's looking forward to pick wickets. When I look at him, I know he can look at me. All the guys stepped up at the right time. Made it easier. It has been a flawless season."

When Shreyas Iyer recreated Lionel Messi's iconic World Cup celebration after lifting the IPL Trophy as Kolkata Knight Riders captain in Chennai, it was a moment of triumph and vindication for the embattled Indian cricketer.Just weeks before the IPL, Iyer's central contract was torn up, and a recurring back injury threatened to derail his season. However, he found redemption in this victory, much like Messi did after exorcising the ghosts of losing the 2014 final and winning the trophy for his country after a 36-year wait.For the two-time IPL champions, the wait lasted 10 years as Iyer sang a redemption song following a topsy-turvy start to the year. It was no wonder then that he chose to imitate the man who knows all about rising from setbacks.So, with the trophy in his hands, Iyer took a playful walk towards his teammates, similar to Messi's actions after the final against France in Doha, and handed them the big prize."I am hearing a lot about Gautam Gambhir, who has created a magnificent culture in the KKR team. But this guy (Iyer), I don't think he is getting enough credit. Shreyas Iyer needs some credit," said legendary commentator Ian Bishop on Sunday as KKR defeated Sunrisers Hyderabad by eight wickets in a completely one-sided final to win their third IPL title.KKR may have gotten most of their runs from openers Sunil Narine and Phil Salt, but they played as a team and managed to come out winners in a dominant season, topping the table with two rounds to spare and enduring just three losses in between."It is hard to express how we are feeling right now. The wait was so long. We played like invincibles throughout the season. There is so much to cherish right now," said Iyer.It was a special feeling for his childhood and Mumbai coach Pravin Amre, who first tested his character by promoting Iyer to No.3 from No.7 in his maiden Ranji season in 2014-15. Iyer returned with 153, his maiden first-class hundred in their match against Bengal at Eden Gardens in December 2014."I challenged him in his entire career (in Mumbai)...I knew how strong-willed he's and it was my job as a coach to challenge him. He always liked to take the challenge in a good stride. he is a good team man. In the last world cup, he scored 530 runs," Amre said."I always told him you just do whatever is in your hands, let the other people do their job, you just remain focus on what's in your hands," added Amre who first took him under his wings at the Shivaji Park Gymkhana.By leading KKR into the final, Iyer achieved the rare feat of playing the summit clash as captain of two different franchises in the IPL. The KKR skipper missed the last season because of a back injury that required surgery in London last year. He made a comeback in the Asia Cup and went on to become India's third leading run-getter after Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma in the last year's ODI World Cup.The year didn't start well for him though as he had a difficult outing in the home Test series against England and looked patchy scoring 140 runs in the first two matches before being left out for the final three Tests. It was learnt that he developed the recurring back problem, even though he was cleared by the Board medical staff.Iyer then became the center of a controversy when he missed the Ranji Trophy for his home state Mumbai and went on to attend KKR's pre-season camp. Iyer, however, returned to play for Mumbai in the semifinal and final against Vidarbha where he scored a resolute 95 in the second innings of their 42nd Ranji triumph.The Board omitted him from the Grade B contract and BCCI secretary Jay Shah issued a stern warning asking players not to prioritize IPL over domestic cricket. Under intense scrutiny, Iyer looked rusty at the start of the IPL and got out for a two-ball duck in their opener against SRH. He had some significant contributions later on but his efforts were all overshadowed by Narine and Salt's explosive batting.However, Iyer personified "Captain Cool" and held the team's cause ahead of his individual milestones. He went on to become the fourth leading run-getter for KKR this season with 351 runs and two fifties. His best came against the crucial first qualifier against SRH when he anchored their tricky chase of 160 with an unbeaten 58."The way he handled the team as a player is commendable. More than that, he is improving as a leader and the experts in the game are also appreciating his leadership qualities," Amre said."I personally believe success is not an accident he has worked hard for this, handling the team. Yes, he had a good team under him but bringing the best out of everyone is important," he added.

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.

In an unprecedented display of flair, Kolkata Knight Riders captain Shreyas Iyer introduced a novel twist to the coin toss ritual during the IPL Final against Sunrisers Hyderabad in Chennai on Sunday. As Iyer prepared to flip the coin, he executed an unexpected pirouette, completing a full circular motion before the coin descended to the ground.The bizarre incident drew amused reactions from commentators and viewers alike, with Iyer himself sporting a wry smile. However, the unconventional toss did not favor the Knight Riders, as Sunrisers Hyderabad captain Pat Cummins emerged victorious and elected to bat first.The match marked the culmination of a thrilling IPL season, with both teams seeking to add to their trophy cabinets. Kolkata Knight Riders have previously won the title twice, while Sunrisers Hyderabad are aiming for their second IPL triumph.Sunrisers Hyderabad made a single change to their lineup, bringing in Shahbaz Ahmed in place of Abdul Samad. Kolkata Knight Riders, on the other hand, retained the same eleven that had secured their victory in Qualifier 1.The playing XIs for the Final were as follows:Sunrisers Hyderabad:* Pat Cummins (c)* Travis Head* Abhishek Sharma* Rahul Tripathi* Aiden Markram* Nitish Reddy* Heinrich Klaasen (w)* Shahbaz Ahmed* Bhuvneshwar Kumar* Jaydev Unadkat* T NatarajanKolkata Knight Riders:* Shreyas Iyer (c)* Rahmanullah Gurbaz (w)* Sunil Narine* Venkatesh Iyer* Rinku Singh* Andre Russell* Ramandeep Singh* Mitchell Starc* Vaibhav Arora* Harshit Rana* Varun ChakaravarthyThe match promised to be a thrilling encounter between two evenly matched teams. With the unique coin toss adding an element of intrigue, the IPL Final was set to provide a memorable conclusion to the tournament.

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.

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."

Former Australian all-rounder Shane Watson has hailed Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) skipper Shreyas Iyer for his exceptional leadership in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL). Under Iyer's guidance, KKR has reached the final, showcasing a remarkable team performance throughout the season.Watson praised Iyer's ability to bring out the best in his players, allowing them the freedom to express themselves on the field. "As a leader, he has had a lot of success. This means he is getting the best of the people around him," Watson said.Iyer's own performance has been impressive, with the skipper scoring 345 runs in 13 innings at an average of 38.33 and a strike rate of 146.18. His knock of 58* in the Qualifier 1 match against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) was a testament to his leadership qualities.Watson highlighted the all-round contributions from the KKR team, with Sunil Narine, Phil Salt, Venkatesh Iyer, Andre Russell, and Varun Chakravarthy all playing crucial roles. "It is not just him doing his thing, he is performing well, the team and players around him are doing very well, which is a telltale sign that you as a leader are doing a very good job," Watson added.In the Qualifier 1 match, Mitchell Starc's fiery spell of 3/34 in four overs set the tone for KKR's victory. The left-arm pacer has consistently made an impact in big matches, showcasing his ability to deliver under pressure.KKR's victory has earned them a direct spot in the final, while SRH will have one more chance to reach the title clash in Qualifier 2. The two-time champions will be hoping to continue their impressive form and lift the IPL trophy once again.