Cricket

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.

The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 season concluded with Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) emerging as the champions. Led by Shreyas Iyer, KKR dominated the league stage, securing 19 points and defeating Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in Qualifier 1. In the final, KKR once again triumphed over SRH, riding on a half-century from Venkatesh Iyer and exceptional bowling performances. This victory marked KKR's third IPL title, earning them a prize money of Rs 20 crore.The IPL has become the world's leading T20 franchise-based league, boasting impressive prize money compared to its competitors. The South Africa-based SA20 offers a prize of 34 million Rand (Rs 15.4 crore) to its champions. The Caribbean Premier League (CPL) awards USD 1 million (Rs 8.3 Crore) to its winners, while the International League T20 (ILT20) offers USD 700,00 (Rs 5.8 Crore).In contrast, the Pakistan Super League (PSL) and the Big Bash League (BBL) offer significantly lower prize money. The PSL 2024 winners received Rs 4.13 crore, while the BBL 2024 champions earned USD 450,000 (Rs 3.7 crore).The IPL's prize money reflects its immense popularity and financial strength. The league has attracted top players from around the world, creating a highly competitive and entertaining tournament. The substantial prize money serves as a major incentive for teams to perform at their best, contributing to the IPL's status as the most lucrative T20 league globally.

Sunrisers Hyderabad's remarkable turnaround this season, from last place in 2021 to playoff contenders, is a testament to their strategic acquisitions and the leadership of Pat Cummins.Australian Firepower:The inclusion of Australian captain Cummins and opener Travis Head brought a new dimension to the team. Cummins' experience and leadership stabilized the side, while Head's aggressive batting at the top provided a much-needed spark.Head-Abhishek Combination:The duo of Head and Abhishek Sharma formed a formidable opening partnership, setting new records for powerplay batting. Their aggressive approach often sealed games early, with Sharma hitting the most sixes in the season and SRH amassing the most maximums.Cummins' Captaincy:Cummins' leadership was crucial in SRH's success. He effectively communicated with domestic players, made bold decisions, and adapted his strategy to suit different conditions. His partnership with head coach Daniel Vettori, who had worked with him in the Australian national team setup, proved invaluable.Home Fortress:SRH made their home ground a fortress, winning five of their six matches there. This home advantage played a significant role in their playoff qualification.Bowling Unit:While the batters stole the limelight, the bowling unit of T Natarajan, Cummins, and Bhuvneshwar Kumar quietly did their job. Their combined 48 wickets helped SRH control the opposition's scoring.High-Risk, High-Reward Strategy:SRH's success was built on a high-risk, high-reward strategy. Their aggressive batting approach, coupled with their willingness to take calculated risks, captured the imagination of fans and opponents alike.

Sunrisers Hyderabad's (SRH) IPL 2024 campaign ended in heartbreak as they fell to Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the final. Despite an impressive season marked by explosive batting, SRH's openers failed to deliver in the crucial match, resulting in a disappointing 113-run total.KKR chased down the target with ease, thanks to a brilliant half-century from Venkatesh Iyer. SRH owner Kavya Maran expressed her disappointment but praised the team's efforts, acknowledging their impact on the tournament."You've made us proud," Maran said in an emotional speech. "You've redefined the way we play T20 cricket. Everyone is talking about us."Despite finishing last in the previous season, SRH's resurgence this year drew massive fan support. Maran emphasized the team's potential and the positive impact they had on the league."Even though we didn't win, everyone will still be talking about the style of cricket we've played," she said. "We played the finals, it wasn't just any other game."In the match, Andre Russell's three wickets and contributions from Harshit Rana and Mitchell Starc restricted SRH to a low score. KKR's victory was sealed by an eight-wicket margin.SRH's explosive batting had been a highlight of their season, with two scores over 250. However, their openers' failure in the final proved costly.Despite the disappointing result, SRH's performance throughout the tournament showcased their potential and the impact they have made on the IPL.

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.

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.

Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) assistant coach Simon Helmot expressed optimism for the team's future despite their 8-wicket defeat to Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 final.Helmot acknowledged the team's shortcomings in the middle order, which failed to contribute significant runs. He also praised KKR for their aggressive approach throughout the tournament."We had a lot of good games when Abhishek and Head scored runs, but we didn't get as much from the middle order as we would have liked," Helmot said. "Credit to KKR, they had a great season and played an aggressive brand of cricket."Helmot emphasized that SRH would not alter their approach or brand of cricket. "We played in a really positive way," he said. "The two wickets at the start put us on the back foot, we just lacked those partnerships."He commended the opponents for their aggressive style and expressed pride in his players. "They are a very aggressive team," Helmot said. "We could have played a little bit better, but I am tremendously proud of the players."Helmot highlighted the support provided by captain Pat Cummins and head coach Daniel Vettori. "Pat and Daniel are really supportive of the players," he said. "They want to give people the encouragement to go out and express themselves. Tonight will be a big learning curve for the individuals."KKR's victory marked their third IPL title, with their first coming in 2012 under Gautam Gambhir. Their bowlers restricted SRH to a mere 113 runs, while their batsmen chased down the target in just 10.3 overs with eight wickets in hand.

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.

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) emerged victorious in the IPL final, securing their third title with an emphatic eight-wicket triumph over Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH). The match unfolded as a one-sided affair, with KKR's bowling attack proving too formidable for SRH.Mitchell Starc, the tournament's leading wicket-taker, set the tone with a stunning opening over. His pinpoint yorker dismissed SRH's talismanic opener, Travis Head, for a golden duck. The rest of the KKR bowlers followed suit, with Vaibhav Arora, Andre Russell, and Pat Cummins all claiming wickets in their first overs.SRH's batting lineup struggled to cope with the relentless pressure. They were bowled out for a paltry 113, the lowest total in an IPL final. Only Pat Cummins (24) offered any resistance, while Russell and Starc picked up three and two wickets respectively.In response, KKR's openers, Venkatesh Iyer and Ajinkya Rahane, made light work of the chase. Iyer, in particular, was in blistering form, smashing 52 off just 26 deliveries. His innings included six fours and three sixes.Rahane provided solid support with an unbeaten 39, as KKR reached their target with 57 balls to spare. The victory marked a remarkable turnaround for KKR, who had finished seventh in the previous season.