IPL 2024 Final: Kolkata Knight Riders beat SunRisers Hyderabad by 8 wickets in the final of IPL 2024 to clinch their third title on Sunday. After a decade, Kkr was successful in lifting the trophy again with the help of Gambhir’s mentorship and Iyer’s leadership.
Chasing an easy target of 114 runs at MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai, KKR reached home in 10.3 overs, thanks to Venkatesh Iyer’s 52 not out off 26. Earlier, KKR bowled SRH for 113 after Pat Cummins won the toss and opted to bat first.
Mitchell Starc bowled a peach of a delivery to get the better of SRH opener Abhishek Sharma in the first over and KKR never looked back since then.
The Shreyas Iyer-led side kept the noose tightened throughout the innings and eventually bowled the side out for a paltry total in 18.3 overs. Andre Russell was the pick of the bowlers for KKR with figures of 3 for 19 in 2.3 overs.
The Kolkata Knight Riders proved why they had been the most consistent side in the season, as they brought up their A-game in the blockbuster IPL 2024 final in Chennai. Mitchell Starc, the most expensive player in the tournament’s history – who endured struggles with his form throughout the season – saved his best for the last as he unleashed an absolute peach in the very first over to dismiss Abhishek Sharma on 2.
It was a forgettable outing for the Sunrisers Hyderabad in the grandest stage of the Indian Premier League, as the side posted the lowest score ever recorded in the tournament’s final.
SRH were bowled out for 113 in 18.3 overs, thus creating the unwanted record, displacing Chennai Super Kings, who had scored 125/9 during their run-chase in the 2013 final against Mumbai Indians.
SRK’s reaction to the victory
After the win, KKR co-owner and Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan, who is often regarded as one of the best franchise owners, was elated after his team created history on Sunday. He entered the ground and greeted every player from his side. The Bollywood icon kissed team mentor Gautam Gambhir on his forehead to express his gratitude for guiding his team.
king @iamsrk gives Gautam Gambhir a forehead kiss. pic.twitter.com/Y133fHgnHH
— Nidhi (@SrkianNidhiii) May 26, 2024
What does the young player Rinku has to say about the win?
“Outstanding feeling right now. The dream has come true – I have been here for 7 years and we are so happy. Credit to GG sir. I will finally lift the League’s trophy. It was God’s plan,” Rinku told the broadcasters after the match.
Shah Rukh has often expressed his soft corner for Rinku who has been the match-tinner for KKR for the past few seasons. The left-handed batter didn’t get much chance to showcase his talent this year as the top-order performed incredibly well for them.
SRH’s reaction After losing IPL
After losing the championship, the team’s social media posted a thank you post for the fans who supported them in their journey till the finals.
Milestones achieved, records set, fire display through and through. Proud of every single one of you boys 🧡
We’ll be back stronger to #PlayWithFire next year 🫶#KKRvSRH #TATAIPL2024 pic.twitter.com/vfCsZXIv9z
— SunRisers Hyderabad (@SunRisers) May 26, 2024
They even wished KKR for their victory while KKR consoled them by appreciating their journey in the League.
Gambhir’s Involvement in KKR
This victory echoed KKR’s maiden title win in 2012 at the same venue where Gautam Gambhir first established his credentials as an astute leader. Now, a dozen years later, Gambhir’s strategic acumen from behind the scenes paved the way for another IPL title win. The former cricketer was KKR captain in 2012 and the side’s mentor this year, and Shah Rukh Khan, the Bollywood actor and KKR co-owner since the tournament’s inception in 2008, shared a heartwarming moment with Gambhir following the side’s win
As the two met on the ground after KKR’s stellar victory, Shah Rukh kissed Gambhir’s forehead and hugged the former Knight Riders captain after winning. The video became viral on social media platforms.
Will Gambhir remain as KKR’s mentor?
Even though Gambhir returned to the side only this year, there might be a possibility of the former southpaw relinquishing his mentorship role at KKR if the BCCI appoint him as Team India’s head coach.
Gambhir is among the top contenders to replace Rahul Dravid in the role after the latter departs following the T20 World Cup next month. Though no official statement confirming or denying the candidature has been made by either party, Gambhir has been widely reported to be leading the race for the head coach position.
Also read: Rohit Sharma Confirmed as World Cup Captain
After the TATA Indian Premiere League Finals Indian cricket fans should not get upset as our players will be seen together playing for our country in the international format, i.e., ICC men’s T20 World Cup – which is going to start on 2nd June, and India’s match is scheduled for 5th of June.
