Kolkata Knight Riders have been the team to beat this season. They have been brilliant in the IPL 2024 group stage and have sealed their spot in the IPL finals with a dominant 8-wicket win against SRH. And with their a place in the finals, KKR looks like the team that can lift the title in IPL 2024.
A wide number of factors have been responsible for KKR’s success this season. These include the likes of the inclusion of mentor Gautam Gambhir or the incredible performance of ace foreigner Sunil Narine.
Sunil Narine – The Phenomenon
The one person who has changed the entire perplexation tournament is Sunil Narine. From scoring 482 runs in 13 innings to scalping 16 wickets, Narine has done it all. Furthermore, he even strengthened the top order by coming on as an opener.
Now this is not the first time. Previously, Narine used to open and it worked wonders for his side. And IPL 2024 was no different. Narine went on to form a formidable opening pair with Phil Salt to go out aggressively at the opposition. Overall, KKR will be indebted to a certain individual named “Sunil Narine” who changed the entire complexion of the side.
Consistency Throughout Tournament
Consistency is Key – As the old saying goes, KKR has been nothing but consistent throughout the tournament. KKR went on to finish the group stage with 9 wins and 3 draws. KKR’s last two matches against RR and GT were washed off owing to incessant rain.
If a team finishes at the top of the standings with 20 points and just 3 losses, it shows how consistent the team has been. And this will prove to be a crucial factor if KKR goes on to win their third title.
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All-rounder performance
Not just consistent, KKR has been incredibly brilliant across all departments. The Knights have never been too reliant on any individual, nor have then been over dependant on a particular department. The team has been exceptional in Batting, bowling and in fielding.
In terms of bowling, Varun Chakravarthy, Harshit Rana and Sunil Narine has been the best of the picks. They have been extremely crucial for the side in picking up wickets when it has mattered the most. Narine, Shreyas Iyer and Venkatesh Iyer have been scoring decent runs on trot to help KKR fly high.
Gautam Gambhir – The Man
If it was any man that changed the entire dynamics of the Kolkata Knight Riders team – it was Gautam Gambhir. Ahead of the IPL 2024 Auction, he joined the side as the mentor of the team, after a successful 2-year stint at Lucknow. Gambhir’s inclusion acted as a catalyst and the team immediately bonded well.
While some claim he was overpriced, but it was Gambhir who picked Mitchell Starc for a price of 24.75 crores at the auction. And the big man paid dividends in the IPL playoffs. Gambhir has been the X-Factor that the team has been missing for years.
Oh Captain!
Shreyas Iyer has been a fine captain for the Kolkata Knight Riders. Having missed last season with an injury, he was back at the helm this side. Bit underrated, but Iyer did his task patiently and quietly. Despite being snubbed off a BCCI Central Contract for the year, Iyer went on to showcase his best this season.
He has been too expressive with the bat, but he has done what a captain should. He might not have been the best player of the team, but he has been the one who acts as the glue to stick all the parts together.
“Elated. Everyone came and chipped in with responsibility. We maximised every opportunity we got. The way each and every bowler stood up to the occasion (was great). We struck even when the rate went up. Their attitude was great always. When you have variety and the way they have been bowling has been great. No one’s taking things lightly, support staff and management are important too. Gurbaz came in and got an impactful start for us, Sunil took the momentum, which the middle-order batters carried on,” a happy Shreyas Iyer chirped after winning the Qualifier 1.
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