A decade-long wait is over! The Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) roared back to glory in the IPL 2024 final, dismantling the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) with a dominant performance. Shreyas Iyer’s men put on a clinic, restricting SRH to a record-low total before cruising to victory with eight wickets in hand. The MA Chidambaram Stadium erupted in a joyous celebration, as Kolkata cemented their place as IPL champions for the third time. As we are now done and dusted from the 65-day long tournament, let us look back and skim through the eye-catching stories from Sunday.
And the new Indian Premier League (IPL) Champions – KKR!
KKR dominated the IPL 2024 season, capping it off with a convincing win over SRH in the IPL 2024 finals. Their road to victory was paved with consistent performances throughout the tournament. KKR finished a staggering 1st on the points table, losing only 3 matches across the entire season. Their bowling attack was a force to be reckoned with, while their batting thrived with the surprise return of Sunil Narine as an opener. Narine’s explosive batting at the top along with key contributions from the likes of Venkatesh Iyer and Phil Salt propelled KKR to numerous victories. The return of Gautam Gambhir in the coaching staff also provided the spark that KKR lacked in recent years.
A kiss on the forehead from SRK to Gambhir!
The jubilation following KKR’s win transcended the team itself. Shah Rukh Khan, the co-owner and a passionate supporter, couldn’t contain his emotions. Cameras documented heartwarming scenes as SRK first celebrated with his family and friends in the stands, the joy evident on his face. But his celebratory spirit wasn’t meant to be confined. He rushed onto the field, eager to share the victory with everyone who made it possible. There he embraced each and every member of the KKR family – players and coaching staff – showering them with his appreciation.
The most touching moment came when SRK met KKR mentor Gautam Gambhir. Their embrace was loaded with emotion, a culmination of teamwork, strategy, and a shared passion for the game. Shah Rukh even went a step further, planting a kiss on Gambhir’s forehead!
Joy for SRK but heartbreak for SRH owner Kavya Maran
In stark contrast to the jubilant KKR camp, the mood was sombre for SRH. Owner Kavya Maran’s emotions mirrored the team’s crushing defeat. Cameras captured her wiping away tears as KKR dominated the IPL 2024 finals. Despite attempting to compose herself, the raw disappointment was evident on the face of Kavya Maran. However, amidst the disappointment, Kavya did not fail to acknowledge the incredible turnaround SRH had achieved. After finishing a lowly 10th the previous season, reaching the finals was a testament to the team’s hard work and deserved applause.
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This is why KKR splashed Rs. 24.75 crore for Starc!
Mitchell Starc silenced his critics in spectacular fashion, bagging the Player of the Match award for his fiery spell in the IPL 2024 finals. Despite a lukewarm performance throughout the league stages, Starc stepped up when it mattered most. Starc’s performance in the finals (2/13) was a vindication of the hefty 24.75 crore INR price tag KKR paid for him at the auction. Throughout the league stage, many fans questioned the hefty investment, labeling him as overpriced. However, Starc proved his worth on the biggest stage, silencing the doubters and showcasing his knack to deliver in high-pressure situations.
Play IPL rather than T20Is vs Pakistan, says Vaughan
Ex-England captain Michael Vaughan thinks England made a mistake calling players back from the IPL for a Pakistan series. He believes the high-pressure situations of the IPL playoffs, with intense crowds and expectations, would have better prepared them for the T20 World Cup than matches against Pakistan. Vaughan argues that players like Jos Buttler, Will Jacks and Phil Salt faced more pressure in the IPL than they would in a T20I against Pakistan. Team England currently enjoys a 1-0 lead in the 4-match series against Pakistan.
Team India’s 1st batch lands in New York ahead of T20 WC
The journey for the T20 World Cup 2024 has begun for the Men in Blue! The first batch of players, including Rohit Sharma and Ravindra Jadeja, arrived on US soil after a long journey. They touched down at JFK Airport in New York. Fans are buzzing after a selfie featuring Rohit and Jadeja surfaced online. The excitement is building as India gears up for the T20 World Cup, kicking off soon. Team India will play a warm-up game against Bangladesh on June 1 before commencing their tournament against Ireland on June 5.
