KKR Clinch Third IPL Title in Dominant Fashion

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) were crowned champions for the third time in IPL history after a comprehensive victory over SunRisers Hyderabad (SRH) in the final on Sunday, May 26, 2024, at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. In the most one-sided final in IPL history, KKR outclassed SRH, achieving the target with 57 balls and 8 wickets to spare.

A Record-Breaking Victory

KKR’s victory was not just emphatic but historic, marking the shortest title match in IPL history with only 29 overs bowled. Bowling out SRH for a mere 113 runs, KKR chased down the target in just 9.3 overs. This third title win places KKR behind only Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Mumbai Indians (MI), who have five titles each.

Captain Shreyas Iyer Joins the Elite Club

Shreyas Iyer, leading KKR, became only the second captain for the franchise to lift the IPL trophy, following in the footsteps of Gautam Gambhir (2012 and 2014). Iyer also joined the elite club of Indian captains who have led their teams to IPL victories, alongside MS Dhoni, Rohit Sharma, Gambhir, and Hardik Pandya.

SRH’s Downfall: A Day to Forget

Despite being lauded for their power-hitting throughout the season, SRH faltered on the big day. Their batting collapsed spectacularly, with none of their key players, including the explosive opening pair of Travis Head and Abhishek Sharma, managing to make a significant impact. Captain Pat Cummins was the top scorer with just 24 runs. SRH's 113 was the lowest-ever total in an IPL final, a stark contrast to their earlier season record of 287 runs in a match.

KKR’s All-Round Bowling Masterclass

KKR’s victory was orchestrated by a stellar bowling performance. Mitchell Starc led the attack, dismantling SRH’s top-order, while Andre Russell, featuring in his first final for KKR, topped the bowling charts with 3 wickets. Youngster Harshit Rana and Vaibhav Arora also made significant contributions, with Rana taking 2 crucial wickets and Arora claiming the key scalp of Travis Head.

Venkatesh Iyer’s Batting Brilliance

Venkatesh Iyer was the star with the bat, scoring an unbeaten 52 off just 26 balls. His aggressive innings set the tone for KKR’s chase, allowing them to reach the target swiftly despite the early loss of Sunil Narine. Iyer’s performance was a fitting highlight, showcasing KKR’s dominance throughout the match.

Conclusion: KKR’s Resurgence

KKR’s third IPL title is a testament to their resurgence and consistency. Their dominant performance in the final, characterized by outstanding bowling and aggressive batting, reaffirmed their status as one of the most successful teams in IPL history. With Shreyas Iyer’s leadership and a balanced team, KKR look poised to continue their winning ways in future seasons.