IPL 2024: As the hosts batted first, they were dealt a double blow when Phil Salt and Sunil Narine left early. But Venkatesh Iyer and Nitish Rana seized charge of the situation and put together a 37-run partnership that saved KKR from certain defeat. In the end, Iyer scored 42 runs off of 21 balls, while Rana scored 33 runs off of 23 deliveries as KKR amassed 157 runs. Interestingly, and very importantly, Ramadeep Singh had a strong final cameo.
There was a point when MI was 65/0 in the chase. Prior to the arrival of the spinners, they appeared to be the favourites. The combination of Varun Chakravarthy and Narine was highly significant again and ultimately contributed significantly to KKR’s victory. With two wickets taken by Russell and two more by Harshit Rana in the final over, KKR secured a crucial victory and became the first side to advance to the IPL 2024 playoffs. Russell was outstanding as well.
1. Venkatesh Iyer vs Mumbai Indians
The Mumbai Indians are a formidable opponent for KKR all-around player Venkatesh Iyer. Iyer contributed significantly to both of the contests this year and last, hitting a century in each. He scored a vital 42 runs at Eden Gardens to turn the tide when the decks were stacked against KKR. His performance before the qualifiers will give the team more confidence.
Also read: IPL 2024: Mumbai Indians’ 2nd inning Highlights against KKR in Match 60
2. Spin duo webs magic
Every year, Varun and Narine emerge as KKR’s ball-wielding messiahs. Varun gave out just 17 runs in his four overs against Mumbai and secured the vital wickets of Rohit Sharma and Hardik Pandya. Meanwhile, Sunil Narine removed the dangerous-looking Ishan Kishan during the powerplay. In his three overs, Narine gave up just 21 runs, and the pair helped KKR win once more.
3. Captain Fiyer, Shreyas Iyer
Shreyas Iyer has been an excellent skipper despite his lacklustre performance with the bat. His tactics have been amazing, making him possibly the best captain of the 2024 Indian Premier League. He knows when to employ other bowlers and bring in the spin twins, Russell, something that was lacking in the previous season. Additionally, he showed that he is willing to support up-and-coming players over established players when he ventured to give the ball to Harshit Rana in the last over rather than Mitchell Starc.
Losing skipper Hardik Pandya said:
Tough one, yeah. As a batting unit, the foundation was there but we could not capitalize after that and keep the momentum up. The wicket was a little up and down and a little tacky so momentum was very important. I think it was a par score, given the conditions, felt that the bowlers did well. Every ball that came back from the boundary came back wet. The bowlers made sure they kept taking wickets. (On his thoughts for the next game) Nothing, just to go and enjoy as much as we can and play good cricket, that’s been my motto from the start. I don’t think we’ve played enough good cricket this season.
Winning skipper Shreyas Iyer said:
I think I manifested this before the game (on becoming the 1st side to qualifty for the playoffs). Nerves were there, boys have been raising their hands and there have been many game-changers and kudos to each and every one of them. I feel whichever team plays the best, they got a great chance to win. They were going at great guns in the first 6 overs, and to bounce back from that situation it was nice to see.
I wasn’t thinking about stats or records, the weather wasn’t great but we won the game and that’s what is more important. It’s all about understanding which bowler is doing well on that particular day, I feel both of them bowled well and my gut went with Varun (on bowling the 4th over) at that point and I backed him.
POTM Varun Chakravarthy said:
The plan was to make him (Rohit) hit across the line, obviously there was help from the wicket and I was able to use it to my advantage. Tactically we (talking about Narine) are similar, but technically we are slightly different. The wickets were too flat initially, my bowling has been same from the first match and it is just that the results are showing up now.
India
