IPL 2024 Final: India, Pakistan, Bangladesh cricketers congratulate Kolkata Knight Riders for lifting third IPL title

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Chennai, May 26: The pace duo of Mitchell Starc and Andre Russell delivered a magical performance as the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) dismantled Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) by eight wickets in a lopsided IPL 2024 final, securing their third IPL trophy.

KKR's bowling unit was inch-perfect on a helpful pitch, bowling out SRH for a paltry 113 in 18.3 overs - the lowest score ever in an IPL final.

Venkatesh Iyer, with an unbeaten 52 off 26 balls, led the charge in KKR's chase, ensuring victory in just 10.3 overs. The moment was so emotional that Russell was moved to tears.

"No words to describe. It means so much. I am happy that all of us were very disciplined and worked towards one goal. This franchise has done a lot for me. It's a big gift from all of us to them," said Russell - who has played all his life for KKR in IPL - after winning the game.

SRH's innings began disastrously with the early losses of Abhishek Sharma and Travis Head during the powerplay. Pat Cummins and Aiden Markram were the top scorers with 24 and 20 runs, respectively. Starc (2/14) and Russell (3/19) were instrumental in KKR's dominance.

At the toss, SRH captain Pat Cummins opted to bat first, but the decision backfired as SRH's batting lineup crumbled. Starc's opening spell was devastating; his delivery that dismissed Abhishek Sharma was a standout, swinging late to clip the off-bail. This early breakthrough set the tone for KKR's bowling attack.

SRH struggled to build partnerships, with wickets falling regularly. Heinrich Klaasen and Aiden Markram tried to stabilize the innings, but Harshit Rana (2/24) and Russell ensured there was no comeback. By the end of the powerplay, SRH were reeling at 40 for 3.

KKR's chase was swift and decisive. Rahmanullah Gurbaz contributed a solid 39, complementing Iyer's explosive half-century. The victory was a team effort, with each player contributing to the win. Gurbaz's three catches behind the stumps and his return after attending to his ailing mother added a poignant touch to his performance.

KKR's triumph marks their third IPL title, joining Chennai Super Kings and Mumbai Indians in the elite club. The final was a testament to KKR's team spirit and strategic brilliance, led by head coach Chandrakant Pandit and the behind-the-scenes influence of Gautam Gambhir.

The story of KKR's success this season is filled with individual comebacks and collective resilience. From Starc's redemption after a disappointing league phase to Varun Chakravarthy's crafty bowling comeback, and the emergence of unheralded pacers Harshit Rana and Vaibhav Arora, every player had a significant role.

As KKR celebrated their clinical victory, owner Shah Rukh Khan joined the festivities, marking the end of a memorable season. Starc's performance, worth every bit of his Rs 24.75 crore price tag, was the highlight of a night that exemplified KKR's dominance and team spirit in the IPL 2024 final.

Here is how former India and Pakistan cricketers reacted to KKR's titular triumph:

Former India cricketer Yusuf Pathan - who has turned a politician in the 2024 Lok Sabha Election as a TMC Candidate in Bengal and a former Knight Rider - took his handle on X to congratulate KKR.

Former India batter Wasim Jaffer congratulated KKR for breaking Pat Cummins' winning streak.

Former India cricketer Robin Uthappa - who was part of KKR's IPL triumph in the past - congratulated his former team on their third IPL win.

Pakistan Super League (PSL) club Peshawar Zalmi CEO congratulated Shah Rukh Khan's KKR on winning the IPL 2024.

Bangladesh cricketer Litton Das - who was part of the franchise in the past - also congratulated KKR.