KKR has clinched the most number of wickets so far and five of their bowlers have picked more than 12 wickets in the tournament – a genuinely team effort
Gautam Gambhir's impact on Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) is undeniable. Under his leadership from 2011 to 2017, KKR enjoyed significant success, clinching the IPL title twice and making it to the Champions League T20 finals in 2014. However, after his departure, KKR's performance dipped. Gambhir's return to KKR as a mentor in 2024 sparked a remarkable turnaround for the franchise.
Under his guidance, KKR regained momentum, which is evident in its dominant victory over Lucknow SuperGiants (LSG). Gambhir's mentorship has rejuvenated KKR, reminding them of their winning legacy and instilling a renewed sense of determination. In the following paragraphs, take a look at how KKR is dominating in almost every aspect of the game.
Here are a glimpse of three such matches:
Sunil Narine of the Kolkata Knight Riders plays a shot during an IPL Twenty20 cricket match at Eden Gardens
In a breathtaking display of power-hitting prowess, KKR came tantalisingly close to rewriting history in their clash against the
Delhi Capitals. Falling just five runs short of the IPL record set by Sunrisers Hyderabad, KKR amassed a monumental 272/7 in their allotted 20 overs in Visakhapatnam. Despite Ishant Sharma's economical last over, KKR's commanding victory by 106 runs highlighted their relentless pursuit of excellence and dominance on the cricketing stage.
In the 42nd Match at Eden Gardens on April 26, 2024, KKR posted a formidable total of 261/6. However, Punjab Kings quickly chased the target, reaching 262/2 in 18.4 overs, winning the match by eight wickets with eight balls remaining. Sunil Narine starred with the bat for Kolkata Knight Riders, scoring his maiden century in the IPL.
KKR delivered a crushing blow to the Lucknow SuperGiants. KKR emerged victorious by a massive margin of 98 runs, solidifying their position at the top of the table. After winning the toss, Shreyas Iyer's squad decided to bat first and put LSG on the ropes with an intimidating score of 235/6.
It's 4:33 AM and we're still here 💜pic.twitter.com/ZjsV8MzA8W
— KolkataKnightRiders (@KKRiders) May 3, 2024
Mitchell Starc taking the final wicket at Wankhede and sealing the victory for KKR after 12 years
For the KKR camp, Varun Chakaravarthy leads the wicket-taking charts this season, having claimed 16 scalps in 11 matches and maintaining an economy rate of 8.75. Sunil Narine follows in second place, having secured 14 wickets in the same number of matches while maintaining an impressive economy rate of 6.61. KKR has clinched the most number of wickets so far and five of their bowlers have picked more than 12 wickets in the tournament – a genuinely team effort.
In terms of hitting the most sixes in IPL 2024, Sunil Narine leads the table with a staggering 32 sixes. Narine's explosive batting prowess was on full display when he smashed seven sixes in a single match, setting a record for the most sixes in one innings for KKR. Following him is the hard-hitting Phil Salt, who has 23 sixes to his name, while the towering West Indian all-rounder Andre Russell occupies the third spot with 15 sixes. In the tournament, KKR is presently the second most six hitter.
With seven wins in 11 matches, out of which were in the opponent’s den, KKR is taking the game to the opponent. Led by a mix of experienced players and rising talents, the Knights of West Bengal are poised to script another chapter of glory with conviction and unity.
