Gautam Gambhir’s expected appointment as India’s head coach could provide a new lease of life to IPL champion skipper Shreyas Iyer’s international career during the three-match ODI series against Sri Lanka in July-August. Having led Kolkata Knight Riders successfully in the IPL, Iyer could also go for the five-match T20I series against Zimbabwe starting July 5, but the more realistic chance of a comeback is the ODI series against Sri Lanka. Gambhir, who is the front-runner for India coach position, and Iyer forged a successful partnership during KKR’s victorious IPL campaign this year and the talented Mumbai right-hander, who has been a prolific 50-over batter, might finally have fortune favouring him after a few tumultuous months. Gambhir was the mentor of the franchise.

Iyer was dropped from BCCI’s central contracts, along with Ishan Kishan, after he hey fell out with the establishment for his apparent reluctance to play Ranji Trophy.

However, Iyer always maintained that his recurring lower back issue kept him out of the game even though he did play the Ranji Trophy final scoring 90-odd runs.

Currently, a lot of young hopefuls, who have performed in the IPL, are training at the National Cricket Academy in Bengaluru for five T20Is against Zimbabwe set to be announced some time next week.

“Shreyas is currently not at NCA. Here mostly those players are there, who have performed in the IPL and will be in contention for Zimbabwe selection.

“Abhishek Sharma, Riyan Parag, Mayank Yadav, Harshit Rana, Nitish Reddy, Vijaykumar Vyshak, Yash Dayal are all at the camp. Some will go to Zimbabwe T20Is,” a BCCI source told PTI on conditions of anonymity.

“However, there is every possibility that Shreyas will travel for the three-match ODI series in Sri Lanka. The last ODI that India played was in South Africa and he scored a half-century (52). He had 500 plus runs (530) in World Cup and averages just around 50. Can you drop him?” he added.

It is understood that seniors like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, along with pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah, will now focus on ODIs and Tests for the remainder of the season with nine WTC Tests between September 2024 to January 2025.

The schedule includes two home games each against Bangladesh and New Zealand, five away against Australia and the marquee ODI Champions Trophy in Pakistan.

While there will be a lot of new players in T20Is including IPL stars, the likes of Rinku Singh, Shubman Gill, Avesh Khan, and Khaleel Ahmed are also expected to travel to Zimbabwe.

In case Hardik Pandya and Suryakumar Yadav are not rested, they are expected to be the designated captain and vice-captain for the tour although both have been playing constantly since the start of the IPL.

Kolkata Knight Riders clinched the IPL 2024 title after defeating Sunrisers Hyderabad in the summit clash by eight wickets. Asked to bat first, SRH had a horrendous day as they were bundled out for 113 with Andre Russell and Mitchell Starc scalping three and two wickets respectively. Later, KKR chased down the target in just 10.3 overs and lifted their third IPL trophy. After the victory, celebrations began in camp KKR but the mood was exactly opposite in camp SRH as their owner Kavya Maran could not hide tears.

Kavya, who always supported SRH with a beautiful smile on her face, left many hearts broken with her crying face. 

As soon the video of her crying went viral on social media, many memes started circulating. However, few fans shared some posts, apologizing her for SRH’s defeat. 

Will never forgive KKR for making Kavya Maran Cry

pic.twitter.com/wbswAh0Vrn

— Mohit (@mohit12j) May 26, 2024

Sorry Kavya Ma’am But This Was About Silencing Pat Cummins Again pic.twitter.com/zeDnzwe576

— Dr Khushboo (@khushbookadri) May 26, 2024

Feeling sad for her #kavyamaran pic.twitter.com/Dlz4gOchuI

— VIKAS JHA (@vikasnisu_007) May 26, 2024

“They bowled fantastically. Unfortunately, old mate Starcy turned it on again. Not enough tonight, totally outplayed. You hope you get a few boundaries away but they bowled fantastically well, didn’t really give us anything. Similar to last week in Ahmedabad where they bowled really well, so full credit. It was a bit of a tricky wicket. If we got 160, it would have felt we were in the game. Didn’t feel like a 200+ wicket,” said SRH skipper Pat Cummins after the heartbreaking loss. 

“Great season. It was fantastic, hadn’t worked with many of the guys before at all. It was a real pleasure to work with some of the older, experienced guys like Bhuvi. Bhuvi, Nattu, Jaydev were great and lots of young talent throughout. Really great squad, the support staff were amazing, had a great couple of months. We play a lot over here in India but it’s normally a sea of blue,” he added. 

It was one of the most memorable nights for Kolkata Knight Riders in their Indian Premier League history after their title win on Sunday. The side dominated in IPL 2024 with some sensational all-round display. Be it in batting, bowling or fielding, KKR certainly ticked all the boxes and deservedly won the title that too after a one-sided victory in the final. Getting an invitation to bowl first, KKR first bundled out SunRisers Hyderabad for a paltry total of 113 and then chased it down in mere 10.3 overs to finish the game.

What followed was a grand celebration from the Kolkata-based franchise, who won its third IPL title and first in a decade.

KKR first won the IPL title in 2014 and then repeated the feat in 2014. But what followed was a trophy drought for the side that lasted for 10 years.

On Sunday, the quest for a third title ended and the entire KKR management, players, and owners were seen celebrating the success. Here is how it all took place –

On the ground, KKR players like Venkatesh Iyer, Varun Chakravarthy, Nitish Rana and Rinku Singh took selfies with fans and distributed their gears to the ground staff, stated a News18 report. Meanwhile, the KKR members were sporting special “Champions of 2024” T-shirts and mentor Gautam Gambhir was no expection. Even his two daughters and wife were also in the same attire.

The dressing room celebrations saw owners Shah Rukh Khan, Jay Mehta and Juhi Chawla being with the entire squad with inspiring speeches loud enough to be heard outside the area of restricted access. This all continued for 45 minutes before the players walked to the team bus to reach their hotel, stated the report.

An elated Nitish Rana had a speaker in his hand while walking out with White Brown Black by Karan Aujla being played in it. Rana was singing along the beat being joined by captain Shreyas Iyer.

The trophy got the first seat which was adjacent to KKR mentor Gautam Gambhir, who played a crucial role in the team’s dominating campaign in IPL 2024, and the cameras never actually stopped clicking pictures as it continued even on the team bus, said the detailed report.

In the team hotel, a couple of cakes and champagne were already waiting for the champion team. Sunil Narine, who turned 36 on Sunday, cut the cake before betting some part of it being applied on his face. Meanwhile, Shreyas Iyer opened the champagne bottle and what followed was a loud, loud celebration. It was one of the most memorable nights for KKR and a long one too!

Shah Rukh Khan and Team KKR blow flying kiss to celebrate their win© X (Twitter)

Team KKR clinched the IPL 2024 title© BCCI

After the exhilarating journey of more than two months, Kolkata Knight Riders stood tall against all the odds and emerged as the winners of IPL 2024. The Shreyas Iyer-led side registered a thumping eight-wicket win over the mighty Sunrisers Hyderabad, who had a marvelous season with the bat. In the summit clash, KKR comfortably dominated the proceedings as they bundled out SRH for just 113. Later, they chased down the target in just 10.3 overs and clinched their third IPL trophy.

After the win, KKR skipper Iyer received the trophy from the BCCI president Roger Binny and secretary Jay Shah. As he received the trophy, Iyer recreated star footballer Lionel Messi’s pose while celebrating with his team.

Shreyas Iyer does Messi celebration with the IPL Trophy before giving it to Rinku Singh pic.twitter.com/7GjjY6K3TE

— ICT Fan (@Delphy06) May 26, 2024

This same step was done by Messi after he guided Argentina to the FIFA World Cup title in December 2022 in Qatar.

In a season dominated from start to finish, KKR’s bowling unit was inch perfect leaving Sunrisers in a shambles while bowling them out for a paltry 113 in 18.3 overs. It was the tournament’s lowest ever summit clash score. Venkatesh Iyer (52*), a forgotten India all-rounder, then helped KKR complete the formalities in just 10.3 overs.

He also ensured that fellow Iyer — skipper Shreyas — had a ‘Knight’ to remember after enduring a harrowing last four months where Indian cricket establishment robbed him of some dignity.

“This is what we demanded from the team and every individual. They stood up to the right occasion and the feeling is hard to express. It (wait) was so long, longer than the match. We played like invincibles throughout the season. There’s so much to cherish right now. It is pleasing, the performance has been flawless throughout. I am running out of words right now. We have been tremendous from game one, we stepped up today,” said Iyer after clinching the title.

“All we demanded from ourselves was to back each other whatever the situation is. The game could have either way. They have been playing phenomenal cricket – SRH – throughout the season. We were lucky to bowl first and every situation went in our favour. Thanks to SRH the way they played,” he added.

(With PTI Inputs)

Mitchell Starc produced a brilliant delivery to clean bowl Abhishek Sharma in the first over of the IPL 2024 final between Kolkata Knight Riders and Sunrisers Hyderabad on Sunday. Starc has been in the news throughout the competition after he became the costliest player in the history of the IPL as KKR bought him for a mammoth sum of Rs 24.75 Crore. However, he bounced back brilliantly from his disappointing start and produced a ripper to send Abhishek Sharma packing. The delivery pitched on the leg-stump line before nipping away sharply and it ultimately crashed into the off-stump to leave Abhishek stunned. 

AN ABSOLUTE RIPPER!

As spectacular as it gets from Mitchell Starc

He gets the in-form Abhishek Sharma early

Watch the match LIVE on @JioCinema and @StarSportsIndia#TATAIPL | #KKRvSRH | #Final | #TheFinalCall pic.twitter.com/K5w9WIywuR

— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) May 26, 2024

Meanwhile, SRH captain Pat Cummins won the toss and opted to bat against KKR.

“We will bat first. Looks like a good wicket, played on a different wicket the other night. There was no dew on the other night’s game, we have a style which doesn’t work always, but when it does, it’s very damaging. I want to crack with the bat first. We have done well defending scores. Pretty much the same, Shahbaz comes in for Samad,” Cummins said at the toss.

KKR skipper Shreyas Iyer said that they wanted to field first if they won the toss.

“We would have bowled, we’ll get a fair idea about how the pitch will play. It’s a red soil and we played our last game on a similar surface. We need to stay with the present, stick to the basics and execute all our plans. Every individual is taking responsibility, this is a big game, we’ve plenty of people who’re playing in a final for the first time, nervous, but this is also a good chance. We’re going with the same team.”

Kolkata Knight Riders: Rahmanullah Gurbaz(w), Sunil Narine, Venkatesh Iyer, Shreyas Iyer(c), Rinku Singh, Andre Russell, Ramandeep Singh, Mitchell Starc, Vaibhav Arora, Harshit Rana, Varun Chakaravarthy

Sunrisers Hyderabad: Travis Head, Abhishek Sharma, Rahul Tripathi, Aiden Markram, Nitish Reddy, Heinrich Klaasen(w), Shahbaz Ahmed, Pat Cummins(c), Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Jaydev Unadkat, T Natarajan

KKR vs SRH Live Streaming IPL 2024 Final Live Telecast: Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) take on SunRisers Hyderabad (SRH) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) final at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. The final will be the repeat of Qualifier 1 when KKR defeated SRH comprehensively to book their spot in the final. SRH, on the other hand, had to do it the tough way, overcoming Rajasthan Royals (RR) in Qualifier 2 just a couple of nights back. KKR will hope to lift their third IPL trophy and end a 10-year wait for silverware. SRH meanwhile won the IPL back in 2016 after defeating RCB in the final in Bengaluru.

When will the KKR vs SRH, IPL 2024 final be played?

The KKR vs SRH, IPL 2024 final will be played on Sunday, May 26.

Where will the KKR vs SRH, IPL 2024 final be played?

The KKR vs SRH, IPL 2024 final will be played at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.

What time will the KKR vs SRH, IPL 2024 final start?

The KKR vs SRH, IPL 2024 final will start at 7:30 PM IST (7 PM Toss).

Which TV channels will telecast the KKR vs SRH, IPL 2024 final?

The KKR vs SRH, IPL 2024 final will be telecasted on the Star Sports Network.

Where to follow the live streaming of the KKR vs SRH, IPL 2024 final?

The KKR vs SRH, IPL 2024 final will be streamed live on Jio Cinema.

(All the details are as per the information provided by the broadcaster)

Kolkata Knight Riders (Playing XI): Rahmanullah Gurbaz(w), Sunil Narine, Venkatesh Iyer, Shreyas Iyer(c), Rinku Singh, Andre Russell, Ramandeep Singh, Mitchell Starc, Vaibhav Arora, Harshit Rana, Varun Chakaravarthy

Sunrisers Hyderabad (Playing XI): Travis Head, Abhishek Sharma, Rahul Tripathi, Aiden Markram, Nitish Reddy, Heinrich Klaasen(w), Shahbaz Ahmed, Pat Cummins(c), Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Jaydev Unadkat, T Natarajan

Shreyas Iyer and Pat Cummins engaged in hilarious banter ahead of the IPL 2024 final between Kolkata Knight Riders and Sunrisers Hyderabad in Chennai on Sunday. Both the skippers took part in a photoshoot along with the IPL trophy which involved a visit to the Marina Beach and an auto ride that produced some funny moments. Shreyas spoke about riding an autoricksaw during his young days and even charged Cummins Rs 20 crore for the auto ride. The comment left both players in splits as it was a reference to the Rs 20.5 crore price tag that Cummins attracted from Sunrisers Hyderabad in the IPL 2024 auction. Shreyas also asked him about being part of the KKR team that won the IPL back in 2014.

Pat Cummins and Shreyas Iyer in the Tuk-Tuk.pic.twitter.com/lrdKXak2th

— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) May 26, 2024

Kolkata Knight Riders topped the points table at the end of the league stage and defeated Sunrisers Hyderabad in Qualifier 1 to book their spot in the IPL 2024 final. On the other hand, SRH had to bounce back from the defeat against KKR with wins over Royal Challengers Bengaluru in Eliminator and Rajasthan Royals in Qualifier 2 to set up a high-profile summit clash at the Chepauk Stadium in Chennai.

Sunrisers Hyderabad: Travis Head, Abhishek Sharma, Rahul Tripathi, Aiden Markram, Nitish Reddy, Heinrich Klaasen, Abdul Samad, Pat Cummins, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, T Natarajan, Jaydev Unadkat, Shahbaz Ahmed, Umran Malik, Sanvir Singh, Glenn Phillips, Mayank Markande, Mayank Agarwal, Washington Sundar, Anmolpreet Singh, Upendra Yadav, Jhatavedh Subramanyan, Vijayakanth Viyaskanth, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Marco Jansen, Akash Maharaj Singh

Kolkata Knight Riders: Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Sunil Narine, Venkatesh Iyer, Shreyas Iyer, Rinku Singh, Andre Russell, Ramandeep Singh, Mitchell Starc, Vaibhav Arora, Harshit Rana, Varun Chakaravarthy, Anukul Roy, Manish Pandey, Nitish Rana, Srikar Bharat, Sherfane Rutherford, Dushmantha Chameera, Chetan Sakariya, Angkrish Raghuvanshi, Sakib Hussain, Suyash Sharma, Allah Ghazanfar.

Former India cricketer Suresh Raina said Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) should back their batting-first approach in the upcoming final match of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) on Sunday. Speaking to JioCinema, Raina said that Pat Cummins’ presence in the SRH squad will be a key point since the Sunrisers skipper has already won the ODI World Cup recently. The former CSK cricketer added the SRH skipper knows how to keep the dressing room running.

“Sunrisers should back their batting first approach and put runs on the board, but the eight overs of spin will be crucial. With KKR having won an IPL in Chennai, the pressure will be different. The key point for SRH is Pat Cummins who has already won the World Cup, he knows how to keep the dressing room running. You follow the process, you are switched on for the finals, the players know their roles, and everything will be organized,” Raina said.

KKR finished the league stage on the top of the points table with nine wins, three losses and two no results, giving them 20 points. They earned a direct spot in the final by defeating SRH in the qualifier one. SRH got a second shot at the title in qualifier two against Rajasthan Royals (RR) and they made the most of it by defeating the ‘Men in Pink’ by 36 runs.

Sunrisers Hyderabad Squad: Travis Head, Abhishek Sharma, Rahul Tripathi, Aiden Markram, Nitish Reddy, Heinrich Klaasen (Wk), Abdul Samad, Pat Cummins (C), Bhuvneshwar Kumar, T Natarajan, Jaydev Unadkat, Shahbaz Ahmed, Umran Malik, Sanvir Singh, Glenn Phillips, Mayank Markande, Mayank Agarwal, Washington Sundar, Anmolpreet Singh, Upendra Yadav, Jhatavedh Subramanyan, Vijayakanth Viyaskanth, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Marco Jansen, Akash Maharaj Singh.

Kolkata Knight Riders Squad: Rahmanullah Gurbaz (Wk), Sunil Narine, Venkatesh Iyer, Shreyas Iyer (C), Rinku Singh, Andre Russell, Ramandeep Singh, Mitchell Starc, Vaibhav Arora, Harshit Rana, Varun Chakaravarthy, Anukul Roy, Manish Pandey, Nitish Rana, Srikar Bharat, Sherfane Rutherford, Dushmantha Chameera, Chetan Sakariya, Angkrish Raghuvanshi, Sakib Hussain, Suyash Sharma, Allah Ghazanfar.