Indian Premier League 2024 Season Review: Kolkata Knight Riders Clinch the Title

The 17th season of the Indian Premier League (IPL) concluded with an exhilarating final on May 26, where the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) emerged victorious, defeating their opponents Sunrisers Hyderabad by 8 wickets. This triumph not only marked a glorious end to a season filled with intense competition, outstanding performances, and nail-biting matches but also highlighted KKR’s dominance in the league. In this article, we will delve into the season’s journey, covering the participating teams, key highlights, main matches, a detailed account of the final, and a comprehensive overview of the results.

Participating Teams

The 2024 IPL season featured ten teams, each brimming with talent and eager to claim the prestigious title. The teams were:

1. Delhi Capitals (DC)
2. Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR)
3. Lucknow Super Giants (LSG)
4. Mumbai Indians (MI)
5. Rajasthan Royals (RR)
6. Chennai Super Kings (CSK)
7. Gujarat Titans (GT)
8. Punjab Kings (PBKS)
9. Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB)
10. Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH)

Each team brought a unique blend of international stars and emerging local talents, making the tournament a showcase of both experience and fresh potential.

IPL 2024 Final: Kolkata Knight Riders Dominate Sunrisers Hyderabad to Lift Title

The 17th season of the Indian Premier League (IPL) came to a thrilling conclusion on May 26, 2024, as the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) defeated the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) by 8 wickets in the final at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.

The Final: Kolkata Knight Riders vs. Sunrisers Hyderabad

The stage was set for the final showdown between the Kolkata Knight Riders and the Sunrisers Hyderabad. The match began with the Sunrisers winning the toss and electing to bat first. The Hyderabad-based team got off to a steady start, with their openers, Abhishek Sharma and Mayank Agarwal, putting on 40 runs for the first wicket.

However, the Kolkata Knight Riders’ bowlers soon got into the act, with Umesh Yadav and Varun Chakravarthy sharing three wickets between them. The Sunrisers’ middle order struggled to cope with the pressure, and they were eventually restricted to a total of 113/9 in 18.3 overs.

Kolkata Knight Riders’ Chase

In response, the Kolkata Knight Riders got off to a flying start, with their openers, Shubman Gill and Venkatesh Iyer, putting on 35 runs for the first wicket. The Knight Riders’ chase was marked by a series of cameos from their batsmen, with Shreyas Iyer and Nitish Rana contributing 25 and 23 runs respectively.

The Knight Riders’ chase was not without its hiccups, with the team losing one wicket in the middle overs. However, their lower-order batsmen, including Umesh Yadav and Varun Chakravarthy, ensured that the team stayed on track.

The Winning Moment

In the end, it was the Kolkata Knight Riders’ captain, Shreyas Iyer, who sealed the deal with a boundary off the bowling of Bhuvneshwar Kumar. The Knight Riders’ victory was celebrated by their fans, who had been eagerly waiting for this moment.

Final Score:

Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) 113/9 in 18.3 overs Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) 114/2 in 10.3 overs

The Kolkata Knight Riders’ victory marked their third IPL title, with their previous wins coming in 2012 and 2014. The Sunrisers Hyderabad, despite their valiant effort, fell short of the title.

“It’s an incredible feeling to lift the IPL trophy again,” said Shreyas Iyer, the Kolkata Knight Riders’ captain. “Our team has worked hard all season, and it’s great to see our efforts pay off.”

Highlights of the Final Match

1. Venkatesh Iyer’s Whirlwind 52 (26)*: Venkatesh Iyer’s whirlwind half-century in the final powered KKR to their 3rd title.
2. Rahmanullah Gurbaz’s 39 (32) in the Final: Rahmanullah Gurbaz shone in the final with a crucial 39 runs off 32 balls.
3. Venkatesh Iyer’s Berserk Against Natarajan: Venkatesh Iyer went berserk against Natarajan, hitting 4,4,6,4 in an over.
4. Mitchell Starc’s Catch: Mitchell Starc’s catch to dismiss Pat Cummins was a thrilling moment in the final.
5. Harshit Rana’s Terrific Delivery: Harshit Rana’s terrific delivery to dismiss Nitish was a highlight of the season.
6. Starc vs Abhishek: Mitchell Starc’s absolute peach of a delivery to castle Abhishek Sharma was one of the most thrilling moments of IPL 2024.

IPL 2024 table

Rank	Team	M	W	L	T	N/R	PT	NRR	For	Against
1	Kolkata Knight Riders	14	9	3	0	2	20	1.428	2389/225.0	2135/232.2
2	Sunrisers Hyderabad	14	8	5	0	1	17	0.414	2605/247.0	2599/256.3
3	Rajasthan Royals	14	8	5	0	1	17	0.273	2334/252.1	2310/257.1
4	Royal Challengers Bengaluru	14	7	7	0	0	14	0.459	2758/269.0	2646/270.1
5	Chennai Super Kings	14	7	7	0	0	14	0.392	2524/274.4	2415/274.3
6	Delhi Capitals	14	7	7	0	0	14	-0.377	2573/267.0	2762/275.5
7	Lucknow Super Giants	14	7	7	0	0	14	-0.667	2483/277.5	2521/262.3
8	Gujarat Titans	14	5	7	0	2	12	-1.063	2040/238.2	2101/218.2
9	Punjab Kings	14	5	9	0	0	10	-0.353	2487/274.3	2612/277.3
10	Mumbai Indians	14	4	10	0	0	8	-0.318	2568/268.5	2660/269.3

Best Players of the 2024 IPL Season

Virat Kohli (Royal Challengers Bangalore): Virat Kohli had an outstanding season, amassing 741 runs in 15 matches, making him the highest run-scorer of IPL 2024 and the winner of the Orange Cap. His consistency and ability to anchor the innings were crucial for RCB’s campaign. Kohli’s performances included 7 half-centuries and a high score of 94*.

Sunil Narine (Kolkata Knight Riders): Sunil Narine was a powerhouse for KKR, scoring 488 runs at a remarkable strike rate of 180.74 and also contributing significantly with the ball by taking 17 wickets in 15 matches. Narine’s all-round performance earned him the title of the Most Valuable Player (MVP) of IPL 2024. His best bowling figures were 4/23.

Abhishek Sharma (Sunrisers Hyderabad): Abhishek Sharma had a breakout season, providing explosive starts for SRH alongside Travis Head. Sharma scored 524 runs in 14 matches at a strike rate of 153.76, including 5 half-centuries. His highest score of the season was 89.

Pat Cummins (Sunrisers Hyderabad): Pat Cummins, the Australian captain, played a pivotal role for SRH both as a leader and as a player. He picked up 22 wickets in 14 matches with an economy rate of 7.84. Cummins’ best performance with the ball was 5/21, and he also contributed with the bat, scoring 176 runs at a strike rate of 145.45.

Shivam Dube (Chennai Super Kings): Shivam Dube was crucial for CSK, providing stability and firepower in the middle order. He scored 398 runs in 13 matches at an impressive strike rate of 161.29. Dube’s consistent performances included 4 half-centuries, with a top score of 72*.

Promising Young Talents

Riyan Parag (Rajasthan Royals): Riyan Parag emerged as a key player for RR, finishing second in the Orange Cap race with 682 runs in 14 matches. His aggressive batting style and ability to play under pressure were notable. Parag’s strike rate was 157.84, and his highest score was 104*.

B. Sai Sudharsan (Gujarat Titans): B. Sai Sudharsan impressed everyone with his consistent performances, scoring 502 runs in 13 matches at a strike rate of 146.28. He played a crucial role in GT’s top-order, with a high score of 85*.

Nitish Kumar Reddy (Sunrisers Hyderabad): Nitish Kumar Reddy showcased his potential as an all-rounder for SRH. He scored 312 runs in 12 matches at a strike rate of 135.92 and took 15 wickets with an economy rate of 8.21. His best figures were 3/27.

Harshit Rana (Kolkata Knight Riders): Harshit Rana, a promising young fast bowler, took 19 wickets in 13 matches for KKR, with an economy rate of 7.58. His ability to bowl in the death overs was crucial for KKR’s bowling attack. His best performance was 4/18.

Complete List of Awards of IPL 2024

Champions: Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR)

• Achievement: Won the IPL trophy for the third time.
• Prize Money: INR 20 crore.
• Highlights: KKR’s consistent performance throughout the season, with standout contributions from key players like Sunil Narine and Mitchell Starc.

Runners-up: Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH)

• Achievement: Reached the finals and secured second place.
• Prize Money: INR 12.5 crore.
• Highlights: SRH showed resilience and strategic gameplay, with significant performances from players like Travis Head and Abhishek Sharma.

Orange Cap: Virat Kohli (Royal Challengers Bangalore)

• Achievement: Highest run-scorer of the season.
• Runs Scored: 741 runs in 15 matches.
• Criteria: Awarded to the player with the most runs in the season, demonstrating consistency and batting prowess.

Purple Cap: Harshal Patel (Punjab Kings)

• Achievement: Highest wicket-taker of the season.
• Wickets Taken: 24 wickets.
• Criteria: Awarded to the player with the most wickets, showcasing effective bowling techniques and match-winning abilities.

Fair Play Award: Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH)

• Achievement: Best overall conduct on the field.
• Criteria: Judged based on the team’s adherence to the spirit of the game, maintaining discipline, and showing respect to opponents and officials.

Fantasy Player of the Season: Sunil Narine (Kolkata Knight Riders)

• Achievement: Highest points in fantasy leagues.
• Performance: Scored 488 runs and took 17 wickets.
• Criteria: Based on overall performance in batting, bowling, and fielding, contributing significantly in fantasy points.

Most Valuable Player of the Season: Sunil Narine (Kolkata Knight Riders)

• Achievement: Overall impact on the tournament.
• Performance: Scored 488 runs and took 17 wickets.
• Criteria: Awarded to the player with the most significant impact on the game through all-round performance.

Emerging Player of the Season: Nitish Kumar Reddy (Sunrisers Hyderabad)

• Achievement: Best young talent of the season.
• Performance: Scored 303 runs.
• Criteria: Awarded to a young player (under 23) showing exceptional talent and potential for future growth.

Electric Striker of the Season: Jake Fraser-McGurk

• Achievement: Highest strike rate.
• Strike Rate: 234.04.
• Criteria: Awarded to the player with the highest strike rate, reflecting aggressive and effective batting.

Most Fours of the Season: Travis Head (Sunrisers Hyderabad)

• Achievement: Most boundaries (fours) hit in the season.
• Fours Hit: 64.
• Criteria: Awarded to the player hitting the most fours, indicating consistency and precision in batting.

Most Sixes of the Season: Abhishek Sharma (Sunrisers Hyderabad)

• Achievement: Most sixes hit in the season.
• Sixes Hit: 42.
• Criteria: Awarded to the player hitting the most sixes, showing power-hitting capability.

Catch of the Season: Ramandeep Singh (Kolkata Knight Riders)

• Achievement: Best catch of the season.
• Highlight: Dismissal of Arshin Kulkarni of Lucknow Super Giants.
• Criteria: Awarded for an outstanding fielding effort, showcasing agility and reflexes.

Pitch and Ground Award: Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, Uppal

• Achievement: Best maintained pitch and ground.
• Criteria: Based on the quality of pitch preparation, outfield maintenance, and overall ground facilities.

Player of the Final: Mitchell Starc (Kolkata Knight Riders)

• Achievement: Best performance in the final match.
• Performance: Picked 3 wickets for 14 runs.
• Criteria: Awarded to the player with the most impactful performance in the IPL final, contributing significantly to the team’s victory.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the 17th season of the Indian Premier League (IPL) in 2024 was a thrilling spectacle of cricket. The season was filled with unforgettable moments, outstanding performances, and intense competition. The Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) emerged as the champions, lifting their third IPL trophy. The season also saw many players shine, with Virat Kohli, Sunil Narine, Abhishek Sharma, Pat Cummins, and Shivam Dube among the standout performers. The IPL continues to be a platform for both established stars and emerging talents to showcase their skills. As we look forward to the 18th season, fans around the world can expect more exciting cricket from the IPL. Stay tuned for more updates and insights as the next season approaches. Until then, let’s continue to celebrate the spirit of cricket and the memorable moments from IPL 2024.