With the IPL 2024 playoffs just around the corner, we take a look at the biggest strength, the one glaring weakness, and the X-factor for each of the four playoff teams: Sunrisers Hyderabad, Kolkata Knight Riders, Rajasthan Royals, and Royal Challengers Bangalore.
In a rain-shortened IPL encounter, Kolkata Knight Riders secured their spot in the playoffs with a remarkable 18-run victory over Mumbai Indians. Spin wizards Sunil Narine and Varun Chakravarthy played a pivotal role in Mumbai’s downfall, restricting them to a modest total. Venkatesh Iyer’s explosive 42 off 21 balls set the tone for KKR’s innings, while Piyush Chawla’s 2/38 played a key role in Mumbai’s bowling effort. Ishan Kishan’s initial aggression propelled Mumbai’s chase, but Narine’s skillful bowling and support from Chakravarthy and Andre Russell tilted the balance in KKR’s favor. Despite valiant efforts from Rohit Sharma and Hardik Pandya, Mumbai’s batters fell short as KKR’s spin duo proved too formidable. With this triumph, KKR solidified their position at the top of the IPL standings, while MI remained in ninth place and will aim to salvage some pride in their final match.
The Kolkata Knight Riders dominated the Lucknow Super Giants on their home ground in the 2024 Indian Premier League (IPL), securing a resounding 98-run victory. Varun Chakravarthy and Harshit Rana played pivotal roles, claiming three wickets each and propelling Chakravarthy to third place in the Purple Cap standings. Sunil Narine, who continues to excel with the bat this season, contributed 81 runs in just 39 deliveries. KKR’s commanding performance has brought them closer to securing a playoff spot.
