KKR crowned IPL Champions for 3rd time

After crushing Sunrisers Hyderabad eight wickets to win the championship, Kolkata Knight Riders won the Indian Premier League.

In the opening over, Mitchell Starc displayed his brilliance by delivering a stunning ball that dismissed Sunrisers opener Abhishek Sharma, setting the stage for KKR's remarkable performance.

The Sunrisers failed to bounce back and were dismissed for a mere 113 runs, marking the lowest total ever recorded in an IPL final.

It was an impressive display by the KKR bowlers, each making their mark. Andre Russell stood out with his exceptional figures of 3-19, while Starc and Harshit Rana also made valuable contributions, taking two wickets each.

Venkatesh Iyer then made Shreyas Iyer's team sprint to their mark in 10.3 overs when he blasted an undefeated 52 off 26 balls in a partnership 91 with Rahmanullah Gurbaz.

With a dominant performance, KKR clinches their third IPL title in Chennai, marking their triumphant return to the top since 2014.

The Sunrisers, under the leadership of Pat Cummins, will have to wait another year to attempt to build on their lone IPL victory in 2016.

"Today's performance was awe-inspiring. The team and each player delivered exactly what we expected, and they stepped up," commented KKR captain Shreyas Iyer.

"The emotions we are experiencing now are difficult to put into words. Our performance throughout the season has been exceptional, and we have countless moments to savor and celebrate."

KKR clinched the championship in style



At the start of this year's IPL, only a few could have foreseen that KKR and Sunrisers would be battling it out in the final.

Cummins was named captain by Sunrisers, marking his maiden T20 cricket team captaincy. Meanwhile, KKR's decision to pay a record 24.75 crore Indian rupees (£2.3 million) for Starc came under scrutiny.

The Australian left-armer last played in the IPL in 2015. The doubts increased after he failed to pick up a wicket in three of his first four games, amassing scores of 0-53, 0-47, and 0-29.

KKR maintained their lead, with England opener Phil Salt making a solid impression at the top of the order before his departure. As the tournament advanced, Starc stepped up to the challenge.

In a thrilling display of skill and precision, the 34-year-old made a decisive move with the fifth ball of the final. With a lightning-fast, late-swinging delivery, the ball whistled past Abhishek, clipping off the stump and adding an exclamation point to the match.

After skillfully dismissing Travis Head with his second delivery, Vaibhav Arora put Sunrisers in a precarious position at 21-3.

The KKR bowling unit proved formidable, shutting down any attempts at counter-attack. Despite the Sunrisers' impressive performance throughout the competition, their hopes faded away at the halfway stage.

Early in the chase, Cummins pulled Sunil Narine, but Venkatesh went four, six, six to begin his next over, and by the time the powerplay ended, the match had also ended.

"It holds immense significance," as they said

In the words of Kolkata Knight Riders captain Shreyas Iyer, the team's performances have been nothing short of flawless. It is hard to find the words to describe their tremendous display since the first game.

"Every player rose to the occasion when it mattered most. This position has been achieved through the collective efforts of many individuals.

Sunrisers Hyderabad captain Pat Cummins praised his team's exceptional bowling performance and acknowledged his teammate Mitchell Starc's impressive skills. The opposition completely dominated us.

"The team displayed remarkable courage throughout the season, especially considering the intense pressure of the IPL. They fearlessly embraced the challenges and entertained the fans in Hyderabad. Undoubtedly, it was an exceptional season."

Mitchell Starc of the Kolkata Knight Riders was named the game's MVP. "What a night for KKR. What a game, what a series, what a season. It was the two most exciting sides in the final," Starc said.

"The IPL was an uphill trip, but we have a great group of players and staff to get everyone ready for the last stretch of the competition. Our team has shown remarkable consistency, with contributions from every player rather than relying on one or two standout performers.

"Having been away from the IPL for quite some time, I have gained valuable experience that has greatly contributed to my ability to handle high expectations and take charge of the team's attack."

Andre Russell, an all-rounder with the Kolkata Knight Riders: "I am at a loss for words right now. It means so much to have all of the fans behind us from the beginning of the season and to us players going out there and winning game after game.

"This franchise has had a significant impact on my physical well-being, assisting me in improving my fitness levels." This is a tremendous gift for all of them, and I could not be more thrilled.