IPL 2024: Shreyas Iyer overtakes Gautam Gambhir for massive feat as KKR skipper | Cricket News

Kolkata Knight Riders became the first side in the IPL 2024 to bag a playoff qualification – courtesy of their players’ all-round performances orchestrated by a brilliant Shreyas Iyer.

Shreyas Iyer has been successful in leading KKR in the IPL 2024. (Photo – PTI)

New Delhi: Shreyas Iyer has been utterly successful as the skipper of Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 having led the team to nine wins out of 13 matches (one abandoned) played so far and becoming the first side to be qualified for the playoffs stage. The KKR side seems to have its stars aligned as they are now ensured of a table-top finish after the Wednesday night game between Rajasthan Royals (RR) and Punjab Kings (PBKS).

As PBKS bagged a clinical five-wicket victory, KKR will be staying at the number one spot in the points table as other contenders RR went four games down in a row. Although KKR and RR are both qualified for the playoffs stage, the Shreyas Iyer-led side has scripted history in terms of getting a table-top finish for the first time ever in the tournament.

The Kolkata side currently has 19 points to their name with a four-match winning streak and a washed-out last fixture. No other contending side can match KKR’s points as SRH and RR can get to a maximum of 18 points. This makes Shreyas Iyer the first captain in the KKR and IPL history to deliver a No. 1 finish. Two-time champions KKR finished no. 2 during their title triumphs in IPL 2012 and 2014 under the leadership of Gautam Gambhir.

Gautam Gambhir weaving magic

Former India opener Gautam Gambhir seems to know KKR in and out as he previously captained the side in the cash-rich league. He was appointed as team mentor for IPL 2024 by the team management just a couple of months prior to the start of the ongoing event. His mentorship has clearly been helpful for KKR who were qualified for the playoffs after beating Mumbai Indians (MI) by 18 runs at the Eden Gardens, which hosted a rain-affected game.

Their next clash against Gujarat Titans (GT) was called off owing to incessant rain at the Motera Stadium in Ahmedabad. Sherays Iyer and Co. will be up against Rajasthan Royals in the final match of the league stage on May 19. The game will be played at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati.

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