KKR Owners Lauded for Their Support
Venkatesh Iyer credited Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) owners Shah Rukh Khan and Jay Mehta for their unwavering support as the team secured a spot in the IPL final for the fourth time in their history. The presence of the owners provided a significant morale boost for the team, as KKR triumphed over Sunrisers Hyderabad by eight wickets in Qualifier 1 of IPL 2024 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Tuesday.
Stellar Performances Lead to Victory
In the match, Venkatesh scored an unbeaten 51 off 28 balls, while skipper Shreyas Iyer contributed a rapid 58 not out off 24 balls. Their batting heroics followed a stellar performance by Mitchell Starc, who took three crucial wickets to limit SRH to 159 runs in 19.3 overs. KKR chased down the target of 160 with ease, completing their innings in just 13.4 overs. Starc’s opening burst in the powerplay broke the back of SRH’s dangerous batting lineup, setting the stage for a comprehensive KKR victory.
Overcoming Challenges
“More than the confidence, I was really eager to go out and bat since our last game was on the 11th, and we were all eager to showcase our talent,” Venkatesh said post-match. He praised the wicket and credited the KKR bowlers for their efforts in restricting SRH to a manageable score. Venkatesh highlighted the importance of momentum in the tournament, referencing Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s consecutive wins. He noted that KKR’s minimal game time leading up to this match was challenging, but the support from the team’s owners was invaluable.
“In a tournament like this, momentum is really important,” Venkatesh explained. “We have seen that with RCB winning their matches continuously and gaining momentum. We wanted that momentum as well, so we were eager to go out and play, especially after the rain disruptions. It was disappointing, but being the table toppers gave us confidence. We have got a lot of support from the management, credit to the owners, SRK and Jay sir, who were also there tonight to support us.”
Looking Ahead to the Final
Looking ahead to the IPL final, Venkatesh expressed his excitement and belief in the team’s ability to win the trophy. “It is always special for players like us to play in the IPL final; it’s a dream moment. We are going to Chennai with a realistic chance to win the trophy. The momentum and excitement are high, as seen with Rinku Singh’s excellent fielding and catches. We are eager to perform and showcase our talent,” he concluded.
Venkatesh emphasized the significance of maintaining momentum and team spirit as they prepare for the final showdown. “We were raring to go out there. When you have the momentum, you really want to get out and perform. You saw Rinku fielding in hotspots and taking those catches. It’s the excitement and energy we have as a team that drives us to perform our best,” he said.
The team’s confidence is bolstered by their consistent performance and the strong support system provided by the management and owners. Venkatesh is optimistic about KKR’s chances and looks forward to a memorable final, aiming to add another trophy to their illustrious history.(Dubai7 realmoneygame)