(PTI Photo)
IPL 2024 Final: The Knight Riders and the Sunrisers are set to electrify the MA Chidambaram Stadium as they face off in an intense showdown on Saturday.
The stage is set for the ultimate showdown! The IPL 2024 final between the Sunrisers and the Knight Riders on Super Sunday promises to be a thrilling spectacle. While the iconic MS Dhoni and the Super Kings are no longer part of the IPL, the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai is anticipated to be buzzing with excitement and cheers for KKR and SRH.
It’s clear that these two teams have been the standout performers of the tournament by a significant margin. It’s no surprise that the Sunrisers and the Knight Riders have made it to the final, especially given the presence of two individuals who have consistently excelled under pressure in critical matches—Gautam Gambhir and Pat Cummins. Gambhir has revitalized KKR’s fortunes.
Gambhir and knockout matches share a special bond that has only grown stronger over time. As a key player in India’s World Cup victories in 2007 and 2011, Gambhir has a knack for elevating his performance in crucial games. Although he didn’t win the Player of the Match awards in the finals at the Wanderers and Mumbai, his contributions were invaluable.
Gambhir brought this winning legacy to KKR, leading them to championships in 2012 and 2014. Prior to his arrival, the Knight Riders lacked an identity and had never qualified for the playoffs. From 2011 to 2017, under Gambhir’s leadership, Kolkata reached the playoffs five times. During the six seasons without Gambhir, the team experimented with various captains, but none were able to secure a title.
When Gambhir returned to KKR as a mentor, fans sensed a renewed hope after several disappointing seasons where the team failed to reach the playoffs. Although not playing, Gambhir was expected to influence the team’s management positively, and he has certainly lived up to expectations. Now, there is a genuine possibility for him to secure an IPL title both as a player and as a mentor.
Cummins with the Golden Touch
Cummins, on the other hand, is experiencing a remarkable run of form. Master of his own fate, he has thrived regardless of the teams he has played for. The Sunrisers faced criticism for appointing him as their skipper for the 2024 IPL season, despite his lack of experience in T20 captaincy at any level. However, Cummins has made leading the team look effortless.
He has created his own success, to the extent that it seems he could someday take a 5-wicket haul as a left-arm spinner or score a hat-trick in a FIFA World Cup match. Winning the World Test Championship and the ODI World Cup in the past year has significantly boosted his confidence.
Sunrisers silence critics
During SRH’s remarkable run this season, they faced numerous questions. Critics doubted the strength of the Sunrisers’ bowling attack and their ability to chase down targets.
However, these concerns were dispelled when the Sunrisers chased down 166 in just 9.4 overs against LSG’s KL Rahul earlier this month at the Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium. With 17 wickets and being the second-highest wicket-taker for his team, Cummins has consistently performed at his best.
Considering the form of both KKR and SRH, predicting a clear winner is challenging. In 2016, David Warner led the Sunrisers to victory, and Cummins will be eager to emulate his fellow Australian’s success from eight years ago. However, overcoming Gambhir and the formidable Knight Riders will require a monumental effort.
Prepare for an exhilarating match, grab some popcorn, and enjoy the spectacle of the IPL final.
