Former Indian cricketer Aakash Chopra has predicted that Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) will be the winners of the ongoing 2024 season of the Indian Premier League (IPL). Aakash Chopra expressed his confidence in Kolkata Knight Riders’ potential to secure their third title in the prestigious tournament.
The Shreyas Iyer-led team advanced to the IPL 2024 playoffs after a comfortable win against Mumbai Indians (MI). The Knight Riders cruised to an 18-run victory at Eden Gardens on Saturday, May 11. The local team remained in first place in the standings with 18 points in 12 games.
KKR scored 157 runs for the loss of seven wickets in a rain-restricted 16-a-side game. KKR players restricted the Mumbai team to 139 runs. Mystery spinner Varun Chakravarthy was named player of the match for his bowling performance. Varun took two crucial wickets for 17 runs in his four overs.
KKR became the first team to qualify – Aakash Chopra
In a video shared on his YouTube channel, Aakash Chopra praised KKR for their discipline and performance. Chopra stated that the Shreyas Iyer-led team is very close to winning its third IPL trophy.
“KKR hai taiyaar. Ami KKR: It’s their rule because this team has discipline and has done a great job. They won the match and also became the first team to qualify. There is no doubt that they will finish in the top two. I feel that are very close to the trophy: 2012, 2014 and 2024 are charging,” Chopra said.
The Kolkata-based team clinched its first IPL title in the 2012 season under the leadership of Gautam Gambhir. Gambhir guided the KKR team to their second title in the 2014 season. The former Indian opener joined his former franchise as a mentor ahead of the ongoing T20 tournament.
Venkatesh Iyer played well – Aakash Chopra
Aakash Chopra stated that Mumbai Indians bowlers got crucial wickets after winning the toss. The cricketer-turned-commentator praised Venkatesh Iyer for his batting performance despite losing early wickets.
“Hardik (Pandya) won the toss and decided to bowl, which was also the right thing to do. The start was very good – Sunil Narine was out for zero, Phil Salt got out after scoring a six. After that, Venkatesh Iyer He played well but Shreyas Iyer came out. Venkatesh Iyer really likes Mumbai. He plays very well against this team,” Chopra added.
I wasn’t 100% sure – Aakash Chopra
The 46-year-old claimed that KKR’s lower-middle order batsmen made valuable contributions. Chopra stated that he was not sure of KKR’s total to win the match against Mumbai Indians.
“Nitish Rana came back, so Angkrish Raghuvanshi came out. Andre Russell was promoted and played a good shot. Rinku Singh played a good hand at the end and so did Ramandeep Singh. Overall, you hit a fighting score. I wasn’t at 100. I’m sure it would be a winning result if Mumbai batted to their potential,” Chopra said.
Venkatesh Iyer was KKR’s top scorer, scoring 42 runs off 21 balls with six boundaries and two sixes. Nitish Rana, who scored 33 off 23, formed vital partnerships with Venkatesh and Andre Russell. Rinku Singh (20 off 12) and Ramandeep Singh (17* off 8) scored quick runs in the final overs.
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