As the IPL 2024 final approaches, cricket enthusiasts and experts alike are buzzing with predictions about which team will emerge victorious. Amidst the speculation, former Australian fast bowler Brett Lee has confidently stated that the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) are the frontrunners to win this year’s title.
KKR, who have previously won the IPL twice, topped the points table for the first time in their history this season. Led by Shreyas Iyer, they secured their place in the final by defeating Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) convincingly by eight wickets in Qualifier 1.
Discussing KKR’s prospects, Brett Lee expressed his initial disappointment with Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), who were eliminated by Rajasthan Royals (RR) in the Eliminator. However, Lee emphasized that KKR, based on their current form and on-paper strength, are formidable opponents. He believes that KKR are the most deserving winners of the competition.
“From the start, I had high hopes from RCB, so I was disappointed when they were eliminated last night. However, based on their current performance, KKR are a strong contender. In my opinion, KKR are the team most deserving of the top spot, as they have secured a direct path to the final, making them a tough team to beat,” Lee told ANI.
Supporting Lee’s view, former Sri Lankan batter Tillakaratne Dilshan pointed out KKR’s consistent performance throughout the tournament. He noted that while RR also played well, their performance became erratic towards the end, losing four of their last five games. In contrast, KKR have excelled in all three aspects of the game – batting, bowling, and fielding.
“In my opinion, Kolkata Knight Riders have performed consistently well throughout the IPL tournament. Rajasthan Royals also played good cricket, but their performance became shaky as the tournament progressed. However, KKR have been strong in all three areas – bowling, batting, and fielding. Based on their overall performance, I believe KKR are the likely winner of this year’s IPL,” Dilshan remarked.
The journey to the final saw KKR demonstrate remarkable team cohesion and individual brilliance. Their batting lineup, featuring stars like Shubman Gill and Andre Russell, has been both explosive and reliable. Meanwhile, their bowling attack, led by the likes of Pat Cummins and Varun Chakravarthy, has consistently restricted opponents to manageable scores.
On May 24, SRH and RR will clash in Qualifier 2 in Chennai, with the winner advancing to face KKR in the grand finale on May 26 at the same venue. This final showdown promises to be a thrilling encounter, given the high stakes and the quality of cricket on display throughout the season.
KKR’s journey this season has been marked by strategic brilliance and a balanced team effort. Their success can be attributed to their dynamic leadership, strong bench strength, and the ability to perform under pressure. These factors make them a formidable opponent for any team that faces them in the final.
As we edge closer to the IPL 2024 finale, the Kolkata Knight Riders stand out as the top contenders to lift the trophy. Their consistent performance, balanced team composition, and strategic acumen have positioned them as the favorites. While cricket is often unpredictable, and the final match can swing either way, the expert opinions and current form suggest that KKR are well-placed to win the grand finale and add a third IPL title to their illustrious history.
