Australian left-arm speedster Mitchell Starc became a sensation last year in December when Kolkata Knight Riders mentor Gautam Gambhir made one of the biggest auctions of Rs 24.75 crore to take Aussie star into KKR camp. Those who were trolling Gambhir for that pricey bid changed their tone after KKR outclassed SRH in IPL 2024 Final match at MA Chidambaram Stadium.
Though there were some apprehensions initially but towards the playoffs, Starc proved his price tag. He first dominated Sunrisers Hyderabad in Qualifier 1, then delivered another outstanding performance against the same team in the IPL Final on Sunday.
Starc’s memorable night in the final also brought accolades for mentor Gautam Gambhir, who was praised for his unwavering belief in Starc. What began as playful teasing turned into genuine appreciation, as Gambhir’s decision during the IPL auction proved to be spot on.
The Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) clinched their third Indian Premier League (IPL) title with a commanding eight-wicket victory over Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in a one-sided final. Losing the toss and being put to bowl, KKR’s bowlers delivered a clinical performance, skittling SRH for a mere 113—the lowest total ever in an IPL final.
KKR effortlessly chased the target of 114, wrapping up the match with 57 balls to spare. Venkatesh Iyer led the charge with an unbeaten 52 off 26 balls. The bowlers set the tone for KKR’s dominance, with Starc taking 2/14, Andre Russell grabbing 3/19, and Harshit Rana chipping in with 2/24. SRH, unable to rise to the occasion, faltered under the relentless pressure.
The Knight Riders’ victory was not just a testament to their prowess but also highlighted Gambhir’s strategic acumen, especially in backing Starc, whose resurgence was pivotal in KKR’s title run. This win further cements KKR’s legacy in the IPL, showcasing a perfect blend of strategic brilliance and on-field execution.