Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) captain Shreyas Iyer shared his unique approach to leadership and mindset following his team’s qualification for the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 playoffs.
KKR became the first team this season to secure a playoff spot after clinching an 18-run victory over Mumbai Indians (MI).
Reflecting on the achievement, Iyer revealed the mental preparation that went into the match. “I manifested this before the game (on becoming the 1st side to qualify for the playoffs). Nerves were there, boys have been raising their hands and there have been many game-changers and kudos to each and every one of them,” he stated, emphasizing the collective effort and pivotal performances from his team.
The KKR skipper also noted the early challenge posed by MI, particularly their aggressive start in the first six overs of the second inning. “They were going at great guns in the first 6 overs, and to bounce back from that situation it was nice to see,” Iyer remarked. His strategic decisions during the game played a crucial role, especially in managing his bowlers under pressure. “It’s all about understanding which bowler is doing well on that particular day, I feel both of them bowled well and my gut went with Varun (on bowling the 4th over) at that point and I backed him,” he added.
This victory not only highlighted KKR’s ability to adapt and overcome in crucial moments but also reinforced the importance of a positive mindset and strong leadership in achieving early success in the highly competitive IPL.
