Shreyas Iyer Hails Andre Russell’s Magic Touch

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) captain Shreyas Iyer praised his team for clinching the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 title with a “comprehensive” victory against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in the final.

Iyer particularly highlighted all-rounder Andre Russell’s performances, noting his ability to consistently deliver crucial breakthroughs for the team.

KKR secured their third IPL title with a commanding all-round performance against SRH at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on Sunday. This marked KKR’s third trophy, repeating their past successes.

In the 17th edition of the IPL, Russell excelled both with the bat and ball, scoring 222 runs in 9 innings and taking 19 wickets. Shreyas Iyer expressed his admiration for Russell, who claimed 3 wickets for 19 runs off 2.3 overs in the final.

“He’s got that magic wand,” Iyer said about Russell during the post-match presentation. “He’s always looking to take wickets. When I look at him, I know he can deliver. All the guys stepped up at the right time, making it easier. It has been a flawless season.”

The KKR captain also praised his team for playing “like invincibles throughout the season,” recognizing the collective effort from players and support staff.

“Absolutely comprehensive. This is what we demanded from the team and every individual. They stood up to the right occasion and the feeling is hard to express. We played like invincibles throughout the season. There’s so much to cherish right now. It is pleasing; the performance has been flawless throughout. I am running out of words right now. We have been tremendous from game one, and we stepped up today. All we demanded from ourselves was to back each other, whatever the situation is,” Iyer said.

“They have been playing phenomenal cricket – SRH – throughout the season. We were lucky to bowl first, and every situation went in our favor. Thanks to SRH for the way they played. Looking forward to playing more competitive cricket,” Iyer added.

KKR’s victory was set up by Mitchell Starc’s stellar opening spell with the new ball, which put Hyderabad on the back foot. Starc returned with figures of 2-14, while Russell, Sunil Narine, and Varun Chakaravarthy combined to further dismantle the SRH batting line-up, with Russell finishing with three wickets in just 2.3 overs, conceding 19 runs.

Iyer also praised Starc, whose enthralling bowling display crippled SRH’s powerful batting attack. The KKR skipper commended Starc’s work ethic and ability to rise to the occasion.

“That’s when all the big players stand up, right! It was a high-pressure game, and he’s been so good off the field. He’s never shown any complacency in his work ethic. He stepped up to the right occasion,” Iyer added.

KKR’s third title celebration began at the same Chepauk ground where they lifted their maiden title in 2012 under the leadership of Gautam Gambhir. They replicated their past success to lift their third trophy. The KKR bowlers left the Sunrisers stunned, restricting them to 113 runs. In reply, KKR chased down the target in only 10.3 overs with eight wickets in hand.