Former Kolkata Knight Riders captain Dinesh Karthik hailed the team’s successful run in IPL 2024. KKR lifted their third IPL title after beating Sunrisers Hyderabad in the final by eight wickets at the MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai on Sunday.
Karthik gave credit to all the players for coming up with a collective effort. Furthermore, he showered praise on the coaching staff for getting the best out of the players.
Meanwhile, Karthik also led KKR to the playoffs in IPL 2018 but the team could make it to the last four in the next season. The wicket-keeper relinquished his captaincy duties in the middle of the 2020 season as Eoin Morgan took over the reins.
KKR lifted their last title in 2014 under the captaincy of Gautam Gambhir and had to wait for a decade to go all the way in 2024.
“Unreal performance from them, very very happy for them from the start. I think it has been a tough journey they’ve waited a decade to get this title back. I know how hard it has been for them, being around them personally as well. Congrats to Shahrukh Khan and Venky Mysore who’ve worked their backsides off to be where they are today. Very good inclusion in Gautam Gambhir, there are many from the support staff as well, you know Abhishek Nayar winning his first title after being around for 17 years,” Karthik told Cricbuzz.
Karthik lauded the collective effort of the team and also hailed Shreyas Iyer for getting the best out of every player.
“So there’s plenty to be happy about but I’m really happy for the team and the city of Kolkata because they like other franchises have a massive fan following and they come in big numbers. It’s a big stadium to fill up and they come in every time the match is played there. Very well led by Shreyas Iyer, good performances by every player. Winning an IPL title is not easy, I’ve been part of this tournament. You go through an emotional roller coaster for about six weeks. It takes every inch of energy out of you. To be where they are, very proud of them and very very happy for them,” he added.
Meanwhile, Karthik played his last IPL season for RCB, scoring 326 runs in 13 innings at an average of 36.22 and a blistering strike rate of 187.36. Thus, he played an instrumental role in helping RCB qualify for the playoffs.
