It was an unexpected comeback tale for the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) who, after a dismal 10th place finish in the 2023 Indian Premier League (IPL), found themselves competing in the final of the 2024 season. However, the dream run came crashing down as the Orange Army faltered when it mattered the most. The Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), undeniably the finest team throughout the tournament, clinched their third IPL title with a dominating performance, bowling out SRH for a mere 113 runs.
SRH’s campaign was characterized by some extraordinary batting displays, with scores surpassing 260 on three occasions. This revolutionized the powerplay approach with players like Travis Head and Abhishek Sharma leading the charge. But the potent batting duo seemed uncharacteristically subdued on the final night. KKR’s bowlers, led by the formidable Mitchell Starc and Vaibhav Arora, dismantled the SRH batting lineup. Starc started the carnage with crucial early wickets during the powerplay, while Arora kept the pressure from the other end, preventing SRH from gaining momentum.
The entire batting line-up crumbled, and SRH could only muster a total of 113 runs, easily chased down by KKR in less than 11 overs. The one-sided nature of the finale left the SRH supporters and the team’s ownership in a state of profound disappointment. One notable figure who couldn’t mask her emotions was SRH owner Kavya Maran. Known for her unwavering support and passionate presence in the stands, Maran found it hard to hold back her tears.
Despite the heartache, Maran displayed commendable sportsmanship. After initially turning away from the cameras to quietly wipe her tears, she turned back and applauded KKR for their emphatic victory. This moment was captured on video and has since gone viral, earning praise from fans who admired her grace in accepting defeat and her dignified acknowledgment of the winners.
The 2024 IPL final showcased not only the cricketing prowess of KKR but also highlighted the unpredictability and emotional highs and lows of the sport. The SRH fans had experienced a roller-coaster of a season, from the depths of the standings in the previous year to the elation of reaching the final.
. For Kavya Maran, the final whistle marked a poignant moment of reflection on the journey and the bittersweet taste of the near-triumph.
The fallout of the match extends beyond just the players and extends to the loyal fanbase and the management. The viral video of Maran’s reaction stands testament to the emotional investment of those closely connected to the team. For the Sunrisers Hyderabad, this was their third appearance in an IPL final, with their solitary victory dating back to 2016. The losses in the finals of 2018 and now 2024 serve as painful reminders of how close yet so far they have been from reclaiming the title.
Aside from the noteworthy on-field battles, the final brought stories that were equally engaging off the pitch. The sporting spirit shown by Maran was unforgettable, and it set a high standard for how owners can conduct themselves even in the face of crushing defeats. Social media was abuzz with appreciations and messages of encouragement towards Maran and the SRH team.
Through it all, several other key moments and records were made during the course of the final that captivated cricket enthusiasts. KKR’s third title is particularly significant, marking a new chapter in the franchise’s decorated history. Meanwhile, individual performances like those of Shreyas Iyer, who emulated Lionel Messi’s iconic FIFA World Cup celebration, added a layer of grandeur to KKR’s victory narrative.
In the grand scheme of things, the IPL 2024 final was more than just a game – it was a reflection of resilience, the heartbreak of near triumph, and the grace found in acknowledging another’s victory. Kavya Maran’s reaction encapsulated all those facets, making her one of the most memorable figures of the season.
Moving forward, the Sunrisers Hyderabad will look to rebuild and learn from their experiences. They remain a strong side with the potential to dominate in future editions. Despite the crushing loss, there’s an air of optimism around the camp, driven by the resurgence they’ve displayed and the passionate support of their fans and management.
The IPL 2024 final will be remembered not just for KKR’s emphatic win but also for Kavya Maran’s moving display of sportsmanship and grace, proving once again that cricket is a gentleman’s game, played not just on the field but with spirit and heart both on and off it.
