Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) delivered a stellar performance in the 2024 edition of the Indian Premier League, wrapping up their five-game home series with a triumphant win against Delhi Capitals. This victory added crucial points to their tally, making the Eden Gardens witness an all-around cricket spectacle. The KKR squad, adorned in their characteristic purple, stood tall as they managed to restrict Delhi Capitals to 153, a total they later overcame with ease. KKR’s chase was marked by a controlled aggression that left the Capitals reeling and spectators on the edge of their seats, as KKR clinched the win with a comfortable 21 balls to spare and 7 wickets in hand.
Phil Salt emerged as the architect of the successful chase, amassing an explosive 68 runs off a mere 33 balls. His performance during the match not only steered his team to victory but also catapulted him into the season’s top 5 run-scorers. Salt has been nothing short of a revelation for KKR this season. His batting prowess has paid rich dividends, especially in light of Jason Roy’s withdrawal from the team, which inadvertently paved the way for Salt’s ascent as a formidable opening batsman who keeps wicket with equal aplomb. His explosive brand of cricket, characterized by an aggressive stance, has been instrumental in several of KKR’s triumphs this season.
In a remarkable feat, Phil Salt’s innings against the Capitals saw him leapfrog the record set by the former KKR captain and cricketing icon, Sourav Ganguly, for the most runs by a batter at the Eden Gardens in a single IPL season. During his current stint in Kolkata, Salt has tallied 344 runs across six matches at an extraordinary average of 68.8 and an even more staggering strike rate of 186, surpassing Ganguly’s 331 runs in 2010 and Andre Russell’s 311 runs in 2019. It is notable that Ganguly had himself set a high benchmark with a season total of 493 runs, while Russell accumulated 510 runs in the 2019 season. Phil Salt’s 392 runs so far make a strong case for him to surpass these tallies by the time the curtains come down on this season.
Here’s a glance at the top run-scorers at Eden Gardens in a single IPL season:
– 344 runs – Phil Salt (6 innings), 2024
– 331 runs – Sourav Ganguly (7 innings), 2010
– 311 runs – Andre Russell (7 innings), 2019
– 303 runs – Chris Lynn (9 innings), 2018
– 280 runs – Rinku Singh (7 innings), 2023
KKR’s performance in the 2024 season is a testament to their strategic play and cohesive teamwork. With six wins out of nine games, they stand at a crossroads where just two more victories could solidify their spot in the highly coveted playoffs. The team’s journey thus far reflects the culmination of individual brilliance and a united pursuit of cricketing excellence. As KKR continues on the path to the playoffs, fans will have their eyes set on Salt, whose bat has been a force to reckon with, and the rest of the Knight Riders, as they aim to carry forward their winning momentum and engrave their name in IPL history.
