Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) triumphed in the Indian Premier League (IPL) once again, clinching their third title and their first in a decade, with a resounding victory over Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) by eight wickets in the final held in Chennai on Sunday, May 26. The Shreyas Iyer-led side brought joy to their ardent fans by ending a ten-year title drought in remarkable style. Coincidentally, it wasn’t just the on-field performance that caught the attention of the spectators; Iyer’s celebration post-victory mirrored none other than Lionel Messi’s iconic FIFA World Cup celebration, adding a unique twist to the victory festivities.
The grand finale saw Iyer rise to the moment as he emulated Messi’s famous trophy celebration moment. Once Iyer received the coveted trophy from BCCI president Roger Binny and secretary Jay Shah, he commenced a slow, deliberate walk towards his teammates, signaling them to hold off their celebrations. His teammates, catching the drift, moved a bit further, allowing Iyer his moment in the spotlight. This walk, synonymous with anticipation and pride, honored Messi’s style and added a layer of emotional resonance to the victory as he finally lifted the trophy with prominent KKR players Sunil Narine, Nitish Rana, Andre Russell, and Harshit Rana by his side.
The fans, astute and passionate, immediately drew parallels between Iyer’s thoughtful celebration and Messi’s memorable walk from the 2022 FIFA World Cup. The atmosphere was electric as KKR’s supporters celebrated not only their team’s noteworthy win but also the charismatic nod to one of the greatest footballers of all time.
Shreyas Iyer’s journey to this pinnacle moment is nothing short of inspirational. In the past three months, Iyer had faced significant setbacks, including being dropped from the Test team due to persistent back issues, leading to the loss of his central contract. He later surfaced in the Ranji Trophy knockouts, contributing vitally to Mumbai’s 42nd title before transitioning to the IPL, where he steered KKR to championship glory.
. The Knight Riders embarked on a formidable run in the 2024 IPL season, losing their last match on April 26, nearly a month before clinching the title. Since then, they secured six wins out of eight matches, with two being washed out due to rain, showcasing their relentless pursuit of victory.
This triumphant campaign was a testament to the collective effort of the team and the meticulous preparatory work put in by the backroom staff. From head coach Chandrakant Pandit, who meticulously orchestrated strategies, to mentor Gautam Gambhir and assistant coach Abhishek Nayar, the KKR unit demonstrated a unified front. Their six-pronged bowling attack, which consistently delivered clinical performances, was a cornerstone of their success, emphasizing the depth and versatility of the squad.
The victory also ignited conversations about the prize money KKR won after their emphatic triumph and the subsequent accolades garnered by their star players. Among the highlights was the Player of the Tournament award, which was deservedly bagged by one of KKR’s standout performers, further underscoring the team’s breadth of talent.
Notably, the IPL 2024 final between KKR and SRH became a historical marker, breaking a 14-year-old tournament record, highlighting the ever-evolving and unpredictable nature of the league.
The culmination of IPL 2024 has left fans, analysts, and the cricketing fraternity reflecting on KKR’s impactful journey. Their roadmap to the title was painted with individual brilliance, collective resilience, and tactical astuteness, encapsulating the very essence of competitive cricket.
As the celebrations continue, KKR’s journey in IPL 2024 will be remembered not only for the victory but also for the moments that evoked global sporting memories, like Shreyas Iyer’s evocative Messi-esque celebration. This triumph adds a chapter of redemption, resilience, and exuberance to the annals of IPL history, inviting fans and pundits alike to savor the artistry and athleticism of one of cricket’s most celebrated tournaments.
