Narine, Chakravarthy shine as Kolkata go top in points table with big win over Lucknow – India TV

Narine, Chakravarthy shine as Kolkata go top in points table with big win over Lucknow – India TV

Image Source : BCCI/IPL Kolkata Knight Riders players at LSG vs KKR IPL 2024 game in Lucknow on May 5, 2024 Kolkata Knight Riders registered a huge 98-run win over Lucknow Super Giants in the 54th match of the Indian Premier League 2024 on Sunday. A win boosted Shreyas Iyer’s KKR to the top of the points table and an inch closer to a playoff qualification at Ekana Cricket Stadium. Sunil Narine continued his red-hot form by smashing 81 runs off just 39 balls as Kolkata Knight Riders posted 235/6, the highest-ever total in Lucknow in IPL history. Then Varun Chakravarthy and Andre Russell picked a combined five wickets to bowl out KL Rahul’s LSG to 137 in 16.1 overs. With 16 points in the first 11 matches, Shreyas Iyer-led Kolkata all but secured a spot in the points table. Lucknow slipped to fifth position with six wins in eleven matches but remain in contention to make playoffs for the third consecutive season. After being forced to bat first, Kolkata enjoyed a sensation start with in-form openers Phil Salt and Sunil Narine adding 61 runs in just 26 balls. Naveen-ul-Haq gave Lucknow a breakthrough with Salt’s big wicket in the fifth over but Narine kept Kolkata on track with his fourth fifty-plus innings this season. Bishnoi ended Narine’s explosive innings in the 12th over and then Kolkata struggled to carry the momentum. Naveen bagged valuable wickets of Andre Russell and Rinku Singh’s in the middle overs but Kolkata managed to post a big total of 235 with Ramandeep Singh smashing 25* off just 6 balls. Naveen picked three wickets for 49 for Lucknow but all bowlers went expensive at Ekana Cricket Stadium. Chasing a mammoth target, Lucknow lost young opener Arshin Kulkarni in the second over with Ramandeep Singh pulling off a sensational catch on Mitchell Starc’s delivery. In-form KL Rahul and Marcus Stoinis kept Lucknow alive in the chase by adding 50 runs for the second wicket. Returning pacer Harshit Rana gave Kolkata a breakthrough to dismiss KL Rahul in the eighth over and then Lucknow’s innings suffered an embarrassing collapse. Stoinis top-scored with 36 runs off just 21 balls but none of his teammates managed to reach the 30-run mark.  Harshit Rana and Varun Chakravarthy picked three wickets each and Russell claimed two big wickets as Lucknow’s inning collapsed to 137. Narine bagged the Player of the Match award for scoring 81 runs and taking a wicket. Lucknow Super Giants Playing XI: KL Rahul (c & wk), Marcus Stoinis, Deepak Hooda, Nicholas Pooran, Ashton Turner, Ayush Badoni, Krunal Pandya, Ravi Bishnoi, Naveen-ul-Haq, Mohsin Khan (substituted by Yudhvir Singh), Yash Thakur (substituted by Arshin Kulkarni). Kolkata Knight Riders Playing XI: Philip Salt (wk), Sunil Narine, Angkrish Raghuvanshi (substituted by Vaibhav Arora), Shreyas Iyer (c), Venkatesh Iyer, Rinku Singh, Andre Russell, Ramandeep Singh, Mitchell Starc, Varun Chakaravarthy, Harshit Rana.

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Phil Salt-Sunil Narine ahead of Virat Kohli-Faf Du Plessis and Rohit Sharma-Ishan Kishan | Cricket News

Phil Salt-Sunil Narine ahead of Virat Kohli-Faf Du Plessis and Rohit Sharma-Ishan Kishan | Cricket News

NEW DELHI: They come, they see the ball, and launch it over the park – that’s how Kolkata Knight Riders openers Sunil Narine and Phil Salt have been wreaking havoc on opposition bowling attacks in the ongoing IPL 2024. KKR, the two-time champions, currently sit second in the points table with seven wins in 10 matches, largely thanks to the solid foundations provided by Salt and Narine.These two have been instrumental in establishing strong starts for KKR. In the match against Lucknow Super Giants, Salt, and Narine sent bowlers to all corners of the field. They formed a 61-run partnership for the opening wicket.Salt and Narine have now stitched together six 50-run partnerships in IPL 2024, leading the way among opening pairs. They outperformed Mumbai Indians’ Ishan Kishan and Rohit Sharma, who have achieved four 50-plus opening stands, and RCB’s Virat Kohli and Faf du Plessis, who have managed the feat three times this season.Most 50+ opening partnerships in IPL 20246 – Phil Salt and Sunil Narine*4 – Ishan Kishan and Rohit Sharma3 – Virat Kohli and Faf du Plessis

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'Let's not get into that topic': Ashwin's blunt refusal on 'Sunil Narine' query while discussing Jasprit Bumrah's action

‘Let’s not get into that topic’: Ashwin’s blunt refusal on ‘Sunil Narine’ query while discussing Jasprit Bumrah’s action

Sunil Narine has been simply sensational for Kolkata Knight Riders in IPL 2024. He is their second-highest run-scorer with 380 runs in 10 matches at a strike rate of 179.24. During the ongoing campaign, he has also smacked a ton and two fifties. Even in the bowling department, batters have found it hard to deal with him this season, and is fifth in the Purple Cap race with 13 wickets in 10 matches, at an economy of 6.72. R Ashwin spoke about Jasprit Bumrah and Sunil Narine. This year, bowlers have found it tough to outperform batters and runs have come in plenty. In the leaderboard for the Purple Cap race, among the top-five wicket takers, only Jasprit Bumrah (6.25) and Narine have an economy less than 7. Bumrah is on top of the Purple Cap race with 17 dismissals in 11 games at an economy of 6.25. Unlock exclusive access to the latest news on India’s general elections, only on the HT App. Download Now! Download Now! Speaking on YouTube, Rajasthan Royals star R Ashwin hailed Bumrah and Narine, but also took a slight dig at the former West Indies player’s bowling action, which has been questioned in the past and didn’t want to explain further. “Bumrah has a really good unique point – He has got a distinct advantage compared to other pacers due to his release point. I won’t talk about Sunil Narine. It’s wrong according to my policy. Narine was also getting hit 2-3 seasons ago. This season he’s been outstanding. But let’s not get into that topic,” he said. Wickets have rarely come for the India veteran this season and he has only managed two wickets in nine games, at an economy of 9.00. But he has proved to be key in important moments and RR are also on top of the IPL 2024 points table. Meanwhile, Bumrah’s sizzling form hasn’t resonated with Mumbai Indians’ performance this season. MI are bottom of the table with six points in 11 games. Meanwhile, Narine’s KKR are second with 14 points in 10 fixtures. News / Cricket News / ‘Let’s not get into that topic’: Ashwin’s blunt refusal on ‘Sunil Narine’ query while discussing Jasprit Bumrah’s action

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IPL 2024: Hardik Pandya's Mumbai Indians can still qualify for playoffs - Here is how | Cricket News

IPL 2024: Hardik Pandya’s Mumbai Indians can still qualify for playoffs – Here is how | Cricket News

NEW DELHI: Hardik Pandya-led Mumbai Indians (MI) are currently struggling in the IPL 2024 standings, occupying the ninth position with six points and a net run rate of -0.356 after winning only three out of their eleven matches. Although their chances of finishing in the top three have diminished, they still have an opportunity to qualify for the playoffs.In their recent encounter against the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at the Wankhede Stadium on Friday, MI suffered a 24-run defeat.To secure a playoff berth, Pandya’s team must win their remaining three matches against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), KKR, and Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), accumulating 12 points from 14 matches.However, their qualification also depends on the results of other teams. MI cannot surpass Rajasthan Royals (RR) and KKR in the standings, as they have already amassed 16 and 14 points respectively after playing 10 matches each. Similarly, they will remain below SRH and LSG, who have already secured 12 points. MI’s only chance of finishing fourth is if LSG loses all their remaining four matches against KKR, SRH, Delhi Capitals (DC), and MI.Furthermore, MI will closely monitor the performance of Chennai Super Kings (CSK), DC, Gujarat Titans (GT), Punjab Kings (PBKS), and Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), hoping that they do not exceed the 12-point mark and maintain a lower net run rate in IPL 2024.In the match between MI and KKR, Mumbai opted to field first. A strong partnership of 83 runs between Venkatesh Iyer (70 off 52) and Manish Pandey (42 off 31) propelled KKR to a total of 169. Jasprit Bumrah’s impressive spell of 3 for 18 in 3.5 overs, including a double-wicket over, was a highlight for MI. In response, MI were bowled out for 145. Starc made a remarkable comeback, claiming 4 wickets for 33 runs in just 3.5 overs, leading KKR to a 24-run victory. Varun Chakaravarthy and Sunil Narine also contributed with identical figures of 2/22, taking crucial wickets in the first half of the chase, which put KKR in a commanding position.Following their victory, KKR now hold the second position in the IPL 2024 standings with 14 points, while MI remain in ninth place with 6 points. MI’s next match is against SRH on Monday at the Wankhede Stadium.(Inputs from ANI)

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Sunil Narine is KKR's 'Superman', Russell a 'fashionista': Shah Rukh Khan

Sunil Narine is KKR’s ‘Superman’, Russell a ‘fashionista’: Shah Rukh Khan

KKR’s Sunil Narine during the practice session ahead of IPL game between KKR and Mumbai Indians at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on May 2. | Photo Credit: Emmanual Yogini From hitting massive sixes, to scoring tons of runs, to producing breakthroughs, charismatic all-rounder Sunil Narine has been KKRs’ go-to man for more than a decade in the IPL, and co-owner Shah Rukh Khan was effusive in his praise for the all-rounder, calling him the “Superman” and the real energy behind the team’s success. Riding on Narine’s blazing innings, including a century and two half-tons and nearly a dozen wickets, KKR are currently second on the table. The two-time champions could well break the decade-long jinx of not winning an IPL title if Narine’s charisma continues to shine through this season. “In our house, we call him Superman, the god particle. He’s a boss on the field, a player, a bowler, a batsman, a wicketkeeper, a fielder. He’s an ‘anything’ player,” Shah Rukh told Star Sports show ‘Knight Club presents – King Khan’s Rules’ about the 35-year-old stalwart, who played a pivotal role in KKR lifting the trophy in 2012 and 2014. Narine, the highest wicket-taker in the IPL among overseas spinners, had taken 21 and 24 respectively in the 2012 and 2014 editions, paving the way for the purple and gold jerseys to clinch the two IPL titles. “He’s so spirited, so lovely. We’re very fortunate to have players, Indian or foreign, who have deep feelings for the team… Sunil, like I said, he’s an ‘anything’ player.” The Bollywood star added that Narine and country-mate Andre Russell were pivotal to the club’s ethos, saying any one of them getting injured feels like a body blow to the side. Kolkata Knight Riders player Andre Russell during a practice session ahead of IPL match between Kolkata Knight Riders and Mumbai Indians at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on May 2, 2024. | Photo Credit: PTI “Imagine KKR without these guys. When they get injured, it feels awful to wonder how we’ll manage without them. It’s so crucial. They’ve been with us for so many years, and I think the way they have supported the team, they’re like part of the family,” said Shah Rukh. Russell is a cut above the rest when it comes to hairstyle, and Shah Rukh said the cricketer is a “fashionista”. The mohawk he made popular when he came into the IPL continues to trend even now, though more than a decade has elapsed since the fancy cut was first made popular by the West Indian. “Such a wonderful person to be around, and such a great cricketer. He reminds us of the first big man like Universe Boss, Mr. Gayle. He’s like that, and I love the fact that he’s very fashion-conscious. He likes to dress well, do his hair.” “Last night, I asked him, ‘Do you have some two-colour shoes?’ He said no, but he has designer spikes. So I said, ‘Are they Gucci designer spikes?’ Wow! Yes, well, I love the way he’s a fashionista.” Russell has forged a strong bond with Rinku Singh and Shah Rukh says their camaraderie reminds him of Jai-Veeru in the iconic movie ‘Sholey’. “Rinku and he have such a strong bond, like the Jai-Veeru friendship. They’re so different, yet they love each other and help each other as cricketers and as people. They’re so different, yet they love each other and help each other as cricketers and as people.” Team mentor Gautam Gambhir, who returned to the side this season after a stint with Lucknow Super Giants, will always remain KKR’s icon, given that he guided the team to two IPL titles and helped them qualify for the playoffs five times. “The great thing about Gautam Gambhir being back with us is that I never felt like he left us. Whether he’s in our team or mentoring someone else, there’s never any animosity or competition with him.” Part 1 of Knight Club presents – King Khan’s Rules will air at 6.15pm on the evening of May 3.

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'Sunil Narine caught...': Suryakumar Yadav pulls off unthinkable against star KKR spinner - WATCH | Cricket News

‘Sunil Narine caught…’: Suryakumar Yadav pulls off unthinkable against star KKR spinner – WATCH | Cricket News

NEW DELHI: Whether celebrating a wicket, acknowledging the crowd after a half-century or century, star Kolkata Knight Riders player Sunil Narine usually maintains a serious demeanor. However, ace Mumbai Indians batsman Suryakumar Yadav found a way to make Narine smile.In a video shared by the Mumbai Indians’ social media, Suryakumar is shown imitating Narine’s celebration after scoring a century.As Narine watched Surya’s mimicry, he burst into laughter.WATCH: KKR will take on a struggling Mumbai Indians team at the Wankhede Stadium on Friday.With six wins from nine games, KKR have 12 points and currently hold second place in the IPL standings.The path to the IPL playoffs appears out of reach for Mumbai Indians, even with five games remaining. If they win all of them, they can only reach 16 points, leaving them in the middle of the standings and not necessarily in contention with the consistently strong teams.

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Gautam Gambhir: KKR vs LSG: Gautam Gambhir goes from planning Lucknow Super Giants' rise to plotting their doom | Cricket News

Gautam Gambhir: KKR vs LSG: Gautam Gambhir goes from planning Lucknow Super Giants’ rise to plotting their doom | Cricket News

KOLKATA: Gautam Gambhir finds himself in a situation that makes him grin. He had mentored Lucknow Super Giants till last season with a fair amount of success, a period which included three wins over Kolkata Knight Riders. On Sunday, he will be there in the KKR dugout, hoping to mentor the purple brigade to their first win over LSG.IPL 2024: POINTS TABLE | ORANGE CAP | PURPLE CAPIs the boot on the other foot now? “Just a new day,” Gambhir quipped on match eve.”I might know them well, but they know me pretty well too. In fact everyone knows each other quite well and plans accordingly. It doesn’t make a difference (that I am on the other side now). I had planned for KKR while I had been with LSG and now I am planning on behalf of KKR. It’s not as if I’m going to plan something different for them. Eventually, the team that plays better wins, and not the team that plans better.” Gambhir perhaps knows KKR better than anyone else, having led the team to two IPL titles. There are players like Sunil Narine, whom Gambhir had groomed during his stint at KKR and who are flourishing now. “He (Narine) was very happy to see me back. We have spent so much time together. Sometimes relationships are more about the emotion which you carry for each other than the time spent. Happy to see him doing well.”Gambhir remains as aggressive as ever and will not count Mayank Yadav’s absence as a relief. “We would always want our opponents to play with their best team,” he said. Neither is he worried that Mitchell Starc might buckle under pressure. “I know what impact he can have,” he said.

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