Kolkata Knight Riders assistant coach Abhishek Nayar called his team’s triumph in the IPL 2024 final “surreal” after being lauded by spin bowler Varun Chakravarthy in the aftermath of their emphatic win over Sunrisers Hyderabad.
Group stage winners KKR took full advantage of SRH posting the lowest total in an IPL title, lifting the title for the first time since 2014 with an eight wicket thrashing courtesy of a successful chase of only 113 at Chennai’s Chepauk Stadium.
The win was the happiest day of Nayar’s long association with KKR, leading the club’s academy as well as assisting Chandrakant Pandit.
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“It means everything,” the former India international said, via NDTV. “I started playing IPL in the first season and it has taken me 16 years for the first title. I am really happy for the boys. I cannot express how happy I am.”
Nayar began his IPL career with Mumbai Indians and proceeded to play for Punjab Kings, Pune Warriors India and Rajasthan Royals.
The 40-year-old singled out Andre Russell, who took 3-19 in the final as KKR repeated their margin of victory over the same opponents in Qualifier 1 five days earlier.
KKR v SRH IPL final ‘surreal’
“The big man, turning up as usual,” Nayar said of veteran all-rounder Russell. “It is the most surreal feeling I have had in a long time.”
Mitchell Starc also took 2-14, including the dismissal of opener Abhishek Sharma in the first over to set KKR on their way to their second title.
There was a hint of early concern for KKR when their first wicket fell with 11 runs on the board, Sunile Narine caught by Shahbaz Ahmed off a Pat Cummins delivery.
Catch of the season – never doubted it! 😍PIC.TWITTER.COM/O76MU0UXPO
— KolkataKnightRiders (@KKRiders) MAY 26, 2024
Rahmanullah Gurbaz had taken KKR past 100 with a six by the time he departed for 39, and Venkatesh Iyer finished on 52 as they sealed their first triumph since 2014.
“Abhishek Nayar deserves all the credit in the world,” said Iyer, who joined KKR in 2021. “Some contributions go unnoticed – I want to make sure they don’t. This guy deserves all the credit in the world for the way he has been working for this franchise.”
KKR had been favourites after finishing three points clear of second-placed SRH in the group stage, winning 14 of their 17 matches.
