Under the astute leadership of Shreyas Iyer, the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) have emerged as the first team to secure a spot in the IPL 2024 playoffs. This achievement marks a historic milestone for the two-time champions as they will finish the league stage as table-toppers for the first time in the tournament’s history.
KKR’s performance this season has been nothing short of spectacular, with the team winning nine out of their 13 matches so far, showcasing their prowess with both the bat and ball. Former cricketer AB de Villiers has heaped praise on Iyer, highlighting the qualities that have contributed to KKR’s success.
AB de Villiers described Iyer as a ‘smart cricketer’ who excels under pressure, a trait that has significantly benefited KKR throughout the season. He particularly noted Iyer’s strategic acumen and ability to manage his bowlers effectively.
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Iyer’s tactical brilliance was evident as he adeptly rotated his bowlers, using Sunil Narine and Varun Chakravarthy in the powerplay when necessary and entrusting Harshit Rana with the final over despite having star pacer Mitchell Starc available. These bold decisions have paid off, reinforcing Iyer’s reputation as a captain who remains calm and composed under pressure, a crucial attribute that has helped KKR thrive, especially in their home matches at Eden Gardens.
“Shreyas Iyer has been absolutely incredible. There have been a lot of doubts and talks about him as captain. I punted him from the start of the tournament. He is a wise guy, a smart cricketer and I love the way he is calm and composed as a captain. He never seems to get rushed, never seems to panic even though you know deep down that you feel some panic, especially playing at the Eden Gardens,” AB de Villiers remarked on his YouTube channel.
De Villiers also acknowledged the challenges Iyer faces in managing seasoned players like Sunil Narine and Andre Russell. He noted that captaining such experienced and strong personalities, particularly from the West Indies, who have their own unique cultural dynamics, is no easy feat. However, Iyer has excelled in this role, maintaining effective communication and fostering a cohesive team environment.
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“It’s not easy to captain senior players who have been around for ages, especially Narine and Russell. We know that the West Indies have got different personalities, they are outgoing and can be outspoken sometimes. It must be sometimes difficult with a difference in culture to communicate properly with some of these experienced players,” AB de Villiers added.
Iyer’s leadership has not only led KKR to a successful season but has also earned him respect and admiration from cricketing legends and fans alike.
