Reaction on Twitter: Varun Chakravarthy, Venkatesh Iyer shine as KKR seal Playoffs spot after beating MI | IPL 2024
In the 60th game of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) square against Mumbai Indians (MI) and ended up losing by 18 runs in a rain-affected Eden Gardens on Saturday (May 11).
Explosive display by Venkatesh Iyer
Electing to bat first after winning the toss, KKR’s innings started on an uncertain note with the first delivery of the first over. Phil Salt and experienced Sunil Narine. However, it appears Venkatesh Iyer changed the situation in their favor. Iyer’s explosive batting display, characterized by powerful strokes and smart shot selection, propelled KKR’s innings. His blistering knock of 42 runs off just 21 runs, adorned with six boundaries and two towering sixes, injected much-needed momentum into KKR’s innings. Although there have been setbacks from time to time, including the departure of the captain Shreyas Iyer and hard hitting Nitish RanaKKR managed to score 157/7 in 16 overs, thanks to Iyer’s heroics.
Varun Chakravarthy’s mastery of spin
In response, MI began to chase in earnest, led by the powerful batting of Ishan Kishan, who scored a quick 40 runs off 22 balls. However, the KKR bowlers fought back admirably, with Varun Chakraborty who emerged as the man of the match with a spell of 2/18 in his four overs. Chakravarthy’s spin bowling prowess came to the fore as he thrashed the MI batters for a total Rohit Sharma with his variety and flawless line and height. It is duly supported by Harshit Rana again Andre Russell, who came in with important results, KKR’s bowling attack put constant pressure on the Mumbai Indians, limiting their scoring chances and attracting errors.
Despite heroic efforts from MI’s middle order, incl Tilak Varma again Naman Dhir, KKR’s bowling display has ensured that the required run rate rises a bit. The pressure mounted on MI, leading to frantic attempts to rush the score, leading to their eventual downfall. With wickets falling at a crucial time and the required run rate spiraling out of control, MI found themselves falling short of the target, managing just 139/8 in their allotted 16 overs.
Birth of IPL 2024 Playoffs for KKR
With this hard-fought victory, KKR etched their name as the first team to secure a berth in the IPL 2024 playoffs. Their victory was a testament to their resilience, skill, and ability to perform under pressure. Led by outstanding performances from Venkatesh with the bat and Chakravarthy with the ball, KKR showed their heroic qualities and laid down a marker for the challenges they will face in the play-offs. As the IPL 2024 journey continues, KKR will look to build on this momentum and take the lead in their quest for the coveted title, fueled by the confidence gained from this important victory.
Here’s how Twitter responded:
Shreyas Iyer had two options to bowl the 4th over. He chose Varun Chakravarthy instead of the experienced Sunil narine. It worked. You handled this kkr side well π @ShreyasIyer15
β Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) May 11, 2024
Venkatesh Iyer’s excellent batting record against Mumbai Indians is because he is better equipped to handle MI’s pace attack than other batsmen in the KKR top four. Moreover, MI always have quality new ball bowlers compared to the quality of KKR openers. Openers get…
-Prasenjiit Dey (@CricPrasen) May 11, 2024
Chakaravarthyπ€πΎπ€πΎ
β Robin Aiyuda Uthappa (@robbieuthappa) May 11, 2024
Venkatesh Iyer could write a book on how to fight Mumbai Indians. Bro does not fail against us. False consensus.
– RATNISH (@LoyalSachinFan) May 11, 2024
Venkatesh Iyer vs MI in IPLT20 #cricket #IPL #T20 #IPL2024 #KKRvMI #VenkateshIyer #CricketTwitter pic.twitter.com/KA2o3tf0g9
– CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) May 11, 2024
If we don’t keep Venkatesh Iyer, then MI will be the strongest bidder and will do everything possible to get him. Man always plays against them and Wankhede is his playground. Then it is up to us whether we want to use the RTM card.
– Reeyan (@BrunoMagnifico_) May 11, 2024
I feel like Venkatesh Iyer has personal issues with Mumbai ffs, he never forgets to hit usπ₯².
β Jay Kumar Shahπ³π΅ (@I_m_Jayyy) May 11, 2024
VARUN CHAKRAVARTHY IS THE BEST INDIAN PINNER OF THE MOMENT!!
BCCI’s loss is that he doesn’t play white ball cricket!
NO DISPUTES ALLOWED !!
β π¬π₯ (@_zalzala_) May 11, 2024
A reminder that Varun Chakravarthy is not part of the T20 World Cup squad.
β KnightRidersXtra (@KRxtra) May 11, 2024
Shreyas Iyer giving an extra over to Varun Chakravarthy in place of Narine π€―. And Varun getting the wicket of Hardik in that over. DAMN GOOD! There is a reason he is the best captain this season. You are amazing. I love you man @ShreyasIyer15 π
– Abdullah Masroor (@Abdullaahhhh13) May 11, 2024
Varun Chakraborty. Such a spell.
4-0-18-2
Phenomenal bowling. ππ
– Cricket Expert (@AMP86793444) May 11, 2024
Shate cholo #KnightsArmyβ¦piπture Abhi baaki hai! π pic.twitter.com/V6jpFBCZYO
β KolkataKnightRiders (@KKRiders) May 11, 2024
A π the end of the night.#MumbaiMeriJaan #MumbaiIndians #KKRvMI pic.twitter.com/Kz1eLRNuRM
– Mumbai Indians (@mipaltan) May 11, 2024
