Shreyas Iyer Becomes Only the Fifth Indian Captain to Lift the IPL Trophy

 

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) emerged victorious in the 2024 Indian Premier League (IPL), securing their third title under the inspiring leadership of Shreyas Iyer. In a thrilling final at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on May 26, KKR defeated Sunrisers Hyderabad by eight wickets, adding another glorious chapter to their storied IPL history.

 

With this victory, Shreyas Iyer has now become only the fifth Indian captain to lift the IPL trophy, joining the ranks of cricket legends. This win marked KKR’s third championship, with previous victories in 2012 and 2014.

 

Moments after the final whistle, an elated Iyer was seen celebrating with his teammates, holding his bat and a stump as souvenirs of the monumental win. His emotional embrace with key players like Sunil Narine and Mitchell Starc highlighted the solidarity and team spirit that fueled KKR’s successful campaign.

 

In a heartfelt post after the match, Iyer expressed his gratitude to the entire KKR family.

“To my entire KKR family, we’ve worked tirelessly for this moment. We’ve played for each other, we’ve sacrificed so much for each other, and it’s to get our hands on this prized trophy,” Shreyas said. He then thanked his fellow players and the coaching staff by saying, “To the owners, management, coaching staff, my teammates and the fans, from the bottom of my heart, thank you IPL Champions 2024,” Shreyas wrote in a post.

 

Before joining KKR, Iyer led Delhi Capitals to their first-ever final in 2020. Although they fell short that year, Iyer’s leadership qualities shone through, paving the way for his future success with KKR. With this latest achievement, Iyer has become the first player to lead multiple teams to IPL finals, cementing his status as a top-tier captain.

 

Iyer’s journey with KKR began in 2022 after he was released by Delhi Capitals and picked up by the Shah Rukh Khan–owned franchise for Rs 12.25 crores. In his debut season with KKR, Iyer scored 401 runs, demonstrating his batting prowess. Despite a back injury that sidelined him in 2023, Iyer returned stronger in 2024, contributing 351 runs at an impressive average of 39.00 and a strike rate of 146.86. His two fifties this season showcased his form and determination to lead KKR to glory.

 

Shreyas Iyer’s captaincy and stellar performances have etched his name in IPL history. His leadership not only brought KKR their third title but also demonstrated his ability to inspire and lead a team to success. As KKR celebrates this historic win, Shreyas Iyer stands tall as a beacon of excellence and perseverance in Indian cricket.