In a jaw-dropping display of supremacy, Kolkata Knight Riders clinched their third IPL championship, steamrolling Sunrisers Hyderabad by eight wickets in a lopsided final showdown at the MA Chidambaram Stadium on Sunday. KKR skipper Shreyas Iyer hailed his squad's season-long dominance, emphasizing their all-round excellence throughout the tournament.
"Absolutely dominant performance. We've been unstoppable throughout the season. There's immense pride in this moment. This is the standard we set for ourselves, individually and as a team," remarked Shreyas Iyer in the post-match presentation.
The final witnessed KKR's bowling unit shining brightly, with Mitchell Starc's early breakthroughs and Andre Russell's devastating three-wicket haul dismantling SRH's batting order. Starc's pivotal dismissals during the Powerplay put a lid on SRH's momentum, laying the groundwork for KKR's commanding display.
"That's what champions do, isn't it? In a high-pressure game, he delivered when it mattered most. His commitment off the field has been exceptional. He rose to the occasion," Iyer commented on Starc's stellar performance.
Russell's wizardry with the ball further solidified KKR's grip on the game, earning glowing praise from his captain. "He's got that magic touch. He's hungry for wickets. Everyone stepped up when it counted, making it a smooth sailing. It's been a flawless campaign," added Iyer.
Despite his absence from India's T20 World Cup squad, Iyer expressed his eagerness to stay active in competitive cricket. "Our only aim was to support each other through thick and thin. Excited for more competitive action ahead," he said.
"We were simply outplayed," admitted SRH captain Pat Cummins, acknowledging KKR's bowlers' exceptional performance.
"They bowled brilliantly. We were outclassed. They didn't offer us any leeway. The pitch was tricky, and it didn't feel like a 200-plus wicket. A target of 160 would have given us a fighting chance," Cummins conceded.
Cummins also expressed gratitude to his teammates and fans for their unwavering support throughout the tournament. "Many of us hadn't played together before, but it was a fantastic experience working with this group. A terrific squad and support staff. We're used to playing in India, often in front of a sea of blue. So, having the crowd on our side at times was a boost," he added.
As Kolkata Knight Riders bask in the glory of their third IPL title, the theme of invincibility shines through, symbolizing a season characterized by flawless execution and unwavering team spirit under the leadership of Shreyas Iyer.
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