The IPL 2024 final was a spectacular culmination of a season filled with thrilling matches and remarkable performances. The Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) emerged as champions, securing their third IPL title with a decisive victory over the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in Chennai. The reactions from KKR’s players and coaching staff shed light on the dedication, teamwork, and strategic brilliance that propelled them to the pinnacle of success.

Andre Russell: The Heartbeat of KKR

Andre Russell, the dynamic all-rounder, expressed his immense joy and gratitude after the victory. "No words to explain right now," Russell said, reflecting on the overwhelming support from fans throughout the season. His contribution in the final, where he took three crucial wickets, highlighted his importance to the team. Russell credited the entire squad for their discipline and shared goal, emphasizing the role of Gautam Gambhir (GG) as a mentor and leader. "GG has not just been a mentor, he's been a leader in every department for us," Russell noted, acknowledging Gambhir's influence on the team's success.

Varun Chakravarthy: The Unsung Heroes

Varun Chakravarthy, one of KKR's key bowlers, highlighted the foundational work done by Abhishek Nayar and Dinesh Karthik. "It's a result of hard work. Credit goes to two main people, Dinesh Karthik and Abhishek Nayar," Varun said. He spoke about the turning point of their season, a loss to Punjab Kings, which Gambhir predicted would catalyze their eventual triumph. Varun’s partnership with Sunil Narine in the bowling department was crucial, as they strategized and executed their plans effectively.

Abhishek Nayar: A Long-Awaited Victory

For Abhishek Nayar, KKR’s assistant coach, the victory was a personal milestone. Having been involved in the IPL since its inception, Nayar finally tasted championship glory. "It has taken me 16 years before I got my championship, but I'm really happy for the boys," he said, expressing his delight and the surreal feeling of achieving this long-awaited goal.

Venkatesh Iyer: Celebrating the Unseen Efforts

Venkatesh Iyer echoed the sentiments of his teammates, attributing much of the team's success to Abhishek Nayar’s behind-the-scenes efforts. "Certain things go unnoticed. I'll make sure that they don't go because that guy deserves all the credit in the world," Iyer remarked. He also dedicated the victory to the loyal fans who have supported the team through thick and thin over the past decade.

Nitish Rana: Fulfilled Promises

Nitish Rana shared a poignant moment with Gautam Gambhir before the season began, congratulating him on becoming the team's mentor. "I wrote a long message to him and he thanked me, but he also said he'll be the happiest when we'll lift the trophy at the podium," Rana recalled. The fulfillment of that promise was a moment of pride and joy for Rana, solidifying Gambhir’s impact on the team.

Bharat Arun: Crafting a Winning Formula

Bowling coach Bharat Arun reflected on the strategic adjustments that led to their success. "We did find out what are the areas we really need to work on. We did exactly that," Arun said, emphasizing the importance of introspection and improvement. He praised Mitchell Starc’s influence, which bolstered the confidence of the younger players. Arun also highlighted the effectiveness of Narine and Varun’s spin bowling, crediting Gambhir for the innovative decision to have Narine open the batting, which added a new dimension to their gameplay.

Conclusion

The journey to becoming IPL 2024 champions was a collective effort that involved strategic brilliance, unwavering dedication, and seamless teamwork. The reactions from KKR's players and coaching staff highlight the importance of leadership, the impact of behind-the-scenes contributions, and the joy of achieving a shared goal. As the celebrations continue, the reflections on this season will inspire future champions in the world of cricket.