IPL 2024: ‘Real deal’ KKR deserved playoffs spot in IPL 2024 – Mike Hesson

Former RCB coach Mike Hesson said that KKR deserved the playoffs spot in the ongoing Indian Premier League 2024. KKR won their ninth match of the season after beating Mumbai Indians by 18 runs at the Eden Gardens, Kolkata on Saturday in a 16-over game. 

KKR has come up with consistent performance throughout the season. The two-time champions have ticked the right boxes as they have come up with a collective team effort. 

KKR posted a par score of 157 runs on the board after Venkatesh Iyer scored an attacking knock of 42 runs off 21 balls after the hosts lost three early wickets of Phil Salt, Sunil Narine, and Shreyas Iyer. Subsequently, contributions from the middle order helped KKR go past the 150-run mark.

On the other hand, Varun Chakravarthy, Andre Russell, and Harshit Rana bagged two wickets apiece for KKR.

“KKR have secured the playoffs position and thoroughly deserved it. I mean, their performance throughout this IPL has been exceptional. They’ve got so many match winners, you know, in their batting lineup, they bat deep. Anyone on their given day can win the game,” Mike Hesson said on Jio Cinema after KKR’s win vs MI.

“We’ve seen how the openers and the top order do it, but they’ve got all that power at the back end as well. Even Ramandeep, you know, he’s an unsung hero. And these guys here, if there’s anything in the wicket Narine and Chakravarthy will exploit it, and the young seamers as have been impressive as well. And Starc, you know, he hasn’t been great, but on his day he can turn a game as well. So they are very much the real deal,” Hesson further added on Jio Cinema.

KKR has done a fine job as all of their players have contributed at some point in the tournament. Kolkata Knight Riders will next take on Gujarat Titans at the Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad on Monday.