IPL 2024: Rajasthan Royals' (RR) loss to the Punjab Kings (PBKS) on Wednesday, May 15 came as a blessing in disguise for the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). Not only did it secure victory for the Kings, but it also propelled the KKR to a historic achievement in the IPL.
KKR on cloud nine
With Rajasthan's fourth consecutive defeat, the path is clear for Kolkata to finish the 2024 IPL season at the top of the table. Currently boasting 19 points, the Knight Riders have secured an unmatchable lead. Even if both Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) and Rajasthan Royals win their remaining matches, they can only reach a maximum of 18 points, falling short of Kolkata's total. This accomplishment marks a first in franchise history, with Shreyas Iyer becoming the first KKR captain to lead them to the coveted top spot.
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Kolkata Knight Riders have a history of strong playoff runs, even without topping the league table. While they secured their 2012 and 2024 titles after finishing second, they've also reached the playoffs in 2011 (finishing 3rd), 2016 (3rd), 2018 (2nd), and 2021 (4th) – even reaching the finals in 2021 despite their lower position.
KKR will next be seen in first qualifier on May 22 at Ahmedabad's Narendra Modi Stadium. Potential opponents include Rajasthan Royals, Sunrisers Hyderabad, or even Chennai Super Kings. The winner of this match goes straight to the final on May 26 at Chennai's MA Chidambaram Stadium. The loser gets another shot at glory in the second qualifier (May 25th) against the winner of the eliminator match (May 23).
This is how KKR have fared in IPL over the years
| Year | Points Table Finish | Final Standing | Captain | Table Toppers |
| 2008 | 6th In 8 Teams | 6th | Brendon McCullum | Rajasthan Royals |
| 2009 | 8th In 8 Teams | 6th | Brendon McCullum | Delhi Daredevils |
| 2010 | 6th In 8 Teams | 6th | Sourav Ganguly | Mumbai Indians |
| 2011 | 4th In 10 Teams | Lost Eliminator | Gautam Gambhir | Royal Challengers Bengalore |
| 2012 | 2nd In 9 Teams | Champions | Gautam Gambhir | Delhi Daredevils |
| 2013 | 7th In 9 Teams | 7th | Gautam Gambhir | Chennai Super Kings |
| 2014 | 2nd In 8 Teams | Champions | Gautam Gambhir | Kings XI Punjab |
| 2015 | 5th in 8 Teams | 5th | Gautam Gambhir | Chennai Super Kings |
| 2016 | 4th In 8 Teams | Lost Eliminator | Gautam Gambhir | Gujarat Lions |
| 2017 | 3rd In 8 Teams | Lost Qualifier 2 | Gautam Gambhir | Mumbai Indians |
| 2018 | 3rd In 8 Teams | Lost Qualifier 2 | Dinesh Karthik | Sunrisers Hyderbad |
| 2019 | 5th In 8 Teams | 5th | Dinesh Karthik | Mumbai Indians |
| 2020 | 5th In 8 Teams | 5th | Dinesh Karthik/Eoin Morgan | Mumbai Indians |
| 2021 | 4th In 8 Teams | Losing Finalist | Eoin Morgan | Delhi Capitals |
| 2022 | 7th In 10 Teams | 7th | Shreyas Iyer | Gujarat Titans |
| 2023 | 7th In 10 Teams | 7th | Nitish Rana | Gujarat Titans |
| 2024 | 1st In 10 Teams | TBD | Shreyas Iyer | Kolkata Knight Riders |
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