KKR script history after RR's defeat, achieve this big IPL milestone for the first time under Shreyas Iyer's captaincy

From Left: KKR's Andre Russell, Shreyas Iyer and Sunil Narine in this frame. (Getty)
From Left: KKR's Andre Russell, Shreyas Iyer and Sunil Narine in this frame. (Getty)

Highlights:

RR's loss against PBKS came as blessing in disguise for KKR.

KKR will finish the league stage as table-toppers for the first time ever in IPL.

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).

 

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This is how KKR have fared in IPL over the years

 

YearPoints Table FinishFinal StandingCaptainTable Toppers
20086th In 8 Teams6thBrendon McCullumRajasthan Royals
20098th In 8 Teams6thBrendon McCullumDelhi Daredevils
20106th In 8 Teams6thSourav GangulyMumbai Indians
20114th In 10 TeamsLost EliminatorGautam GambhirRoyal Challengers Bengalore
20122nd In 9 TeamsChampionsGautam GambhirDelhi Daredevils
20137th In 9 Teams7thGautam GambhirChennai Super Kings
20142nd In 8 TeamsChampionsGautam GambhirKings XI Punjab
20155th in 8 Teams5thGautam GambhirChennai Super Kings
20164th In 8 TeamsLost EliminatorGautam GambhirGujarat Lions
20173rd In 8 TeamsLost Qualifier 2Gautam GambhirMumbai Indians
20183rd In 8 TeamsLost Qualifier 2Dinesh KarthikSunrisers Hyderbad
20195th In 8 Teams5thDinesh KarthikMumbai Indians
20205th In 8 Teams5thDinesh Karthik/Eoin MorganMumbai Indians
20214th In 8 TeamsLosing FinalistEoin MorganDelhi Capitals
20227th In 10 Teams7thShreyas IyerGujarat Titans
20237th In 10 Teams7thNitish RanaGujarat Titans
20241st In 10 TeamsTBDShreyas IyerKolkata Knight Riders

 

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