Rajasthan Royals currently top the table in the Indian Premier League IPL 2024 with eight wins. They have shown excellence in all facets of the game. However, former India players Irfan Pathan and Harbhajan Singh give their opinion that Kolkata Knight Riders is one that the franchise has impressed them much in the ongoing season of Indian Premier League 2024.
Pathan and Harbhajan shared their observations after KKR triumphed over Mumbai Indians by 24 runs at the Wankhede Stadium. It was Kolkata’s first victory in Mumbai in the last 12 years. Despite setting a target of 169 runs, KKR successfully bowled out their opponents for 145 and sealed an impressive win.
Despite the reputation of the Wankhede Stadium pitches for being flat and favoring chasing teams, Mumbai batters faced difficulties against the KKR bowlers. Mitchell Starc who had been out of form, remarkably claimed 4 wickets. Moreover, Varun Chakravarthy and Sunil Narine also made significant contributions and got two wickets each against Mumbai Indians.
MI’s chances of advancing to the playoffs have been dismissed after their eighth loss. They have only won three matches this season. Meanwhile, KKR has guaranteed their place in the playoffs.
While talking to Star Sports, Harbhajan Singh said, “They are the team to beat. According to me, Kolkata Knight Riders are better than Rajasthan Royals because of their spinners. The playoffs will be played in Chennai and Kolkata could dominate at Chepauk. All their players are in form including Mitchell Starc.”
The former Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan also praised Shreyas Iyer and the team, saying, “Irfan also lauded the Shreyas Iyer-led franchise. “KKR is the team to beat. They are getting stronger after every game. The win over Mumbai is a statement of dominance by the two-time champions. Their spinners are genuine wicker-takers.”
