Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) have become the first team to qualify for the IPL 2024 playoffs, after their 18-run win over MI. The team currently stands at the top of the IPL table with 18 points, making it four straight wins to displace Rajasthan Royals at the top.
The Knight Riders have only lost three games this season, and head into their next game against Gujarat Titans free from the pressure of securing qualification. However, they will want to finish at the top of the table to play the first qualifier and to avoid the eliminator.
KKR the first team to qualify for IPL 2024 playoffs
Say hello to the first team to qualify for the #TATAIPL 2024 Playoffs 🤩
— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) May 11, 2024
𝗞𝗼𝗹𝗸𝗮𝘁𝗮 𝗞𝗻𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝗥𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀 💜 get the much-awaited ‘Q’ 👏👏
Which other teams will join them? 🤔#KKRvMI | @KKRiders pic.twitter.com/U9x2kVT9GI
Rajasthan Royals could be the next team to seal their place in the top four, but their last game of the regular season comes against KKR themselves. As a result they will have to be at their best to avoid slipping down the table after a great start to the campaign.
KKR’s Sunil Narine and Phil Salt have been their two key players this season, spearheaded by captain Mitchell Starc. Narine has scored 461 runs and taken 14 wickets in just 11 matches so far in IPL 2024. He could achieve a unique record by becoming the first player to score 500 runs and taken 15 wickets in the same season.
Salt has scored 435 runs in 12 games this season, and has been a solid presence behind the stumps too. Starc was criticised a lot for his performances with the ball, but has taken 12 wickets this season to put up some impressive numbers.
