IPL: Top 5 batting performances for KKR

The 2024 edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) is expected to return and this time, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) fans will want their team to see lifting the coveted trophy after 10 years. Knight Riders have the two trophies in their cabinet and are the second most successful team in the cash-rich league regarding titles. Looking back at KKR’s couple of trophy victories in 2012 and 2014, one can say the biggest reason for the team’s success was the clicking of batting and bowling together. Gautam Gambhir, who is the mentor of KKR now, understands how important it is to have discipline in the batting department to win the title. During his playing days for Kolkata, Gambhir used to be aggressive as an opener and lead the team from the front. In the upcoming season, he will want KKR skipper Shreyas Iyer to be dominant with his bat and inspire other batters to be at their best. When the discussion is regarding KKR’s batting, it’s essential to know the five best knocks of the two-time IPL champions. Here are KKR’s five best batting performances of all time: 5. Venkatesh Iyer’s 104 off 51 against Mumbai Indians in 2023 Venkatesh Iyer (Photo Source -Twitter/X) Venkatesh Iyer became the second batter to hit a century for KKR in IPL with his scintillating 104-run innings against Mumbai Indians (MI) at the iconic Wankhede Stadium in 2023. Batting at number three, Venkatesh exuded confidence with his bat and took MI’s bowling unit to the cleaners. Riding on his sensational knock, KKR posted 185 runs on the board in 20 overs. In the end, MI pulled off the target and emerged victorious by five wickets but Vekatesh’s knock attracted a lot of eyes and he also became the recipient of the Player of the Match award despite his team’s loss. 4. Andre Russell’s unbeaten 48 off 13 against Royal Challengers Bangalore in 2019 Andre Russell (Photo Source) In 2019, when KKR and Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) squared off with each other at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, the West Indies veteran Andre Russell produced an extraordinary knock from his bat and guided Kolkata to a five-wicket win. Chasing a humongous total of 206, Kolkata were five down at a score of 153 in 17 overs. With 53 required off 18, Russell stepped up and hammered RCB bowlers. He notched up 48 runs off just 13 deliveries with the help of eight boundaries (seven maximums and a four) and helped his team chase down the target with five balls to spare. The Windies stalwart also received the Player of the Match award for his stunning innings. 3. Pat Cummins’ unbeaten 56 off 15 against Mumbai Indians (MI) in 2022 Pat Cummins (Photo Source - Twitter/X) Australia stalwart Pat Cummins is usually known for his bowling prowess but there are numerous instances to recount when he played decent batting innings for his national team. In 2022, he hit the headlines for his unprecedented knock for KKR against MI at the Maharashtra Cricket Association (MCA) Stadium. Following a decent target of 162, Knight Riders were five down at a score of 101 in 13.1 overs. Cummins, who went to bat at number seven, flexed his muscles against Tymal Mills, Jasprit Bumrah, and Daniel Sams. In his compatriot Sams’ over, Cummins smashed 35 runs and ended the game comfortably in his team’s favour. With KKR registering an extraordinary five-wicket triumph, Cummins became the Player of the Match for his all-round performance (unbeaten 56 off 15 and 2/49 in four overs). The Aussie hit his fifty in just 14 deliveries and equalled KL Rahul’s record for the fastest IPL half-century which came against Delhi Capitals in 2018. In 2023, Rajasthan Royals (RR) opener Yashasvi Jaiswal shattered the record of both players with his 13-ball fifty against KKR at Eden Gardens. 2. Yusuf Pathan’s 72 off 22 against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in 2014 Yousuf Pathan (Photo Source - Twitter/X) Yusuf Pathan was known for his fierce batting style in white-ball cricket. Serving KKR from 2011 to 2017, he delivered a lot of match-winning knocks to the team but in 2014, he produced a jaw-dropping knock from his bat and broke into record books. At the iconic Eden Gardens, when the home team was tasked to achieve 161 runs in 15.2 overs to qualify for the playoffs, Yusuf showcased nerves of steel and took SRH’s quality bowling attack to the cleaners. Standing at the crease, he played massive strokes and brought his fifty in just 15 balls. After completing his half-century, the right-handed batter didn’t relax and continued his onslaught on SRH. Yusuf got dismissed after scoring 72 off 22 but his knock powered Kolkata to achieve the target in 14.2 overs and qualify for the playoffs without any hassle. 1. Brendon McCullum’s unbeaten 158 off 73 against Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in 2008 Brendon McCullum (Twitter/X) Back in 2008, former New Zealand skipper Brendon McCullum made IPL’s opening game unforgettable with his unbeaten 158-run knock off just 73 deliveries against RCB at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium. Taking on the quality bowling attack of Challengers confidently, McCullum delivered a superb start to his team. Following the magnificent start, he became more ferocious and went on to hit a century in 53 deliveries. The star Kiwi player went back to the pavilion unbeaten and riding on his breathtaking innings, KKR amassed 222 runs which proved unachievable for the home side in the end. Filled with confidence after McCullum’s ton, KKR bowlers folded Challengers at a score of 82. The New Zealander also became the Player of the Match for guiding Kolkata to a 140-run win, which is the biggest victory (by runs) for the two-time IPL champions until today. Also Check: Top 5 IPL batting performances for SRH

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IPL: Top 5 batting performances for KKR

Before witnessing Kolkata Knight Riders' journey in the 2024 IPL in the upcoming months, it’s essential to know the five best knocks of the two-time IPL champions.

4. Andre Russell’s unbeaten 48 off 13 against Royal Challengers Bangalore in 2019

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