Rinku Singh. (Source -IPL/BCCI)
The Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) held the IPL 2024 trophy aloft at the MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai on Sunday after defeating the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) by eight wickets in the Final. The Knight Riders held the Sunrisers to 113 runs in the first innings and then chased the target down in 10.3 overs to win their third IPL trophy, breaking a decade-long drought. KKR’s Andre Russell (3/19) and Rinku Singh spoke exclusively to JioCinema on Match Centre Live and shared their thoughts on the win.
Andre Russell spoke on winning the IPL 2024 – “When you’re a part of this squad, not playing or not involved in the field, but supporting the guys all the way, it’s always a good feeling, but this is a special feeling. In the XI, playing a part in the Final, contributing as well through my leadership and everything, it’s an exciting feeling. It’s special.”
Russell spoke on playing in Chennai – “I always enjoy playing here. Sometimes, you never know what to expect based on how the wicket looks but as professionals, we always have to be up to the task to play on whatever surface we get. At the end of the day, being professional is all about adapting to situations as quickly as possible. To win another trophy here in Chennai, happy days.”
On his batting technique, Russell said – “It’s just me not clearing my front leg too much, standing as still as possible, and waiting as long as possible. Normally, this is my trigger movement, clearing my left leg, so I tried to keep it as still as possible. So, if the bowler bowls wide, I push straight and I have access because I am standing on the off-stump.”
Rinku Singh spoke on KKR’s team effort – “You can’t credit just one person because everyone has worked hard. Since GG (Gautam Gambhir) sir came, a lot of things have changed. Sending Sunil early, he batted so well. The batters played well, and the bowling was great. Venky (Venkatesh Iyer) has been batting really well for the last five to six matches, so overall, everyone has done really well.”
On winning the upcoming T20 World Cup, Singh said – “I am headed to Noida first and then I will be going to the United States of America. You guys watch, I will also be lifting the World Cup.”