They have lost just thrice in 15 matches of IPL 2024, which makes Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) the favourites going into the final against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) on Sunday at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai and leaves no doubt about their hunger to win a third title.
The two-time champions haven't lost since their defeat against Punjab Kings on April 26, which will be exactly one-month of unbeaten run when they enter the final on May 26.
IPL 2024 STANDINGS: Orange Cap | Purple Cap
Another fact that highlights the hunger of Gautam Gambhir-mentored side is that going into the playoffs, they hadn't played for 10 days as their last two league games against Rajasthan Royals (May 19) and Gujarat Titans (May 13) got washed out by rain. But Shreyas Iyer & Co showed no rustiness and cruised past SRH in Qualifier 1 to enter the final with an impressive eight-wicket victory.
The same hunger echoed in the words of KKR batsman Venkatesh Iyer in a video shared by the franchise on social media.
"Nothing more satisfying than the correct execution of your plans, and that has happened now," Venkatesh could be heard saying. "We are extremely happy, but we are not satisfied. The hunger is still there and we really want to lift the trophy."
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This will be the third meeting between SRH and KKR this season, with the Kolkata team winning on both prevoius occasions. On March 23, KKR won the closely-fought league match at the Eden Gardens by four runs and on May 21 won Qualifier 1 by eight wickets.
Interestingly, this IPL won't see a new team winning the trophy in terms of a maiden title. SRH were crowned champions in 2016, while KKR emerged winners in 2012 and 2014.
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