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Simplifying... Inshort

The Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) have had some impressive partnerships in IPL playoffs.
Manvinder Bisla and Jacques Kallis hold the highest with a 136-run stand against CSK in 2012, leading KKR to their first IPL title.
More recently, Venkatesh Iyer and Shreyas Iyer scored a 97-run partnership against SRH, and Shubman Gill and Venkatesh Iyer added 96 runs against DC in the 2021 season.
These partnerships have been crucial in KKR's playoff success.

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Venkatesh Iyer and Shreyas Iyer added 97* runs versus SRH (Photo credit: BCCI)

Kolkata Knight Riders: Decoding their highest partnerships in IPL playoffs

By Rajdeep Saha

May 22, 2024

07:17 pm

What's the story

Kolkata Knight Riders booked their spot in the 2024 Indian Premier League (IPL) final. The Knights beat Sunrisers Hyderabad in Qualifier 1 to reach their fourth final. KKR were solid in a chase of 160 and rode on a fine 97*-run stand between Venkatesh Iyer and Shreyas Iyer to take total control. KKR finished top in the 10-team league stage and dominated once again.

Context

Why does this story matter?

As per ESPNcricinfo, KKR have played 14 playoff matches to date in the IPL (W9 L5). The likes of Chennai Super Kings (26) and Mumbai Indians (20) have featured in more playoff matches. KKR are two-time IPL winners and one-time runners-up. They also reached the playoffs in 2011, 2016, 2017 and 2018 respectively. Here we decode the highest partnerships for KKR in IPL playoffs.

M Bisla & J Kallis

Manvinder Bisla and Jacques Kallis - 136 runs vs CSK

Manvinder Bisla and Jacques Kallis handed KKR their maiden IPL title in 2012. Chasing 191 runs, KKR were 3/1 before Bisla and Kallis shared a defining 136-run stand for the second wicket. Bisla scored 89 from 48 balls whereas Kallis struck 69 from 49 balls. KKR were 175/5 when Kallis was dismissed in the 19th over. However, the Knights got past CSK's score thereafter.

V Iyer & S Iyer

Venkatesh Iyer and Shreyas Iyer - 97* runs vs SRH

KKR were 67/2 after 6.2 overs when Shreyas walked in. Venkatesh looked settled and played to his strngths. Shreyas took his time initially and also got two lives with catches being dropped. He made SRH pay for these mistakes with a supreme score of 58* from 24 balls (SR: 241.67). Venkatesh scored an unbeaten 28-ball 51 (SR: 182.14) as KKR won by eight wickets.

S Gill & V Iyer

Shubman Gill and Venkatesh Iyer - 96 runs vs DC

Qualifier 2 of the IPL 2021 season saw KKR and Delhi Capitals lock horns in Sharjah. DC were restricted to a score of 135/5 in 20 overs. In a chase of 136, openers Shubman Gill and Venkatesh handed KKR a dream start. The pair added 96 runs in 12.2 overs. Gill scored 46 whereas Venkatesh managed 55. KKR survived a scare thereafter to win.