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The Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT) 2024 saw an exciting season of top-class cricket, culminating in Mumbai’s epic victory under the Shreyas IyerLeadership.
SMAT 2024: An exciting season culminates with Mumbai’s win
In the final which was held at the Chinnaswamy Stadium on Sunday (December 15), Mumbai beat Madhya Pradesh by five wickets to take the cup. The tournament saw huge displays from the teams, with players stepping up to show off what happened at a crucial moment. From dangerous knocks to revolutionary bowling, SMAT 2024 served as a platform for players to showcase their skills at the forefront of the game. Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025. For franchises like Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR)this competition provided important information on the form and potential of their most important players for the upcoming season.
Shreyas Iyer’s unique connection with KKR
Iyer shares a special bond with KKR, having led the team to IPL glory in 2024, ending their drought of a decade. Under his inspirational captaincy, KKR became champions after 10 years, making Iyer’s memorable career in the tournament.
However, for IPL 2025, Iyer will wear the captain’s hat Punjab Kings (PBKS)and writing a new chapter in his IPL journey. Despite his departure, KKR team still has several talented players who participated in SMAT 2024 and performed very well. These players, who are looking good in the domestic circuit, are expected to take the IPL 2025 forward, keeping KKR’s ambitions at bay.
IPL 2025: Top 5 KKR players from SMAT 2024
1. Ajinkya Rahane (Mumbai)
Ajinkya Rahane proved invaluable to Mumbai in SMAT 2024, playing a crucial role in their title-winning campaign. The experienced batsman scored 469 runs in just 9 matches at an average of 58.62 and an amazing strike rate of 164.56. His consistency was lowered by half in five years, with a high score of 98.
Rahane’s ability to stop the innings while remaining aggressive helped Mumbai win. His 46 boundaries and 19 sixes show his versatility in all areas of the game. Being a part of KKR in IPL 2022, Rahane’s SMAT performance shows that he can still be a key player in every game in IPL 2025.
2. Venkatesh Iyer (Madhya Pradesh)
Venkatesh Iyer, representative of Madhya Pradesh, showed his full potential in this competition. Although his team lost to Mumbai in the final, Iyer’s contribution was significant, scoring 227 runs in 10 matches at an average of 56.75 and a strike rate of 163.30. Although he did not register a fifty, his consistent performance in the middle overs kept Madhya Pradesh in the hunt for the crucial match. Iyer’s versatility and ability to adapt to different situations makes him a key player for KKR, where he has been very reliable over time.
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3. Rinku Singh (Uttar Pradesh)
Rinku Singh continued his path to SMAT 2024, and showed good performance of Uttar Pradesh. In 9 matches, he scored 277 runs at an amazing average of 69.25 and a strike rate of 152.19. Rinku’s ability to finish games was evident, with 70 goals and a solo 100 to his name. His composure and composure under pressure were crucial in UP’s run to the quarterfinals, where they ultimately fell short. Delhi. As KKR’s most reliable finisher in IPL 2024, Rinku’s form in the SMAT cements his position as one of the most reliable middle-order batsmen in the league.
4. Anukul Roy (Jharkhand)
Anukula Roy it shone like a bright hope Jharkhand in SMAT 2024, I am good with bat and ball. While he scored 137 runs in 7 matches with a best of 91, it was his bowling that stood out. Roy took 8 wickets in the tournament, including a match-winning 4/17. Even though Jharkhand did not qualify for the tournament, Roy’s contributions helped them secure the third spot in Group C. Since joining KKR, Roy’s all-round talent could make him a valuable asset in IPL 2025.
5. Varun Chakravarthy (Tamil Nadu)
Varun Chakraborty he continued to show his skills as a secret spinner, who plays a very important role Tamil Nadu in SMAT 2024. In 7 matches, he took 9 wickets at an average of 21.55 and an economy of 7.76. While Tamil Nadu did not make it past the group stage, Varun’s 3/43 in the crucial match showed his ability to deliver under pressure. One of the mainstays of KKR’s bowling attack, Varun’s consistent performance in domestic cricket also confirms that he is one of the fastest pacers in the IPL.
These KKR players, with their performance in SMAT 2024, have not only enhanced their assets but also shown their potential in IPL 2025. Even as the franchise looks towards a new season, these stars will undoubtedly be key to their success.
