The Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT) 2024 saw an entertaining season of high-octane cricket, culminating in a resounding victory over Mumbai under Shreyas Iyerin his leadership.
SMAT 2024: An exciting season ends with Mumbai's victory
In the final held at the iconic Chinnaswamy Stadium on Sunday (December 15), Mumbai outplayed Madhya Pradesh by five wickets to reap the reward. The tournament saw outstanding performances across the teams, with players stepping up to make their mark in crucial moments. From blistering hits to game-changing spells of bowling, SMAT 2024 was a platform for players to showcase their skills ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025. For franchises like Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR)this tournament provided valuable insights into the form and ability of their key players for the season ahead.
Shreyas Iyer's special connection with KKR
Iyer has a special bond with KKR, having led the team to IPL glory in 2024, ending their decade-long trophy drought. Under his inspirational captaincy, KKR emerged as champions after 10 years, making Iyer's tenure an uncertain one for the franchise.
However, for IPL 2025, Iyer will don the captain's hat for Punjab Kings (PBKS)marks a new chapter in his IPL journey. Despite his departure, there are still several talented players in the KKR team who participated in SMAT 2024 and delivered excellent performances. These players, who are shining in the domestic circuit, are expected to carry the momentum to IPL 2025, keeping KKR's ambitions alive.
IPL 2025: KKR's Top 5 Performers from SMAT 2024
1. Ajinkya Rahane (Mumbai)
Rathian Field has been a valuable asset for Mumbai in SMAT 2024, playing a pivotal role in their title-winning campaign. The experienced batter amassed 469 runs in just 9 matches at an average of 58.62 and an amazing strike rate of 164.56. His consistency was reinforced with five fifties, with a top score of 98.
Rahane's ability to anchor an innings while maintaining an aggressive approach was instrumental in Mumbai's success. His 46 boundaries and 19 sixes highlight his versatility across levels of the game. After being a part of KKR in IPL 2022, Rahane's stellar SMAT form suggests that he could remain a key player for any franchise in IPL 2025.
2. Venkatesh Iyer (Madhya Pradesh)
Venkatesh Iyer, representing Madhya Pradesh, showcasing his full potential throughout the tournament. Despite his team losing to Mumbai in the final, Iyer's contributions were 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 performances in the middle orders kept Madhya Pradesh in the hunt in crucial matches. Iyer's versatility and ability to adapt to different situations makes him an indispensable player for KKR, where he has been a reliable all-rounder over the seasons.
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3. Rinku Singh (Uttar Pradesh)
Rinku Singh continued his upward trajectory in SMAT 2024, delivering impressive performances for Uttar Pradesh. In 9 matches, he collected 277 runs at an amazing average of 69.25 and a strike rate of 152.19. Rinku's ability to finish matches was evident, with a top score of 70 and a solitary half-century to his name. His composure and composure under pressure were crucial in UP's run to the semi-finals, where they eventually lost Delhi. A reliable finisher for KKR in IPL 2024, Rinku's form in SMAT cements his status as one of the most reliable middle-order batsmen in the league.
4. Anukul Roy (Jharkhand)
Anukul Roy shine as a clear vision for Jharkhand in SMAT 2024, delivering impressive performances with both 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 brilliant 4/17. Despite Jharkhand not qualifying for the knockouts, Roy's contributions helped them secure the third spot in Group C. After his association with KKR, Roy's all-round ability could make him a valuable asset in IPL 2025.
5. Varun Chakravarthy (Tamil Nadu)
Varun Chakraborty he continued to display his skill as a spinner of secrets, playing an important role for him Tamil Nadu in SMAT 2024. In 7 matches, he claimed 9 wickets at an average of 21.55 and an economy of 7.76. Although Tamil Nadu did not make it past the group stage, Varun's 3/43 in a crucial game showed his ability to deliver under pressure. A key part of KKR's bowling attack, Varun's consistent performance in domestic cricket reaffirms his status as one of the premier spinners in the IPL.
These KKR players, with their performances in SMAT 2024, have not only boosted their personal stocks but also boosted their potential impact in IPL 2025.
