The Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT) 2024 was a thrilling season, filled with electrifying cricket, and culminated in Mumbai’s commanding victory over Madhya Pradesh. With the tournament providing a platform for players to showcase their talent, several Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) players stood out with their performances, adding to the excitement ahead of IPL 2025.
For KKR, who continue to refine their squad after a memorable IPL 2024 title win, the domestic T20 competition was a vital opportunity to evaluate their players’ form. Several key KKR performers made a mark, suggesting they could play crucial roles in the upcoming season. Here’s a look at 5 KKR players who impressed in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2024:
1. Ajinkya Rahane (Mumbai)
Ajinkya Rahane played a pivotal role in Mumbai’s title-winning campaign, showing that his experience is invaluable in the shortest format. Rahane scored 469 runs in 9 matches at an average of 58.62 and a strike rate of 164.56. His consistency was highlighted by five half-centuries, with a top score of 98. Known for his ability to anchor innings while maintaining an aggressive approach, Rahane’s form in SMAT 2024 reaffirms his value as a key player. Having previously been with KKR in IPL 2022, Rahane’s success in this tournament makes him a player to watch in IPL 2025.
2. Venkatesh Iyer (Madhya Pradesh)
Venkatesh Iyer proved his worth as an all-rounder for Madhya Pradesh in SMAT 2024. He scored 227 runs in 10 matches at an average of 56.75 and a strike rate of 163.30, while also contributing with the ball. Iyer’s standout performances in the middle overs were crucial for his team, and despite not scoring a fifty, his consistent performances kept Madhya Pradesh competitive throughout the tournament. Iyer’s versatility makes him an essential part of KKR’s squad in IPL 2025, where he has already been a reliable all-rounder.
3. Rinku Singh (Uttar Pradesh)
Rinku Singh further solidified his reputation as a dependable middle-order batter with his impressive performance for Uttar Pradesh. He scored 277 runs in 9 matches at an average of 69.25 and a strike rate of 152.19, with a top score of 70and a half-century to his name. Rinku’s ability to finish games under pressure was a key feature of his performance, and his calmness in the middle overs helped UP reach the quarter-finals. With his match-winning abilities, Rinku remains one of the most promising finishers for KKR in IPL 2025.
4. Anukul Roy (Jharkhand)
Anukul Roy showcased his all-round abilities for Jharkhand in SMAT 2024, contributing both with bat and ball. He scored 137 runs in 7 matches, including a brilliant 91, and also claimed 8 wickets in the tournament. His best bowling performance was a remarkable 4/17, which was instrumental in Jharkhand securing third place in their group. Though his team didn’t make the knockouts, Roy’s all-round prowess makes him an exciting prospect for KKR in IPL 2025, where his spin and batting skills could provide valuable balance.
5. Varun Chakravarthy (Tamil Nadu)
Varun Chakravarthy continued to impress with his mystery spin for Tamil Nadu, claiming 9 wickets in 7 matches at an average of 21.55 and an economy rate of 7.76. Despite Tamil Nadu not making it past the group stage, Chakravarthy’s performance in the tournament was noteworthy, including a key performance of 3/43 in a must-win game. As a central figure in KKR’s spin attack, Varun’s consistency and ability to perform under pressure make him a crucial player for the franchise in IPL 2025.
These KKR players, through their standout performances in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2024, have not only enhanced their own reputations but also provided valuable glimpses of their potential impact in IPL 2025. With their form on display, they will undoubtedly play key roles as KKR looks to defend their IPL title and build on their recent success.
