KKR Vs SRH, IPL 2024 Final: Heavy Rains Cut Short Kolkata Knight Riders’ Training Session In Chennai
Chennai: Unexpected rains cut short Kolkata Knight Riders’ training session on the eve of the IPL 2024 final on Saturday at the MA Chidambaram Stadium. With three games washing out due to rain in the ongoing IPL 2024, Saturday’s rain clearly gives a threatening signal ahead of the big day. The two-time champions were scheduled to have a three-hour training at the venue from 5 PM IST to 8 PM IST. Following a brief warm-up, the players even started batting at the nets.
That’s when the rain gods opened as Sunil Narine was caught running back towards the dressing room along with his other teammates who were doing fielding drills. Immediately the groundstaff started covering the pitches before big covers came in to protect the square.
The KKR management waited for close to two hours before finally calling off the practice session at 7:05 PM IST. “Chennai Update: Practice called off because of rain,” came the confirmation from KKR. Although there isn’t a rain forecast on the match day, in case if it does rain, the IPL 2024 final will continued on the reserve day (May 27).
“ Rain alert at Chepauk Stadium just before the IPL 2024 final between KKR and SRH tomorrow! Fingers crossed for clear skies for the big match! #IPL2024Final #KKRvSRH” pic.twitter.com/WtkvWKHKTJ
— Hemant Bhavsar (@hemantbhavsar86) May 25, 2024
There were no training sessions scheduled for Sunrisers Hyderabad on the day. Earlier in the evening, both the captains — Shreys Iyer (KKR) and Pat Cummins (SRH) had a join press conference. They also visited one of the famous Chennai coastlines for a photoshoot with the trophy.
The city of Chennai received thunderstorms too in the evening. However, according to weather portals, there is a four per cent chances of rain on Sunday with a cloudy sky. But, a minor rain threat looms given that Cyclone Remal has engaged itself in the north of the Bay of Bengal, which could have a tiny effect in the capital city of the southern state of Tamil Nadu.
The second qualifier was played on a black soil track that helped the spinners with the ball gripping and not coming onto the bat. However the primary composition of the track used for the final is red soil where the ball is expected to come onto the bat a touch better compared to Friday.
Gambhir, whose obsession for having long hard look at the strips is legendary since his days as Delhi Ranji Trophy captain spent a considerable amount of time staring at the strip allocated for the grand finale. He had head coach Chandrakant Pandit and bowling coach Bharat Arun for company.
The rain was a frustrating start-stop affair as KKR team left when the groundsmen were forced to relay the covers after pulling it off once.