After guiding Kolkata Knight Riders to IPL glory and claiming his third MVP award, Sunil Narine is back for another season
The 2024 IPL final was a true dream for Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). Under the bright lights of the grand stage, they obliterated Sunrisers Hyderabad to lift their third IPL trophy. The match wasn't just about victory; it was about dominance. And at the heart of it all was Sunil Narine—the man who turned the final, and the entire season, into his playground.
As the celebrations erupted, one name echoed across the stadium. Narine, the former West Indies all-rounder, had just etched his name in history as the season's Most Valuable Player (MVP). He wasn't just good; he was untouchable. With 431.5 MVP points, he left behind stars like Virat Kohli (315.5) and Travis Head (274). But how did he do it? Let's rewind.
Many fans wonder what goes into selecting the MVP of an IPL season. The award, earlier called the Player of the Tournament, was renamed in 2013. It is determined using a point-based system, rewarding performances across different departments. Players earn 3.5 points per six and wicket, 2.5 for boundaries, catches, and run-outs, and even 1 point per dot ball bowled. Over the years, some of the greatest all-rounders, like Shane Watson and Andre Russell, have claimed this title. But with three MVP awards to his name, Narine now stands alone in history.
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KKR's championship run was built around Narine's consistency. Mentor Gautam Gambhir promoted the order, and he flourished as an opener. He ended the season as KKR's highest run-getter, scoring 488 runs in 14 innings. His batting average stood at 34.85, with a staggering strike rate of 180.74. He registered one century and three half-centuries, smashing 33 sixes. While eight batters scored more runs than him, no one matched his all-round impact.
On the bowling front, Narine was equally lethal. While batters across teams piled up 200+ scores quickly, he remained economical. He scalped 17 wickets at an economy of 6.69, making him one of the toughest bowlers to score against. Only Jasprit Bumrah (6.48) had a better economy among bowlers with at least three wickets.
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Narine's brilliance wasn't just about numbers but about rewriting history. He became only the second player after Shane Watson (2008) to score 450+ runs and take 15+ wickets in an IPL season. One of his standout performances came against Rajasthan Royals, where he hammered his maiden T20 century—a breathtaking 109 off 56 balls. Not stopping there, he even picked two wickets in the match, joining legends Chris Gayle and Watson as the only players to score a century and take a wicket in an IPL game.
Another milestone saw him become the first player in IPL history to register both a century and a five-wicket haul. His remarkable consistency also meant he crossed 1,500 IPL runs for KKR, making him the first cricketer to achieve the double of 1,500 runs and 150 wickets for a single franchise.
Credit -- The Indian Express
As IPL 2025 nears, the big question is—what's next for Sunil Narine? The answer is simple. He is back with KKR, ready to unleash his magic once again. His impact goes beyond just numbers. His ability to deliver under pressure, provide balance to the squad, and turn games on their head makes him an indispensable asset.
Despite stepping away from international cricket, Narine remains one of the most feared all-rounders in the T20 circuit. With the new season approaching, KKR fans are eager to see whether their MVP can recreate his magic and lead them to another title. One thing is certain—when Sunil Narine is on the field, expect the unexpected!
