IPL 2024: KKR squad spends night in Varanasi after poor weather prevents flight from landing in Kolkata

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) have enjoyed a stellar season in the Indian Premier League (IPL 2024) season as they look all set to seal a Playoff place for the first time since 2021.Their latest win against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) on Sunday maywellhave eased the pressureon the side, but that has not stopped them fromhaving a sleepless night.After beating LSG by 98 runs, theKKR squad endured a tough night as they were left stranded in Varanasi astheir flight was preventedfrom landing in Kolkata due to poor weather conditions.

Travel update: KKR's charter flight from Lucknow to Kolkata diverted to Guwahati due to bad weather ⛈️

Flight currently standing at the Guwahati Airport tarmac. More updates soon pic.twitter.com/XFPTHgM2FJ

KKR left stranded in Varanasi

KKR squad, originally scheduled to land in Kolkata on May 6 (Monday)eveninghad their flight diverted to Guwahati due to bad weather and rainy conditions.The team's flight made a second attempt to land in Kolkata at midnightbutagainpoor weather conditions prevented them from landingin the West Bengal capital.The flight was then directedtowards Varanasiwiththe players againleftstranded for the whole night.

KKR are next in action against Mumbai Indians on Saturday (May 11) when they take on Mumbai Indians at the Eden Gardens. Thankfully, KKR have enough time to recover and plan their journeywhilethe same goes for Mumbai Indianswhowere last in action on Monday against Sunrisers Hyderabad.

On the Kolkata weather, the city has experienced scorching temperatures in April, recording its hottest day since 1954.Temperatures have exceeded the 40°C on nine different days during Aprilwith43°C being the highest.

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KKR’s quest for Playoff

At the time of writing on Tuesday, KKR were top of the IPL 2024 standings with 16 points from 11 matches. A better net run rate sees them top of the IPL 2024 standings when compared to Rajasthan Royals, however, the 2008 champions have played one match less.Going at the current rate, another win should guarantee a Playoff place for KKRwhile two more wins in their remaining threematcheswill see them cement a top-twoplace.

A top-two finish will see KKR stand two opportunities to reach the IPL 2024 final.