Kolkata Knight Riders’ Resurgence in IPL 2024: Wasim Akram Talks About The Impact of Gautam Gambhir
News Mania Desk/ Agnibeena Ghosh/28th April 2024
The Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) have emerged as a formidable force in the 2024 edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL), propelled by the astute leadership of mentor Gautam Gambhir. Under Gambhir’s guidance, KKR has undergone a remarkable transformation, exhibiting a fearless approach and a relentless pursuit of victory. The team’s impressive performance has seen them secure five wins out of seven games, propelling them to the second position in the IPL points table. With seven games remaining in the league stage, KKR needs to win three more matches to secure a spot in the playoffs, a feat that seems well within their reach.
Gautam Gambhir’s association with KKR runs deep, with the former captain having led the team to two IPL titles in 2012 and 2014. His return to the franchise as a mentor has infused the team with renewed vigor and determination, as they strive to replicate their past glory in the 2024 season. Alongside Gambhir, Pakistan cricket legend Wasim Akram played a pivotal role in KKR’s previous title triumphs, serving as the team’s bowling coach.
Despite parting ways with the franchise in 2017, Wasim Akram continues to extend his support to KKR. In an interview with Sportskeeda, Akram expressed his unwavering allegiance to the team, stating, “KKR is my team, and I support them wholeheartedly.” Reflecting on KKR’s campaign in IPL 2024, Akram attributed much of the team’s success to the leadership of Gautam Gambhir. He commended Gambhir’s bold decisions, such as promoting Sunil Narine as an opener, which have paid rich dividends for the team.
Akram emphasized the impact of Gambhir’s return to KKR, noting the stark improvement in the team’s performance since his reinstatement. “The arrival of Gautam Gambhir has made a huge difference in the KKR team. Ever since Gautam left the franchise, KKR’s performance hasn’t been up to the mark. But now, under his leadership, the team has regained its winning momentum,” Akram remarked.
One of Gambhir’s masterstrokes has been the elevation of Sunil Narine as an opening batsman, a decision that has yielded significant results for KKR. Narine’s explosive batting at the top of the order has been instrumental in providing the team with quick starts and setting the tone for successful run chases. Akram lauded Gambhir’s faith in Narine, stating, “Look what Gautam has done with Sunil Narine. He backed him and said you will open the batting even if you fail or score, and see the performances that he has given.”
Akram also offered insights into Gambhir’s personality, describing him as a straightforward individual with a penchant for certain numbers. He revealed that Gambhir’s fascination with specific numerical combinations often posed challenges for the team management when arranging accommodations for him. “Gautam Gambhir is a fan of numbers. The team management would always have issues while finding rooms for him because he wanted the number 9 involved in some way,” Akram disclosed.
In summary, the resurgence of Kolkata Knight Riders in IPL 2024 can be attributed to the influential leadership of Gautam Gambhir, supported by the invaluable contributions of Wasim Akram. With Gambhir at the helm, KKR appears poised to reclaim their status as one of the most formidable teams in the tournament and add another chapter of success to their illustrious history in the IPL.
