In a recent discourse surrounding the dynamics of T20 cricket and player performances, former Indian cricketer and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) mentor, Gautam Gambhir, lavished high praise on West Indies bowler Sunil Narine, suggesting that he might be recognized as the greatest bowler in IPL history.
Gambhir’s remarks came during a podcast titled “KKR Knights Dugout,” where he reminisced about the first encounter with Narine during an ODI match against India in 2011. According to Gambhir, Narine’s unique bowling during the series hinted at his future legend status in the T20 format. “I must have faced seven or eight deliveries from him, and right from those moments, I knew he was someone special who would leave a significant mark on T20 cricket,” commented Gambhir.
Reflecting on Narine’s illustrious career stats, which stands at 170 wickets and 1322 runs, including a century from 168 IPL matches, Gambhir emphasized Narine’s commendable consistency and impact. Narine’s journey began to shine in IPL 2012 under Gambhir’s captainship when he debuted for KKR. Narine spun a web around batsmen, picking up 24 crucial wickets helping the franchise to clinch their maiden IPL title in 2012, becoming their mystery spinner from thereon.
The year 2014 further marked a significant highlight in Narine’s career as he once again played a pivotal role in KKR securing their second IPL trophy by taking 21 wickets. Observing Narine’s potential with the bat, Gambhir, then the skipper, promoted him to open the innings. This strategic move proved immensely successful, allowing Narine to contribute significantly both as a bowler and batsman.
Returning as a mentor for KKR after a stint with the Lucknow Super Giants, Gambhir shared insights on his leadership philosophy emphasizing courage over mere talent. “It’s not always the most talented team that wins big tournaments; it’s the one that’s most courageous, willing to fight till the very end,” remarked Gambhir. He believes that a fusion of bravery and fighting spirit could lead KKR to great heights in the upcoming seasons.
Gambhir also shared an anecdote about KKR’s team owner, Shah Rukh Khan, illustrating the immense trust and motivation cultivated within the team during his captaincy tenure. Despite facing a personal performance slump in 2014, Khan’s support was unwavering. “He told me, ‘you are not going to drop yourself as long as you’re here.’ This instilled a greater sense of responsibility and motivation in me to lead the team,” said Gambhir.
The former batsman fondly remembered Khan not just as an owner but as a monumental figure who rarely interfered with cricketing decisions, showcasing his complete trust in Gambhir’s leadership. “This approach from a successful personality and leader like him meant a lot, and it built a trustworthy and respectful relationship,” he added.
As the conversation concluded, Gambhir expressed high hopes for the young talents in KKR and encouraged the current squad to adopt a robust and courageous approach to overcome challenges and succeed in future tournaments. With significant strategic insights and the backing of a cohesive management and supportive ownership, KKR aims to recreate the magic under Gambhir’s mentorship and Narine’s skilled performances in the seasons to come.