NEW DELHI: Young pacer Harshit Rana credits Kolkata Knight Riders’ ascent to the top of the IPL points table to the winning strategy established by former captain Gautam Gambhir, who now serves as the team’s mentor. Gambhir’s strategic acumen, honed during his successful stint as KKR skipper, has reinvigorated the team’s performance, propelling them back to their dominant form in the tournament.
Under Gambhir’s leadership, KKR claimed the IPL title twice and secured playoff berths five times between 2011 and 2017. Rana acknowledges Gambhir’s deep understanding of the game, stating, “He possesses extensive knowledge on how to tilt games in our favor, which greatly benefits us during crucial moments.”
Rana underscores the team’s commitment to Gambhir’s preferred style of cricket, characterized by strategic discipline and adaptability. “Throughout this season, we have been focusing on playing the style of cricket that Gautam Gambhir wants,” Rana remarked during a press conference following KKR’s convincing victory over Lucknow Super Giants.
In their latest triumph, KKR demonstrated their astute grasp of the conditions, with Rana playing a pivotal role in restricting the opposition with figures of 3/24. Despite concerns over Mitchell Starc’s economy rate, Rana expressed unwavering faith in the Australian speedster, emphasizing his influential presence within the team.
Looking ahead, Rana shares his aspirations to represent India while maintaining a steadfast commitment to delivering consistent performances for his franchise. “My goal is to play for India, but regardless of the franchise I represent, I always strive to give my best on match day,” he affirmed.
Meanwhile, Lucknow Super Giants’ Naveen Ul Haq admitted defeat against the brilliance of Sunil Narine’s explosive innings, which propelled KKR to a formidable total. Naveen acknowledged Narine’s outstanding batting display, expressing regret over their failure to contain the West Indian all-rounder according to their bowling plans.
Despite the setback, Naveen remains pragmatic, recognizing the need to regroup and refocus for their upcoming fixtures. “Every team encounters a rough patch, and dwelling on it isn’t productive; we must move forward,” he concluded, echoing the resilience required in the demanding landscape of the IPL.
