'Have Seen His Emotions, Insecurities and Fears': Gambhir Lauds Narine and Dubs Him as 'One of IPL's Greatest Bowlers'

Former skipper of the Kolkata Knight Riders who is now the mentor of the side, Gautam Gambhir had big things to say about the player he had brought in back in 2012.

The West Indies mystery spinner, Sunil Narine has been a mainstay for KKR, especially during their title-winning era under Gambhir where he picked up 24 and 21 wickets in the 2012 and 2014 seasons respectively. Since then he has amassed a total of 164 wickets for the side.

But since 2014, Narine has witnessed a slump in form with his bowling. His best seasons since then have come in during the 2016 and 2018 seasons but the side has not been able to bring home the title since then.

Gambhir however openly praised the mystery spinner, reflecting on his time in 2012. “When I talk about sacrifice, this young shy boy came in 2012 and did not utter a word. I had seen his struggles. He has gone through so much in this jersey, what any cricketer would never go through,” said the former KKR skipper.

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From 2014, the mystery spinner has had to rework his actions in multiple instances. Despite this, he has proven to be an economical bowler. He proved this in the opening fixture against the Sunrisers Hyderabad where he finished with figures of 1/19 in his four overs where both sides managed to score over 200 runs.

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Gambhir added,” From being reported, to being banned from playing the Champions League finals to remodelling his actions and coming back to do the same stuff, year after year. I had seen his emotions, insecurities, his fears, I had seen everything he had gone through, I lived that.”

The current mentor of KKR concluded by saying,” I have also seen someone like him being the greatest bowler the IPL has seen. He taught me sacrifices, Sunil Narine”.

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It is clear to see that Gambhir and the KKR management have backed the all-rounder to deliver by continuing to give him chances with both bat and ball. However, the results are yet to be seen. But the Kolkata-based franchise will be a real force to be reckoned with if they can get Narine firing on all cylinders.

KKR will have their next game where they go against the Royal Challengers Bengaluru at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru where both sides will be looking to pick up their second win of the season.