IPL 2024: KKR bowling coach lauds Gautam Gambhir for decision to have Sunil Narine open

Chennai: Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) bowling coach Bharat Arun lauded Gautam Gambhir for his strategic decision to have Sunil Narine open the batting, a move that has significantly impacted the team’s performance this season.

Arun highlighted the transformative effect of this decision on KKR’s batting lineup.

"He has brought a different dimension to our batting this year. It was Gautam who insisted that Sunny (Narine) open and what Sunny did was outstanding,” Arun said to the broadcaster after KKR gave a royal thumping to Sunrisers Hyderabad at MA Chidambaram Stadium here on Sunday.

The coach’s comments underscore the importance of strategic flexibility and innovative thinking in cricket, crediting Gautam’s insight for the positive outcomes on the field.

Sunny’s performance as an opener has been a standout, contributing to KKR’s renewed vigour and competitive edge.

Arun also praised performance of Nitish Rana, highlighting his significant contributions to the team.

"He has been outstanding. It is about the bowler understanding what his strengths are and when he does, it comes out beautifully on the ground," he said.

Arun also lauded impact of Mitchell Starc, whose inclusion has been a confidence booster for the younger players.

"Mitch coming into the team boosted the confidence of the other youngsters. He has been one of the best bowlers in world cricket and he has been in such situations before. It is about understanding Indian conditions and once he did that, it is magic all over," Arun explained.

The bowling coach expressed his satisfaction with the team’s spinners, noting their maturity and effectiveness when bowling in tandem.

“They have been outstanding. Spinners mature with age and both bowling in tandem has worked exceptionally for us,” he added.

He provided insight into the team’s recent struggles and subsequent resurgence.

Reflecting on last two seasons, Arun acknowledged the challenges KKR faced, noting their failure to qualify for the playoffs and subsequent period of introspection and strategic adjustments.

“It has been pretty tough the last two years. We did not qualify and there has been introspection. We worked on areas which needed to be worked on,” Arun stated.