Sunil Narine most likely to continue opening with Gautam Gambhir as long as it works

After the execution of a surprise master stroke from the think tank of Kolkata Knight Riders, Gautam Gambhir came out with Sunil Narine to dismantle the Kings XI Punjab’s bowling efforts in the powerplay. Before Narine was dismissed, he stitched a destructive partnership of 76 runs within 6 overs which deflated the Kings XI.

Narine has also opened for the Melbourne Renegades in the recent edition of Big Bash League. His 18-ball 37 came at a strike rate of 205.5 which was laced with three sixes and four boundaries. Gambhir, who scored a brisk 49-ball 72, helped his team cruise towards a comfortable victory by 6 wickets and 3.3 overs to spare, along with ample support from Uthappa and Pandey.

Gambhir at a post-match interview revealed that batting with Narine decreased the pressure off his shoulders. With Narine playing the pinch-hitting role perfectly, it gives the long batting of Kolkata Knight Riders an opportunity to play with liberty.

“I really enjoyed it as I said it takes a lot of pressure off my shoulder as well because I knew that there was someone who is going to really go hard on each and every delivery so it really helps me keep rotating and just try batting as long as I can because I know there is Sunil (Narine) and after Sunil there is Robin (Uthappa) who can play the ball well and Manish (Pandey) as well. All these guys are attacking players so obviously having someone like Sunil is a luxury because someone with his quality of bowling with someone who can hit a long ball. If it keeps coming it is going to be great advantage for us.” as quoted by the skipper according to the video released by iplt20.com.

He also emphasized that with Narine opening the batting, it elongates the batting line-up for the KKR and creates positivity in the mindset of the batsman knowing that there will be a couple of batters to follow every time. “If it keeps working, obviously yes as it just lengthens our batting order as well. It just gives him the freedom to go out there and go as hard as he can because as I just mentioned he has got 9-10 people to follow. Someone who is batting at number 9 hardly has the luxury to go hard especially when you are batting at number 8. You know there are only two or three batters left so I think in top order if it keeps working it is going to be great advantage for us.” said the southpaw.

Gambhir continued to commend the off-spinner and also asked for some lessons from him regarding hitting long sixes.”I think this should be other way round as well. Some of the batters should be really proud of the way he played. So, I need to take tips from him how to hit big sixes” added the skipper.

The Trinidadian also had few words for his captain. The offie praised the credentials of the Gambhir in the past edition of the IPL. He carried on by stating that watching him lead by example and piling up runs in every edition of the IPL gives ample confidence in the dressing room.

“Every time you come here you see Gambhir top run-scorers for KKR and even close to the Orange cap so watching him bat always gives you confidence and makes the wicket as it is not doing much. I think it’s a good team spirit, team effort and hopefully we continue winning games.” concluded Narine. Kolkata Knight Riders who are at the top of the table would like to dominate the proceedings in the tournament by defeating Sunrisers Hyderabad at their fortress on April 15.