Sunil Narine has undergone a remarkable transformation in this IPL, showcasing a new brand of cricket for the Kolkata Knight Riders. With each passing match, Narine seems to be growing even more potent and lethal with the bat. While providing a rapid start to the team has been a common strategy in this IPL, Narine has elevated it to a whole new level with his incredible consistency and impressive ball-striking ability.
The team management, with mentor Gautam Gambhir playing a key role, deserves commendation for the decision to promote Narine up the batting order, a move that has yielded tremendous results for the franchise. Gambhir’s return to the KKR setup has instilled a sense of fearlessness among the players, and Narine, in particular, seems to be flourishing by playing to his natural style. Narine’s ascent into the race for the Orange Cap holder would have been unexpected by many, but after match number 54, he has silenced doubters and showcased his batting talent.
Narine’s presence in the KKR squad goes beyond his batting abilities, his wealth of experience has proven invaluable to the team this season. His ability to read the game, target specific bowlers, and maintain composure under pressure has greatly benefited KKR. Despite his notable batting contributions, Narine remains a potent force with the ball. He continues to be KKR’s go-to bowler, consistently delivering breakthroughs when needed most. In addition to his impressive 81-run knock against LSG, Narine contributed with the ball by claiming a wicket while conceding just 22 runs in his four overs.
Having a match-winner like Narine in the squad is undoubtedly an asset for any team. With KKR currently leading the points table and Narine in prime form, there couldn’t be a better opportunity for them to push for a top-two finish, thus increasing their chances of winning the IPL. However, for KKR to maintain its stellar performance, a significant responsibility lies on Narine’s shoulders to sustain his exceptional form throughout the remainder of the tournament.