Missing Gambhir’s Magic: Harshit Rana Feels KKR Lacking Excitement
Gambhir’s Absence Felt at KKR
Gautam Gambhir, who guided the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to IPL glory in 2024, is sorely missed by the team, according to pacer Harshit Rana.
Gambhir, who was instrumental in KKR’s success, took on the role of India’s coach last July, forcing him to step down from his mentor position with the franchise. Rana acknowledged that while the support staff remains largely unchanged, the team feels a distinct lack of Gambhir’s unique energy and inspiration.
“Our support staff is basically the same. Abhishek Nayar is back too, but the thrill factor that GG brought in is missing, that’s what I personally feel I miss,” Rana admitted.
Rana went on to describe Gambhir’s aura, saying, “You also know that he has an aura with which he takes the team along. I was just referring to that.”
Can Mentors Make a Real Difference?
Meanwhile, former England star Kevin Pietersen, who is mentoring Delhi Capitals (DC) this season, shed light on the challenges of coaching in the fast-paced world of IPL.
Pietersen, known for his explosive batting style, believes that significant technical changes are unlikely to occur in such a short timeframe. He emphasizes the importance of laying a foundation and focusing on mental aspects rather than drastic technique overhauls.
“I always knew that when I was playing franchise cricket, no particular coach could change you over that four-to-six-week period. Last night, I was working on something with Abishek Porel. We’re five weeks into the tournament, and I told Abi that this is not going to work for you tomorrow. It might not work for you next week, but if you keep working on it over the next two to four months, I promise you this is going to help you become a more destructive batter,” Pietersen explained.
He added, “So, the key is to lay foundations now and then. Also, just mentally trying to switch a few players on and make them think better. Trying to change technique takes time because it’s training the brain through repetition. Whereas the mental switch, there you can have an impact.”
Pietersen’s lighthearted banter with DC captain KL Rahul has also become a talking point, highlighting the positive impact of his presence within the team.
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