Kolkata Knight Riders became the first team to reach the final of IPL 2024. They achieved this feat by winning the Qualifier-1 match against Sunrisers Hyderabad by 8 wickets on Tuesday. But Phil Salt, who excelled as KKR’s opener this season, went back to England with international duties. In this background, the team needed a wicketkeeper and a batsman. In these circumstances, Rahmanullah Gurbaz expressed his love for cricket.
22-year-old Gurbaz left Afghanistan in the first week of May due to his mother’s illness. But the KKR franchise sent him a message that the team needed him for the crucial playoffs. But with Gurbaz’s mother still in the hospital, everyone thought that his return was doubtful. But exceptionally this 22-year-old player is back in India for IPL. He took this decision keeping in mind the need of the team.
Yes, my mother is sick. When Phil Salt was leaving the team, I got a message from the KKR franchise. Gurbaz needs you.. asks what you say. I said I will come soon. My mother is still in the hospital. I used to talk to her on phone often. Along with my family, KKR’s family is also important to me. This is a bit difficult. But both have to be managed. I have responsibilities here,” Rahmanullah Gurbaz commented after the match against Sunrisers.
Phil Stall replaced Jason Roy in the KKR team. He gave the team a good start with lightning batting. He scored 435 runs in 12 matches with a strike rate of over 185. Due to this, Gurbaz had to be confined to the bench. Apart from Qualifier-1, Gurbaz played only one match in the league stage this season. But Gurbaz was not disappointed. Waiting for an opportunity. At last Salt got away from the team and made it to the final team.
A cricketer should know what to do. Only four foreign players have a chance in the final squad in IPL. We should try our best. Be ready for opportunity. With top management like KKR by your side, you have nothing to fear. Gautam Gambhir sir, Shahrukh sir, head coach are all like a family here. The pressure is on during the playoffs. But the management took the pressure off us by saying you enjoy the game. Hope to perform better like Salt.
And in Qualifier-1, KKR smashed the target of 160 runs set by Sunrisers in 13.4 overs. As a wicket keeper, Gurbaz took two catches and was a part of one run out. He also scored 23 runs in 14 balls in batting.
