Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) fast bowler Harshit Rana has expressed that he misses the “aura” and sense of excitement that Gautam Gambhir brought to the team last year.
Back when KKR clinched the 2024 IPL title, Gambhir, the former KKR captain, had played a key role as a mentor. However, following his appointment as India’s head coach last July, he left KKR and was succeeded by Dwayne Bravo, who now holds the same title. Abhishek Nayar has also made a return to KKR after serving as India’s batting coach, with Chandrakant Pandit staying on as head coach.
“The support staff is pretty much unchanged, and Nayar bhai is back too,” Harshit said. “But I do miss the thrill factor — that’s just my personal feeling. Chandu [Pandit] sir, Nayar bhai, Bravo, all provide the kind of environment we want.”
Harshit praised Nayar’s tactical acumen and his deep understanding of the Indian squad’s makeup, saying, “Changes have come with [Nayar] returning; he has a sharp mind and reads the game well. He’s familiar with our Indian core, having developed them over years. It’s beneficial having him back.”
Harshit, retained as an uncapped player for the auction in November, has debuted for India across formats within the last six months under Gambhir’s leadership. Despite the supportive atmosphere this season, he acknowledges Gambhir’s unique presence. “I wasn’t talking about anything personal. But you also know, he has an aura in the way he carries the team forward.”
Despite this, Harshit remains a valuable member of the squad, sharing the spot as KKR’s top wicket-taker with 11 wickets in nine games. Having grown up in Delhi, he will be returning to his home ground for Tuesday night’s match, confident and ready to play after a minor elbow injury.
Rana and his team will face a crucial contest against Delhi Capitals. Currently seventh on the leaderboard with three wins, five losses, and a no-result, KKR needs a victory to maintain their play-off hopes.
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