Former Indian opener Navjot Singh Sidhu gave credit to Gautam Gambhir for playing a key role in Kolkata Knight Rider’s success in the ongoing Indian Premier League 2024. KKR became the first team to qualify for the playoffs in the ongoing IPL 2024 by winning their ninth match of the season.

KKR defeated Mumbai Indians by 18 runs at Eden Gardens, Kolkata on Saturday in a 16-over game. Meanwhile, Gautam Gambhir led KKR to two titles in 2012 and 2014 and has played a key role in the success of the team as a mentor in the ongoing season. 

Gambhir has got the best out of his players as the team has come up with a collective effort in the season. KKR has won nine out of their 13 matches and has come up with consistent performances throughout the season. The team has also adopted an aggressive batting approach under the tutelage of head coach Chandrakant Pandit and mentor Gautam Gambhir.

“I have seen Gautam Gambhir get inspired when the situation gets tough,” Sidhu said on Star Sports. “He starts advising and that’s how it should be. Anybody can be a pilot when the sea is calm but you only learn when in adverse situations.”

Sidhu hailed the collective team effort of the KKR’s bowlers. Five of the KKR bowlers have taken more than 10 wickets in the ongoing season.

“KKR is the only team with five bowlers who have taken 10 wickets each and the sixth has taken 9 wickets. Show me a team that has six bowlers who have 60 wickets between them,” Sidhu said.

Meanwhile, Sunil Narine has amassed 461 runs at a strike-rate of 182.3 and taken 15 wickets at an economy of 6.63 and has played a key role in the success of the team.

Kolkata Knight Riders will next take on Gujarat Titans at the Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad on Monday.