IPL 2024: Gautam Gambhir has made the difference this season – Manoj Tiwary

Former Indian batter Manoj Tiwary believes Gautam Gambhir has made a lot of difference for Kolkata Knight Riders in IPL 2024. KKR failed to qualify for the playoffs in IPL 2023, finishing in seventh place with six wins in 14 matches.

However, the two-time champions were able to turn the tables this season, topping the points table with nine wins in 14 matches. KKR suffered only three losses in the league stage (the least by any team) whereas two of their games ended in no result because of rain.

Gambhir, who led KKR to glory in IPL 2012 and 2014, has played a key role as a mentor for the franchise. KKR also defeated Sunrisers Hyderabad comprehensively by eight wickets in the first qualifier to make it to the summit clash.

The Shreyas Iyer-led team will once again take on the Orange Army in the final at the MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai on Sunday.

“Gautam Gambhir has made the difference this season. This is the same team that was playing in the last two seasons, but the performances were not there on the field. The way everyone has performed, you have to say that Gambhir has made the difference,” Tiwary told Cricbuzz. 

“It is not like only one person should get the credit. The players have really stepped up and expressed themselves to play fearless cricket in IPL 2024,” he added.

KKR has adopted an aggressive approach under the tutelage of Gautam Gambhir and it has paid dividends for the team in the season. Furthermore, they have come up with collective efforts throughout the season.

KKR’s coaching staff features senior head coach Chandrakant Pandit, with Abhishek Nayar as assistant coach. The KKR support staff also has James Foster (assistant coach), Bharat Arun (bowling coach), and Ryan Ten Doeschate (fielding coach).