Cricket

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) mentor Gautam Gambhir has hailed star all-rounder Sunil Narine as the franchise's "MVP" after their Indian Premier League (IPL) triumph. Narine was named the 'Most Valuable Player' of IPL 2024, leading KKR to victory over SunRisers Hyderabad in the final.Gambhir, who captained KKR to IPL titles in 2012 and 2014, has witnessed Narine's transformation firsthand. He recalled Narine's shy demeanor when he first joined the team in 2012, but praised his growth both on and off the field."Me and Narine are similar characters, and so are our emotions," Gambhir said. "He was so quiet that first season, but now, we can talk about anything. He is like a brother to me."Gambhir emphasized Narine's unwavering commitment to KKR, despite his global success. "He was KKR's MVP even before the season got underway," Gambhir said. "The world has seen his talent as an all-rounder, and I'm sure that Narine still has plenty to give to KKR and world cricket."Narine's impact on KKR's success cannot be overstated. In IPL 2024, he scored 488 runs and picked up 17 wickets, showcasing his versatility as a batsman and bowler. His ability to bowl economical spells and strike with the bat has made him an indispensable asset for the franchise.Gambhir's praise for Narine is a testament to the all-rounder's exceptional talent and dedication. As KKR looks to build on their IPL triumph, Narine will undoubtedly play a pivotal role in their future success.

Sunil Narine's remarkable transformation from a part-time batsman to a consistent top-order performer in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 has been the talk of the tournament. The West Indian all-rounder's stellar contributions played a pivotal role in Kolkata Knight Riders' (KKR) triumphant campaign, helping them secure their third IPL title.At the start of the season, many were skeptical about KKR's decision to open with Narine, given his inconsistent batting performances in recent years. However, by the end of the tournament, Narine had not only silenced his critics but also won the prestigious MVP (Most Valuable Player) award for his all-round contributions.Reflecting on Narine's transformation, former England captain Kevin Pietersen, who was initially critical of the move, said, "It is amazing, it really is amazing what he did, because I was one of the most vocal critics at the start of the tournament, saying I didn't like Sunil Narine at the top of the order due to his inconsistency."Narine's performance this season was a testament to his adaptability and skill. He scored 488 runs at a strike rate of 180.84 and took 17 wickets, showcasing his prowess both as a batsman and a bowler. KKR's mentor, Gautam Gambhir, played a crucial role in bringing Narine back as an opener, a decision that paid rich dividends.Pietersen acknowledged Narine's significant improvement this season. "This season, especially over the last couple of months, he has been consistent," Pietersen continued. "He's thought like a batter, batted like a batter, and got the runs of a batter. He has averaged more than many batters and his strike rate has been phenomenal. He's played both sides of the wicket exceptionally well. And, of course, we don't need to say much about his bowling — he is an out-and-out superstar. His ability to change his action and still produce such impressive numbers is quite something. He is the heart and soul of this outfit, isn't he?"Former Australia opener Matthew Hayden also weighed in on Narine's performance and Pietersen's admission. "All I heard from Kevin Pietersen in summary was that I was wrong about Sunil Narine," Hayden said. "We have to call it as we see it. It's as simple as that, but what you'll see about Kevin and all of us, is that when we're wrong, we love to see players prove themselves right. Absolutely. And that's exactly what Sunil Narine's done this IPL. He's been amazing."Narine's resurgence as a top-order batsman and his consistent bowling performances were critical in KKR's journey to lift the IPL 2024 trophy. His all-round contributions have cemented his status as one of the most valuable players in the IPL and a true game-changer for his team.

Sunil Narine, the enigmatic all-rounder from the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), has etched his name in the annals of the Indian Premier League (IPL) by becoming the first player to win the coveted 'Most Valuable Player' (MVP) award thrice. His exceptional performance in the 2024 season, where he led KKR to their third IPL title, cemented his status as one of the greatest all-rounders in the tournament's history.Narine's journey to the MVP throne began in his debut season in 2012, where he mesmerized the cricketing world with his mystery spin bowling. He picked up 24 wickets, the highest in the tournament, and played a pivotal role in KKR's maiden IPL triumph. His second MVP award came in 2018, where he showcased his versatility by scoring 357 runs and claiming 17 wickets.In the 2024 season, Narine continued to defy expectations with his all-around brilliance. He amassed 488 runs, the highest by any KKR player, and picked up 17 wickets, proving his worth as a genuine match-winner. His contributions were crucial in KKR's successful campaign, which culminated in a thrilling victory over the Sunrisers Hyderabad in the final.In the final match, Narine showcased his versatility once again. He bowled a tight spell of 4-1-16-1, removing the dangerous Jaydev Unadkat in the 18th over. With the bat, he scored a quickfire six runs off two balls, ensuring KKR's dominance in the run chase.Narine's MVP award is a testament to his exceptional skills and unwavering commitment to the game. He has consistently delivered match-winning performances for KKR, proving his value as a true all-rounder. His ability to adapt to different roles and perform under pressure makes him one of the most valuable players in the IPL.