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'Confidence From Support Staff': Narine Credits KKR's Backing For Resurgent Blitz Vs RCB

Sunil Narine returned to his very best in KKR's win over RCB [X.com]Sunil Narine returned to his very best in KKR's win over RCB [X.com]

Experienced Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) allrounder Sunil Narine credited the backing provided to him by the franchise's support staff, including mentor Gautam Gambhir, following his resurgent knock in the win over Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in IPL 2024 on Friday (March 30). 

The swashbuckling pinch-hitter regained his explosive ways at the top of the order after a prolonged dip in his batting in the IPL and blazed a match-winning 47 off just 22 deliveries during the run-chase despite RCB posting an imposing 182/6 in the first half.

Despite legend Virat Kohli's masterclass knock of 83 not out allowing the hosts to reach a near-invincible post with their total, Narine came out all guns blazing and tilted the scales in KKR's favour with his mighty influential powerplay blitz, reigniting the memories of West Indies giant doing the same in his prime. 

Narine Thanks KKR Think-Tank For Support

Even as it was his moment to soak in the praise and relish his revival after touching great lows with the bat in preceding seasons of the IPL, Narine stood grateful of the KKR think-tank for their unwavering support and said it's the belief inspired by the team's backing that allowed him to comeback hard.

"It's just the self-belief and the support staff giving the encouragement. Also the hard work. Powerplay over is the hardest over - just have to let that go and keep it tight. Helps when you win. Players have full freedom to do what they want to do," Narine said at the post-match presentation ceremony. 

As the Caribbean stalwart helped KKR become the first team to win their first away game of the IPL 2024, he was duly rewarded with the most-deserving 'Player of the Match' trophy. 

Narine also became one of the rare journeyman T20 cricketers to have played their 500th game in the fast-paced format, with the 35-year-old joking he hopes there are 500 more matches left in his kitty.