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'GG Changed Everything': Andre Russell Credits KKR Mentor For Narine's Success

Sunil Narine batting as opener for KKR in IPL 2024 (X.com)Sunil Narine batting as opener for KKR in IPL 2024 (X.com)

In an interesting revelation, KKR all-rounder Andre Russell said that newly minted mentor Gautam Gambhir is the sole reason behind Sunil Narine's success this IPL 2024 season as he pushed him to the open the innings wholeheartedly.

Sunil Narine's resurgence as a batter this IPL 2024 season has been a massive factor behind KKR's successful campaign as they qualify for the finals after beating SRH by 8 wickets.

Narine has 461 runs in 12 innings at an impressive strike rate of 182.94. Additionally, with the ball, Sunil Narine chipped 15 wickets in 12 games at a 20.80 average.

Interestingly, KKR all-rounder Andre Russell revealed the chain of events that promoted Sunil Narine to the opening slot. After the Qualifier 1 win against SRH, Russell told Star Sports that the credit behind Narine's resurgence with the bat goes to mentor Gautam Gambhir. 

Russell credits Gambhir for Narine's resurgence

It's because it was Gambhir who changed the pecking order when he was reinstated as KKR mentor earlier this year. He pushed Narine to open and gave him the freedom to play his shots fearlessly. And that changed things for KKR massively, as Andre Russell likes to believe.

"Happy for Narine, when GG came back, he pushed him for opening & it changed everything," said Russell on Star Sports.

Undoubtedly, Gautam Gambhir's addition changed KKR's atmosphere and mentality this year. The renewed sense of purpose and shift in aggressive approach has been clearly visible and its fetching results as well as KKR made it to the finals on Tuesday.

Sunil Narine's performances in Gambhir's mentorship have been instrumental in KKR's success as the duo have a better understanding, having played as teammates for KKR in the past.

That being said, KKR earned themselves a week-long rest and will now play finals on Sunday, May 26.