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Rahmanullah Gurbaz in Google Trends: Kolkata Knight Riders became the first team to reach the finals in IPL 2024. On Tuesday, they achieved this feat by defeating Sunrisers Hyderabad by 8 wickets in Qualifier 1. However, KKR’s opener Phil Salt, who performed brilliantly this season, has returned to England due to international duties. In this situation, the team needed a wicketkeeper-batter. Amidst these circumstances, Rahmanullah Gurbaz has expressed his love for cricket.
Due to his mother’s illness, 22-year-old Rahmanullah Gurbaz went to Afghanistan in the first week of May. However, the KKR franchise sent him a message stating that the team needed him for the crucial playoffs. Despite doubts about his return, given that his mother was still in the hospital, Gurbaz made an unexpected return to India for the IPL. He made this decision keeping in mind the team’s needs.
“Yes, my mother is unwell. When Phil Salt left the team, I received a message from the KKR franchise saying, ‘Gurbaz, we need you. What do you say?’ I immediately said I would come. My mother is still in the hospital, and I speak to her frequently on the phone. Both my family and the KKR family are important to me. It is a bit challenging, but I have to manage both. I have responsibilities here that I need to fulfill,” commented Rahmanullah Gurbaz after the match with Sunrisers Hyderabad. Following Qualifier-1, Gurbaz trended on Google.
Meanwhile, Phil Salt replaced Jason Roy in the KKR team. With his explosive batting, he provided a good start for the team, scoring 435 runs in 12 matches with a strike rate of over 185. As a result, Gurbaz had to be limited to the bench. Apart from Qualifier-1, Gurbaz played only one match in the league stage this season. Despite this, Gurbaz did not feel disappointed and waited for his opportunity. Finally, with Salt leaving the team, Gurbaz made it into the final squad.
A cricketer should know what to do. In the IPL, only four foreign players get a chance in the starting XI. We should make our efforts count and be prepared for opportunities. Like KKR’s top management, you should not be afraid if your turn comes. Here, Gautam Gambhir sir, Shah Rukh sir, and the head coach, everyone is like a family. There may be pressure during the playoffs. But with just one word – ‘enjoy the game’, the management alleviates pressure on us. Hoping for a performance as splendid as Salt’s.
In Qualifier-1, KKR chased down Sunrisers’ target of 160 runs set by Sunrisers in just 13.4 overs. Gurbaz, serving as the wicketkeeper, took two catches and contributed in a run-out. Additionally, he scored 23 runs off 14 balls with the bat.
