Ahead of the 17th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL), the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) underwent a significant overhaul, with the appointment of former player Gautam Gambhir as the team’s mentor. Among the key decisions made by the franchise was the retention of Andre Russell and Sunil Narine, two experienced and impactful players who have played a pivotal role in KKR’s success over the years.

Former Australian cricketer Tom Moody, who has closely observed the IPL and the dynamics within the Kolkata Knight Riders franchise, believes that Gambhir’s influence was instrumental in the retention of Russell and Narine.

Moody, who has coached in the IPL and worked with Russell at Sunrisers Hyderabad, is confident that Gambhir’s understanding of both players will be crucial in maximizing their contributions to the team.

“This is going to be a telling year for both Russell and Narine. They both have been phenomenal cricketers for KKR and are really a part of their history. I feel that Gambhir has been quite pivotal in the retention of Russell and Narine. Gambhir understands them; he’s played with them, he’s captured them, and he’ll be able to get the best out of them,” Tom Moody told ESPNcricinfo.

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Russell, a Jamaican all-rounder known for his explosive batting and powerful six-hitting, has been a key player for KKR since joining the franchise in 2014. However, his performance in the IPL 2023 was hampered by injuries, raising concerns about his ability to maintain his fitness throughout the upcoming season.

Moody acknowledged the impact of injuries on Russell’s performance but expressed confidence in his skills and potential if he can stay injury-free.

“I think we’ll see a different outcome in 2024 with regards to what Russell brings to the table. The only hesitation I have is not skill. It’s whether he can hold together physically because we’ve seen him break down on a couple of occasions over recent years, and it’s been quite alarming. His bowling has been pretty limited as well, and they haven’t had access to his full quota of overs,” Tom Moody said.

Sunil Narine, a Trinidadian spinner, has been a mainstay of the KKR bowling attack since joining the franchise in 2012. Narine’s mystery spin and deceptive variations have made him a difficult batsman to read, and he has been a key factor in KKR’s bowling success.

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With Gambhir’s guidance and the retention of Russell and Narine, Kolkata Knight Riders are hoping to rediscover their winning form in the upcoming IPL season and challenge for the title once again.