Dhoni's CSK and Virat's RCB put to shame as Wasim Akram names his favourite IPL team

The former Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) bowling coach and Pakistan legend, Wasim Akram, recently expressed his unwavering support for the two-time IPL champions. He stressed his loyalty to the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), saying that he doesn't change allegiances like a chameleon and has always backed the franchise since he worked with the team in the IPL.

During an appearance on Sportskeeda's Match Ki Baat show, the legendary Pakistani pacer shared his insights on the ongoing IPL 2024 as he was discussing his top four teams for the playoffs.

The former Pakistan pacer said that the teams, which are hitting their peak form at the right moment, will secure playoff berths in the ongoing tournament. Well, speaking about the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), they failed to qualify for the playoffs in the last two IPL seasons but made a stunning start this season.

Wasim Akram lauds KKR and Gautam Gambhir

Currently, KKR sits in second place on the IPL 2024 points table with 10 points from seven matches and is looking in great form. On the impact of Gautam Gambhir's return to KKR, Akram said that there is a significant improvement in the team's performance in the ongoing IPL 2024, thanks to the former skipper’s arrival as the mentor.

He pointed out that KKR's success has declined ever since Gambhir’s departure, as they made only one final appearance, which they also lost to the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in 2021.

The former KKR coach also lauded Gambhir's influence on players like Sunil Narine. He pointed out how Gambhir's support and decision to promote Narine as an opener has resulted in outstanding performances from the Caribbean all-rounder at the top of the order this season.

I don't change my teams like a chameleon: Wasim Akram

Wasim Akram was quoted as saying by Sportskeeda: “KKR is looking good. I support KKR because, of course, I've worked for them. It's my team, so I support them. I don't change my teams like a chameleon.”

Praising Gambhir, the Pakistani legend noted: “Absolutely, I think, the arrival of Gautam Gambhir has made a huge difference in the KKR team. See ever since Gautam left the franchise, KKR reached the final just once, and they lost that one as well. The performance hasn't been that good.”

Akram signed off by saying, “Look what Gautam has done with Sunil Narine. He backed him and said you will open the batting even if you fail or score, and see the performances that he has given.”

Recently, Narine announced that he would not be participating in the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup 2024 for the West Indies. He believes that the players who have consistently represented the country in international cricket deserve a place in the T20 World Cup 2024 squad over him.

Notably, in their last match in the ongoing IPL 2024, KKR defeated the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) by just 1 run at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata. The Shreyas Iyer-led Kolkata team will next host the Punjab Kings (PBKS) on April 26 in match number 42 of this season at Eden Gardens.