Gautam Gambhir Did Not Bother You Outside The Field, But He Required Your 100% On The Field: KC Cariappa

Indian spin-bowling youngster KC Cariappa is not a very recognized name in the IPL circuit. KC Cariappa began his IPL journey back in 2015 when the Kolkata Knight Riders snapped him for a hefty price of INR 2.4 crores. Though 27-year old could not leave a lasting impression in the only game he played that season, he remembers the fond memory of playing under Gautam Gambhir.

Gautam Gambhir is undeniably one of the best skippers in IPL history as he transformed the Kolkata Knight Riders into a champion franchise. Under the southpaw, the Knight Riders lifted the trophy in 2012 and 2014 as his aggressive captaincy was instrumental in the team performing well. Nevertheless, Kolkata’s fortunes have indeed fallen apart since Gambhir’s release.

KC Cariappa hailed Gautam Gambhir, who he claimed as an excellent captain as he would not comprise anything in terms of bowling discipline and commitment on the field. Cariappa, whose maiden IPL wicket was of AB De Villiers, highlighted that Gambhir did not bother anyone off the field, but stressed on giving everything on it.

“Gambhir was a very good captain. He was a little strict in terms of bowling discipline, and effort on the field was something he wouldn’t compromise. Outside the field, he didn’t bother you. On the field, you had to give your 100% and that’s what I loved,” Cariappa told Sportskeeda.

I haven’t got too many chances in the IPL: KC Cariappa

KC Cariappa revealed that after dismissing AB de Villiers in the only game, he played in IPL 2015, his name started doing rounds. But the wrist-spinner admitted that he did not any opportunity following that since Sunil Narine returned to the side. The Karnataka-born cricketer could not get many chances with Punjab, either and acknowledged his performances were mediocre.

“I haven’t got too many chances in the IPL. When I got selected in 2015, my name did the rounds, but I didn’t get too many matches. ABD was my debut wicket, but after that I didn’t play, Narine came back and I lost my chance. Even the few seasons I played for Punjab, I played only a few games. I feel there wasn’t a proper balance, even in my performance,”he added.

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