GT vs KKR: Shreyas Iyer and Chandrakant Pandit snubbed as Navjot Singh Sidhu names the one person who changed Kolkata

Former Indian cricketer and renowned commentator, Navjot Singh Sidhu, hailed Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) mentor Gautam Gambhir for his impactful mentorship during pressure situations after they qualified for the playoffs of the ongoing IPL 2024.

Sidhu praised Gambhir's ability to inspire the KKR team when they were in danger, as he highlighted the significance of his guidance during challenging moments in the ongoing IPL 2024.

Speaking about Gambhir's influence on KKR, the commentator highlighted the mentor's proactive approach to rallying the players and providing crucial direction during critical phases of the games.

Navjot Singh Sidhu praises Gautam Gambhir's mentorship in IPL 2024

He claimed that Gambhir's leadership has been instrumental in KKR's success so far this season, saying the former Indian batter smartly maintained composure and made decisive decisions under pressure.

Sidhu feels Gambhir’s motivation, particularly during high-stakes matches, is guiding the KKR through rough waters, and credit goes to his unwavering determination and commitment.

His comments came after KKR crushed the Mumbai Indians (MI) by 18 runs in a rain-curtailed match at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata on Saturday, May 11, to make it to the IPL 2024 playoffs. Notably, this is for the first time in IPL history when KKR defeated MI at both Wankhede Stadium and Eden Gardens.

Navjot Singh Sidhu said on Star Sports’ Cricket Live show: “I see that whenever there is pressure, Gautam Gambhir gets more inspired, that I should go and tell the boys this and that. And it should be exactly like that. Everything is fine when things are normal. Anybody can be a pilot when the sea is calm. But a person's character is tested when the going is tough.”

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Meanwhile, Sidhu lauded KKR for their exceptional performance in the ongoing IPL 2024, saying their stunning bowling lineup is a key factor in their success. Sidhu pointed out that KKR is the only team in the tournament with every bowler who has taken 10 wickets each, with a sixth bowler close behind with 9 wickets.

He particularly praised Sunil Narine as the most valuable player in the IPL. Furthermore, Sidhu highlighted KKR's strong leadership structure, with a great mentor in Gambhir and a superb captain in the form of Shreyas Iyer at the helm. He praised KKR’s balance and the form of all players, suggesting that KKR has everything they need to win the IPL 2024 trophy.

Singh stated: “KKR is the only team which has bowlers who have taken 10-10 wickets and the sixth has taken 9. Show me one team who has this. The most valuable player in the tournament is Sunil Narine. Who got Starc Mitchell? Everybody was saying 23 crore, 23 crore. The cynic knows the price of everything and the value of nothing. It is the value addition, boss.

Don't measure him in crores, just see what value addition he is bringing. Look at KKR's bowlers, top batsmen, everybody is in form. They stand like recruits, padded-up, all ready to go in anytime. They have one parallel power center. Everybody will feel they deserve to do that. They have balance, they have a great mentor, and they have a superb captain. They have everybody in form. What else do you want? You can't have everything, where will you keep it?”

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