IPL 2024: Harshit Rana Credits Winning Template Set By Gautam Gambhir For KKR's Success

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Young pacer Harshit Rana has credited the winning template set by two-time IPL winner and current mentor Gautam Gambhir for Kolkata Knight Riders success in the ongoing IPL 2024.

KKR registered a clinical 98-run win over Lucknow Super Giants on Sunday (May 5) at the BRSABV Ekana Stadium in Lucknow to move into the top position in IPL 2024 points table.

Gambhir had led KKR to the IPL crown twice with the team also qualifying for the playoffs five times during his stint from 2011 to 2017. He had also guided KKR to the finals of the now-defunct Champions League T20 in 2014.

However, in the last seven years, KKR could reach the playoffs only twice. Gambhir's return to the KKR camp as a mentor this year turned things around as the Kolkata-based franchise registered their 8th win in 11 games.

Following the latest win, young pacer Rana said that Gambhir's knowledge of the game on how to turn things around have benefitted KKR a lot this season and they will continue to follow his template.

"Not only this match, this entire season we have been focussing a lot on the style of cricket that Gautam Gambhir wants us to play. He has a lot of knowledge on how to turn games in our favour and it helps us a lot in the middle," Rana said during the press conference.

"Like today he gave the bowlers a free hand, to find the length to bowl depending on the wicket, and not to try too many things," he added.

Rana (3/24 in 3.1 overs) played a crucial role in the win by taking three wickets while defending a target of 235 as the likes of Varun Chakravarthy, Sunil Narine and Andre Russell also chipped in with wickets.

"KKR read the wicket very well. The areas we had to bowl, we targeted the right places," Rana said after the Kolkata bowlers bundled out LSG for 137 in the run chase of 236.

IPL's biggest buy Mitchell Starc has proved expensive this season but Rana said the team management is not at all bothered about his economy rate and has faith on the Australian speedstar.

"We have not cared even for a bit on how expensive Mitchell Starc has been in IPL 2024. He have full faith in him and he won us the last game and we have no doubts on him whatsoever. He has such a great influence on the younger players, he has such a huge wealth of knowledge," Rana said.

Rana, who has been doing pretty well this season claiming 14 wickets in 13 innings, said his dream is to play for India and is focussing on his performance.

"My aim is to play for India but whatever franchise I play for I try to give my best on the day of the match. I will be selected based on my performance and performance alone," Rana said.

Rana and KKR will next be in action on Saturday (May 11) at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata, where they will play hosts to five-time champions Mumbai Indians, who are out of playoff contention.

(With PTI inputs)