Mohammad Kaif downplays Gautam Gambhir impact on KKR, praises captain Shreyas Iyer despite T20 World Cup snub

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Shreyas Iyer has received rich praises from Mohammad Kaif after leading Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the final of IPL 2024. The right-hand batter scored unbeaten 58 off 24 as KKR thrashed Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) by eight wickets in Qualifier 1 on Tuesday.

The innings from Shreyas consisted of five fours and four sixes. Kolkata chased down the 160-run target in just 13.4 overs. The 29-year-old has been spot in with his fielding and bowling changes as well throughout the season.

''He (Iyer) missed the whole IPL last year and KKR probably missed his captaincy in 2023. The way he is changing the bowlers, and picking his playing XI, he looks very calm under pressure.

''In a tournament like the IPL, you have to be very composed, you have to know what's happening in the game and Iyer has come a long way. He has become a much better captain now,'' Kaif told PTI.

Fans and experts have also talked about the Gautam Gambhir factor in KKR's success this season. Gambhir, who led KKR to both their title triumphs in the past, has been mentoring Shreyas Iyer's side this season. But Mohammad Kaif reckoned that Shreyas should be credited equally for beautifully marshalling his side all alone in the middle.

''We always talk about (Gautam) Gambhir, but he can't enter the field... in the rope with the players. Iyer has been there with the players and it will help him grow as a person and player.

''He missed out on the (T20) World Cup this year (beginning in the US and West Indies next month), but certainly it's great learning for him, captaining the team, leading it to the finals. He has a great future ahead,'' Kaif said.

Kaif also backed KKR to win the IPL 2024 on Sunday, May 26. He said bowlers help teams win the big tournaments, and KKR have all their bases covered.

''I think KKR is a very well-balanced side. Tournament-winning team has to have good bowlers, KKR has got the bowlers. You saw how (Mitchell) Starc bowled against (SRH in Qualifier 1), it's a balanced side. KKR has got all bases covered in terms of batting and bowling. They are the team to beat in IPL, they are way ahead.''

Don't this MS Dhoni has retired: Kaif

Further, Mohammad Kaif reckoned that MS Dhoni hasn't retired yet. He backed the 42-year-old to return for CSK in the IPL 2025.

''Personally, I don't think he's done, he could not win the game (last league match against RCB). In the last over after hitting a six, he got out. You could make out seeing his body language that he seemed very disappointed not winning the game for CSK,'' Kaif, a cricket expert with Star Sports, told PTI Videos.

''Why he should not come back? He is fit, he is scoring runs and hitting sixes, and there's no reason to stop playing... it's up to him, we can't say with Dhoni what's his plan,'' added Kaif, regarded as one of India's greatest fielders," he added.