IPL 2024

IPL 2024: Tom Moody credits Gautam Gambhir for retention of two huge KKR stars

Former Indian legendary batter and two-time IPL-winning skipper Gautam Gambhir is back to his old stomping grounds. The 42-year-old is back to Kolkata Knight Riders as the mentor of the side.

Former Australian player and Sunrisers Hyderabad coach Tom Moody has heaped huge praise on Gautam Gambhir. Kolkata Knight Riders happened to release 12 players with some seasoned names on the list.

The former IPL champions have INR 32.70 Crores left in the bank ahead of the IPL 2024 Auctions in December. Gautam Gambhir will play a huge role in shaping the team as they get ready for an assault on a third title next year.

Tom Moody praises Gautam Gambhir

Former Australian player Tom Moody has heaped praise on Gautam Gambhir for the retention of Sunil Narine and Andre Russell. As per reports, there were indications that the Jamaican all-rounder was going to be released.

Andre Russell and Sunil Narine had put in below-par performances for Kolkata Knight Riders in the previous few seasons. It was under Gautam Gambhir that both the players became household names at the Eden Gardens stadium.

Tom Moody while speaking to ESPN CRICINFO said “They both have been phenomenal cricketers for KKR and are a part of theirs. I feel that Gambhir has been quite pivotal in the retention of Russell and Narine. Gambhir understands them, he’s played with them, he’s captained them and he’ll be able to get the best out of them,”

The former Aussie also said “I think we’ll see a different outcome in 2024 with regards to what Russell brings to the table. The only hesitation I have is not skill. It’s whether he can hold together physically because we’ve seen him break down on a couple of occasions over recent years and it’s been quite alarming. His bowling has been pretty limited as well, and they haven’t had the access to his full quota of overs,”

 Shakib Al Hasan, Litton Kumar Das, Lockie Ferguson, Umesh Yadav, and Tim Southee were released on Sunday. Shardul Thakur who was traded before the IPL 2023 season was also released as the Indian all-rounder in a bid to make room for new additions ahead of the coming season.