Afghanistan’s Rahmanullah Gurbaz, who serves as the wicketkeeper-opener for Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), announced his imminent return to the franchise for the remainder of IPL 2024. Gurbaz had taken a brief break due to his mother’s illness, but he shared on his X account that her health has improved.
Having joined the franchise before the 2023 edition, the Afghanistan international showcased his batting prowess by amassing 227 runs in 11 matches, including a couple of half-centuries.
However, he hasn’t had the opportunity to play in the current edition, as Phil Salt and Sunil Narine have excelled at the top of the order. Narine and Salt currently rank third and sixth, respectively, in the Orange Cap standings with 461 and 429 runs.
Gurbaz wrote on X: “After a short break from IPL due to my mother’s illness, i will join my kkr family very soon, thanks for all the messages and prayers, alhumdulillah she is feeling better now thanks.”
After a short break from IPL due to my mother’s illness, i will join my kkr family very soon, thanks for all the messages and prayers, alhumdulillah she is feeling better now thanks 🙏❤️
— Rahmanullah Gurbaz (@RGurbaz_21) May 7, 2024
Given that Salt is expected to depart for international duty with England, Gurbaz might have a chance to feature in the playoffs this season.
KKR is now at the top of the IPL 2024 points table
Meanwhile, KKR, the team that has won the IPL twice, is now comfortably leading the points table with eight wins and three losses from 11 matches, and they are almost certain to reach the playoffs.
During Sunday’s match at the Ekana International Stadium, KKR dominated the Lucknow Super Giants. Sunil Narine’s quick 81 runs off 39 balls, along with his 61-run partnership with Phil Salt, helped KKR reach a total of 235-6 in 20 overs.
KKR’s bowlers were also in top form, with Varun Chakravarthy and Harshit Rana taking three wickets each. Andre Russell got two wickets, while Mitchell Starc and Sunil Narine took one each, securing a convincing 98-run victory for KKR.
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