Attributing Kolkata Knight Riders’ second Indian Premier League title triumph to Gautam Gambhir’s leadership skills, the team’s bowling coach Wasim Akram said he is the best among all the IPL captains this season.
“It means a lot to the team when the skipper is performing well. It adds to the security and the self belief. He has led his troops very well. I believe he was the best captain in this IPL,” Akram told the IPL’s official website.
Kings XI Punjab rode on an unbeaten 115 from Wriddhiman Saha to post 199 for 4 in 20 overs but Gambhir was never unnerved and backed his bowlers. Akram was all praise for his captain’s positivity.
“…from the 11th to the 15th over of the KXIP innings, instead of looking for dot balls — which most captains do during that phase of the innings —— he encouraged his bowlers to bowl for wickets. That aggressive mindset and the belief he puts in his players makes him the best captain in the tournament,” the Sultan of Swing added.
KKR became only the second IPL team after Chennai Super Kings to win the tournament twice and Akram credits excellent teamwork for the outcome.
“Our job is to keep things simple. We talk to the point and don’t have long meetings. We just try to keep them relaxed and lend any assistance they need. That is the mantra that Trevor Bayliss and I go by. The credit goes to the captain and his team. We are here just to support them,” said Akram.
