Something feels different this year in the Kolkata Knight Riders camp as the defending champions have struggled for form and could be eliminated from the league stages if things do not change drastically.
KKR have collected just seven points from their first nine games in IPL 2025, having won just three matches in the ongoing season
A major factor that contributed to KKR's title-winning campaign in IPL 2024 was Gautam Gambhir's mentorship. However, the ex-India star left the role shortly after winning the trophy as he was appointed as India's head coach across all formats replacing Rahul Dravid.
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India international fast bowler Harshit Rana, who enjoyed a breakthrough campaign last year under Gambhir's tutelage and then broke into the Indian national team towards the end of 2024, has opened up on the atmosphere surrounding the KKR dressing in the absence of their former mentor.
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What did Harshit Rana say about Gautam Gambhir?
Ahead of facing Delhi Capitals in a virtual do-or-die match in IPL 2025 on Tuesday, Rana addressed the media in his pre-match press conference where he said: "Yeah, there was a thrill factor that I miss a little - speaking just for myself, not anyone else. But you also know, he has an aura in the way he carries the team forward. I was just talking about that."
Even though Gambhir has left, KKR’s coaching group still looks solid. Chandrakant Pandit continues to be the head coach of the team, while legendary West Indies all-rounder Dwayne Bravo has formally replaced Gambhir as the team mentor.
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Recently, Abhishek Nayar returned to the KKR dressing room after BCCI parted ways with Gambhir's former assistant coach.
While Gambhir's absence has affected KKR's performance as per Rana, the fast bowler also heaped praise on the current coaching staff as he added: "The support staff is basically the same and even Nayar bhai is back. It's all the same, Chandu sir, Nayar bhai, Bravo. We are getting the kind of environment we want.
"There have been changes of course since [Nayar] returned, because he has a very smart mind. He reads the game very well. And the Indian core of our team, he knows them very well."
How has Harshit Rana performed this season?
Harshit has enjoyed fair amount of success in the current season, having picked up 11 wickets in 9 matches till now, making him one of the top bowlers of the Kolkata franchise.
He had a small injury scare in the last match when he hurt his elbow trying to take a catch, but he later confirmed that he is fit and ready for the next match against Delhi Capitals.