KKR’s Class of ’18 Impresses, Twitter Lauds Players and Management
Kolkata Knight Riders’ (KKR) trio of Shubman Gill, Shivam Mavi, and Kamlesh Nagarkoti has insisted everyone take notice when they have taken the field in this year’s Indian Premier League (IPL).
Pacers Mavi and Nagarkoti, who have endured injuries and insecurities for the last couple of years, have subsided every distraction and have taken the centrestage particularly in KKR’s first three games.
After being picked up in the 2018 mega auction to play for the KKR franchise, after their performances in the Under-19 World Cup, 2018, the trio didn’t get enough chances.
Shivam Mavi played 9 games for KKR in the 2018 season and took just five wickets with an economy of 9.54. Although he impressed with his pace, he looked a work-in-progress bowler. His returns were poor, however, the management stuck with him and retained him for the next season as well, unfortunately, he was ruled out due to a stress fracture.
Also Read: Dinesh Karthik ‘Very Happy’ to See Mavi & Nagarkoti Among Wickets
On the other hand, Nagarkoti’s journey has been more challenging as he missed both the seasons for his side in previous years. Dinesh Karthik, the KKR skipper, has time and again emphasised the owners and team management’s role in sticking with the both of them when they weren’t available to play.
Shubman Gill, however, has had a less troublesome time but wasn’t able to stamp his authority on the IPL and in the KKR line-up due to the presence of experienced players at the top. Last year, although, he started to open the innings and impressed everyone with his temperament and playing style, without taking many risks.
In the 2018 IPL season, he played 13 games, out of which in the majority of them he was batting at No 7 and didn’t get enough balls to play. He did come into bat in the top-order once, where he scored an unbeaten 57. After which he was made a regular opener in the last season. In 14 matches in 2019, Gill made 296 runs at an average of 32.88, with three 50+ scores. Even though he played all the games, many felt that he didn’t perform to his potential.
Also Read: I Want Shubman Gill to Enjoy His Cricket Journey: Dinesh Karthik
Now, with all three of them fit and raring to go, it was the best opportunity for KKR to play all of them together and see what they can do at the big stage of IPL. Gill has scored 124 runs in three matches with an average of 62 and has been really good, pacing his innings according to the situation.
Mavi on the other hand has been exemplary, taking four wickets in three games with an economy rate of just 6.7. And, Nagarkoti has performed with bat, ball and was exceptional in the field against Rajasthan Royals on Wednesday.
Here are some of the reactions of fans and experts, praising the resilience of the players and KKR team management for investing in them and backing them to the hilt through their tough times and showing faith in their ability:
Sorry is anyone else in love with what Nagarkoti & Mavi have been able to do for the @KKRiders
— Lisa Sthalekar (@sthalekar93) September 30, 2020
Gill, Mavi and Nagarkoti, investing in the class of 2018 is paying off handsomely for KKR
— Sambit Bal (@sambitbal) October 1, 2020
What Kolkata did in 2018 Auction is benefitting them in 2020.
Mavi, Nagarkoti and Shubhman Gill— Avinash #KarunOut #GlazersOut (@GreenwoodNo11) September 26, 2020
It’s been 2 years in the making waiting to see Shivam Mavi and Kamlesh Nargakoti together again. Great compliment to Venky Mysore and and @KKRiders for staying the course with these two young men.
— Ian bishop (@irbishi) September 30, 2020
Made the younger lot dance to there tunes bowling in tandem a couple of years back. Now, wrecking havoc against some quality international senior pros when reunited
Nagarkoti & Mavi— Abhay (@ImAbhay3) September 30, 2020
Not a bad day for young Nagarkoti! 2 wickets, a crisp boundary at the end and a seriously good catch. Hopefully he will continue to repay the extraordinary faith that @KKRiders have had in him
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) September 30, 2020
When KKR Won KKR vs SRH Man Of The Match Shibman Gill
When KKR Won KKR vs RR Man Of The Match Shivam Mavi
This Happens When U Have Sunil Narine, Andre Russel , Eoin Morgan In Ur Playing XI But Ur Young Guns Outshine The Big Guys!
Good Enough Reason To Love #IPL2020— Dr Khushboo (@khushbookadri) September 30, 2020
Tells us how good the IPL talent pool is. Also, full credit to @KKRiders for backing these two young players.
Mavi wasn't quite ready in 2018, yet he was given a lot of chances. And can't praise them enough for the way they handled Nagarkoti despite his long injury layoff.— Prasenjit Dey (@CricPrasen) September 30, 2020
So good to see both Nagarkoti and Mavi play together & perform so well.. Top bowling, throwing themselves around on the field. And well done @KKRiders for handling them with care. To show faith in two injured youngsters over two seasons is commendable enjoy the rewards #KKRvRR
— Jatin Sapru (@jatinsapru) September 30, 2020
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