KKR has unveiled yet another mysterious spinner from Afghanistan. Rahmanullah Gurbaz, a wicketkeeper and batter, was sighted bowling in the nets. Gurbaz is yet to make an appearance in KKR's playing XI, but the Afghan player may get his chance by demonstrating his all-round abilities. KKR has been in good form in the IPL 2024, winning five of their seven matches.
The franchise's official social media handle uploaded a special video of Gurbaz bowling a spin delivery in the nets. He marked his run-up under the observation of the KKR coaches. The KKR player smashed the stumps on his first ball and celebrated with his arms raised in the air. The franchise captioned the post, "Another Afghani mystery spinner in our ranks."
Another Afghani mystery spinner in our ranks 😉 pic.twitter.com/CK54bi32rc
— KolkataKnightRiders (@KKRiders) April 23, 2024
Afghanistan tends to create some of the best mystery spinners, who can make batters dance to their rhythms. The IPL has provided an opportunity for numerous Afghan spinners to exhibit their talent at one of cricket's greatest leagues. These spinners, including Rashid Khan, Noor Ahmad, and Mohammad Nabi, have established their worth in the league. Gurbaz appears to be a fresh addition to the team, having already demonstrated his batting talent.
The Afghan wicketkeeper-batsman joined GT in 2023 for Rs 50 lakh and went on to score 227 runs in 7 matches for the franchise at a strike rate of 133.53, including two fifties. KKR traded him at his base price ahead of the 2024 IPL season. Phil Salt, who replaced Jason Roy in the KKR lineup, has performed admirably as an opener alongside Sunil Narine.
WHAT A RUN OUT, PHIL SALT.
— Tanuj Singh (@ImTanujSingh) April 21, 2024
RCB needed 3 runs in last ball and throw wasn't good but he managed and he Runout and won the match.
- SALT, THE HERO OF KKR. pic.twitter.com/ZIjamTFswS
England's explosive opener Phil Salt has provided KKR with explosive starts, scoring 249 runs in 7 matches for the squad thus far at a remarkable strike rate of 169.39. He has an average of 41.50 and has performed admirably as the team's wicketkeeper. Without his outstanding glovework in the final ball against RCB, the game could have gone to the Super Over. However, KKR managed an impressive victory by one run at the Eden Garden, Kolkata.
Given that KKR already has a mystery spinner, Narine, it will be intriguing to watch if Gurbaz is given a new position. KKR will play their next encounter against PBKS on Friday, April 26 at Eden Garden Stadium.