The way Gautam Gambhir has handled KKR in IPL 2017 is exceptional: Shakib Al Hasan

Gautam Gambhir has played a major role in Kolkata Knight Riders’ success in IPL 2017 and Shakib Al Hasan was praise for his skipper’s captaincy skills.

Shakib Al Hasan he feels that the way Gautam Gambhir has led KKR in the on-going Indian Premier League has been exceptional.

Kolkata Knight Riders captain Gautam Gambhir has led his team from the front in IPL 2017. (AFP)

“The way he manages the team is exceptional. It is not easy to captain in franchise cricket. Look at his results: almost every year we have qualifed for the playoffs. Not many teams have been able to maintain that.”

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Shakib Al Hasan hasn’t had much of a chance in IPL 10 largely because Kolkata Knight Riders’ (KKR) Indian spinners have done well, the character of the Eden wicket has changed and the curse of being an import means limited opportunities anyway. The Bangladesh all-rounder will leave on international duty on Thursday or Friday meaning the match against Rising Pune Supergiant (RPS) could be his last chance to make an impact in this edition.

“As professional cricketers we are aware that opportunities will be limited. But whoever isn’t playing is also ready. I am taking this positively,” said Shakib during a promotional here on Tuesday.

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“I could not contribute much for the team this time. But as a team we are doing well. That’s important. First your team must do well. No scope for complaining. Hope we will be champions again, although I won’t be here till the end.

That KKR convincingly beat Rising Pune Supergiant should help them approach Wednesday’s game in a positive frame of mind, said Shakib.

“We are in a good position. The whole season, we have played dominating cricket. We did well against them a few days ago. In IPL, every team is competitive. There’s not much of a difference between top and bottom-placed teams. We will lose occasionally, but I have full faith in our team to do well.”