Watch: KKR releases another enigmatic Afghan spinner

Another mystery spinner from Afghanistan has been released by KKR. Rahmanullah Gurbaz, a wicketkeeper and batter, was seen bowling in the nets. Gurbaz hasn’t had a chance in the KKR starting lineup yet, but the Afghani player may get his opportunity by displaying his versatility. As they have won five of their seven games in the Indian Premier League’s 2024 season, KKR has shown signs of revival.

In a unique video posted on the team’s official social media account, Gurbaz can be seen bowling a spin delivery in the nets. The KKR coaches were watching over him as he marked his run-up. With his arms raised in celebration, the KKR player was able to strike the stumps with his first ball. The picture was captioned by the franchise, “Another mystery spinner from Afghanistan among our ranks.”

Some of the greatest mystery spinners, who could have the batters dancing to their melodies, are from Afghanistan. Many Afghan spinners have used the IPL as a platform to display their skills on one of the largest cricket platforms. These spinners, who range from Mohammad Nabi to Noor Ahmad and Rashid Khan, have shown their mettle in the lucrative competition. Given that Gurbaz has shown his ability as a hitter, it seems that he may be the next player added to the roster.

At a base fee of Rs 50 lakh, the Afghan wicketkeeper-batter joined GT in 2023 and went on to score 227 runs at a strike rate of 133.53 with two fifties in 7 games for the team. Prior to the 2024 Indian Premier League, KKR acquired him at his basic fee. Alongside Sunil Narine, Phil Salt, who had taken over for Jason Roy in the KKR lineup, has been performing well in the role of opener.

GURBAZ HASN’T YET BEEN IN KKR’S PLAYING XI.
With a remarkable strike rate of 169.39, Phil Salt, the explosive opener from England, has been able to score 249 runs for KKR in only 7 matches, giving the squad explosive beginnings. In addition to averaging 41.50, he has done a good job leading the squad in wicketkeeping. If not for his superb glove effort on the last ball against RCB, the game may have ended in a Super Over. KKR, however, triumphed decisively at Eden Garden in Kolkata by a single run.

Given that KKR already has Narine, a mystery spinner, in their team, it would be interesting to watch whether Gurbaz is given a brand-new job. The next game for KKR is scheduled to take place at Eden Garden Stadium on Friday, April 26, against PBKS.