Not Gautam Gambhir, KKR Star Credits This Ex-India Player For Team's 'Indian Core'

Drenched in emotion, Kolkata Knight Riders players highlighted the contributions of mentor Gautam Gambhir and assistant coach Abhishek Nayar in moulding the team into a champion outfit that outclassed Sunrisers Hyderabad to lift its third IPL trophy on Sunday. The likes of Andre Russell and Harshit Rana found it tough to describe the feeling of being IPL champions, even as they praised Nayar. KKR crushed Hyderabad by eight wickets in a completely one-sided final after bowling out their opponents for 113, the lowest ever total in an IPL title clash. This was KKR's third IPL title.

"I cannot tell how happy I am," Harshit, who picked up two wickets in the final, said after the triumph.

Even the seasoned Russell was lost for words as he tried to hold back his tears.

"No words to describe. It means so much. I am happy that all of us were very disciplined and worked towards one goal. This franchise has done a lot for me. It's a big gift from all of us to them," Russell said.

Varun Chakravarathy, who has had a successful season with his spin bowling, lauded Nayar's contributions.

"All I can think right now is of the person who built this Indian core: Abhishek Nayar. 'Please come here'," he said, asking the former Mumbai batter to join them.

Venkatesh Iyer, who remained not out on 52 off 26 balls in an easy chase of 114, also mentioned Nayar's role in the team's success.

"Really happy with it. As Varun mentioned, Abhishek Nayar deserves all the credit in the world. Some contributions go unnoticed, I want to make sure they don't. This guy deserves all the credit in the world for the way he has been working for this franchise.

"This win is for the fans who turned up year after year and waited for 10 years," Venkatesh said.

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