Kolkata Knight Riders mentor Gautam Gambhir believes that the Indian Premier League (IPL) has evolved into a more competitive platform than international T20 cricket in today’s era. Having returned to KKR as a mentor last year, Gambhir’s extensive IPL career includes stints with Delhi Capitals and KKR, with whom he secured two IPL titles as skipper in 2012 and 2014.
Reflecting on the shift in dynamics between franchise cricket and international T20 cricket, the 42-year-old noted that while international cricket was historically considered more challenging, the IPL’s rise in competitiveness has flipped the narrative. Gambhir highlighted the increased standard of bowling and competition within the IPL, making it tougher for batsmen compared to the relatively easier scenarios encountered in international T20 cricket.
According to Gambhir, franchise cricket offers batters a relatively more favorable environment to accumulate runs compared to the rigorous challenges posed in international T20 matches. He observed that apart from a few exceptions, international T20 teams often lack the depth and quality seen in the Indian team, making IPL encounters more intense and competitive.
As his KKR side gears up to face Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in Qualifier 1 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, Gambhir’s insights shed light on the evolving dynamics of T20 cricket, emphasizing the IPL’s emergence as a fiercely competitive arena.
The Kolkata Knight Riders squad for the match includes key players such as Shreyas Iyer (c), Nitish Rana, Andre Russell, Sunil Narine, and Varun Chakravarthy, among others.