The IPL team Kolkata Knight Riders became the first finalist of the IPL 2024 as it defeated Sunrisers Hyderabad by 8 wickets in the first qualifier which was played yesterday at Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad.
KKR played without Phil Salt in the first qualifier as he had to return to his country for national duty but KKR didn’t miss him because of the presence of Rahmanullah Gurbaz, the Afghanistani cricketer who returned from home to play for his home despite the fact that his mother is still in hospital.
Gurbaz was on a break as his mother was ill, she was hospitalized but the KKR management called him as Phil Salt was not available for the play-offs. He decided to join his team as he had to manage both the families. During the post-match conference, he said, “My mom is still sick. I went there and got a call from here when Phil Salt was leaving. They messaged me ‘Gurbaz, we need you’ and what’s your feedback for us? I said, yes, I will come. My mom is still in Aspatal (hospital), and I’m always talking to her. This is also my family; I must manage my mom and KKR family. It’s hard, it’s tough, but I still need to manage.”
He further added, “As a cricketer, you know what to do, and as a cricketer, you should know that. Only four (overseas) players can play in the Playing XI, but you should always have the right mindset. If there is an opportunity for you, you should do your best. If there is no opportunity for you, you should be well prepared. Whenever you get the opportunity, you have to know what to do.”
Well, he certainly deserves to be praised.
