CHENNAI: It was celebration time for the KKR camp after the dominant win over SRH in the IPL final.
KKR bowling coach Bharat Arun was ecstatic with the performance of his bowlers. "I think it was pretty tough, the last two years. It was touch and go we didn't qualify. It needed a lot of introspection and now we can savour this moment. (On Harshit Rana) He has been outstanding. It's about backing your strengths."
Talking about Mitchell Starc, Arun said, "I think Mitch coming into the team boosted the confidence of other youngsters in the side. He is probably the best bowler in the world. Once he understood the Indian conditions, he was excellent. Spinners mature with age, and with Sunny and Varun bowling in tandem, it was superb."
Batsman-wicketkeeper Rahmanullah Gurbaz, who left his ill mother to join the team for the final few games, said, "My mom is watching from the home. She is feeling good now. I asked mom before the match if she wanted anything. She said just the win. When Phil Salt was playing, I wasn't expecting to get a chance but I knew it's a long tournament and I needed to be ready. Once I got the chance, I was well prepared."
Batsman Nitish Rana had a story to share. "GG bhaiya (Gambhir) was named the mentor, I sent him a long message as I was really happy. He replied saying, 'Thank you but I would be happy if we stand at the podium with the trophy in our hands.' Today is that day and I will never forget that message."
