Harshit Rana feels the absence of Gambhir's 'aura' at KKR

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) fast bowler Harshit Rana has admitted that he misses the "aura" and "thrill factor" Gautam Gambhir brought to the team last season.

Gambhir, who was a key figure in KKR's 2024 IPL title-winning campaign as a mentor, departed the franchise last July after being appointed as India's head coach. Dwayne Bravo has since stepped into the mentor role, while Abhishek Nayar has rejoined the backroom staff after leaving his position as India's batting coach. Chandrakant Pandit continues as KKR's head coach.

"The support staff is more or less the same, and Nayar bhai is back," Harshit said. "But yes, speaking for myself, I do miss that thrill factor a little. It’s not that things are bad — Chandu sir, Nayar bhai, and Bravo have all created the environment we need."

Harshit praised Nayar’s sharp game sense and his familiarity with KKR’s Indian core, highlighting how his return has benefited the team.

The young pacer, who made his India debut across all three formats in the last six months while playing under Gambhir’s mentorship, emphasized that his comments were about Gambhir’s leadership style, not personal relationships. "He has a certain aura in the way he leads the team forward," Harshit explained.

Currently KKR’s joint-highest wicket-taker this season with 11 wickets in nine games, Harshit confirmed he is fit for selection after a minor elbow injury during their last match against Punjab Kings.

KKR, sitting seventh on the points table with three wins from nine matches, must beat Delhi Capitals on Tuesday to keep their playoff hopes alive — a match that will see Harshit return to his home ground in Delhi.

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