“Harshit Rana Reflects on Missing Gautam Gambhir’s ‘Aura’ Amid KKR’s Struggles in IPL 2025”

IPL 2025, DC vs KKR: Harshit Rana Reflects on Gautam Gambhir’s ‘Aura’ During Defending Champions’ Struggling Run

KKR’s Struggles in IPL 2025 and Harshit Rana’s Reflections on Missing Gautam Gambhir’s Influence

Defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) are struggling in the IPL 2025 season, with their playoff hopes hanging by a thread. Led by Ajinkya Rahane, KKR must win their remaining five matches to stay in contention. A loss against Delhi Capitals at the Arun Jaitley Stadium will likely end their playoff ambitions.

Ahead of this crucial fixture, KKR pacer Harshit Rana shared his feelings about missing the presence of Gautam Gambhir, who had mentored the team during their title-winning campaign last year. Gambhir’s success with KKR helped pave the way for him to become the head coach of the Indian men’s senior team.

Despite the absence of Gambhir, KKR still has the same support staff from last year, including Chandrakant Pandit and Abhishek Nayar, who returned mid-season after reportedly being dismissed from India’s support staff. Dwayne Bravo also serves as the franchise’s mentor. However, Rana admitted to missing the special touch Gambhir brought to the team.

“The support staff is basically the same, and even Nayar bhai is back. But yeah, there was a thrill factor that I miss a little – speaking just for myself, not anyone else,” Rana said in a pre-match press conference. “But it’s nothing like that. It’s all the same, Chandu sir, Nayar bhai, Bravo. We are getting the kind of environment we want.”

He added, “There have been changes, of course, since Nayar returned because he has a very smart mind. He reads the game very well. And the Indian core of our team, he knows them very well. He only has helped develop them over many years. So, it helps us that he is back and it feels good.”

Gambhir has an ‘aura’

Harshit Rana, KKR’s joint-highest wicket-taker in IPL 2025, spoke fondly of former mentor Gautam Gambhir, acknowledging the special aura Gambhir brought to the team. Rana emphasized that Gambhir’s presence in the dressing room was infectious, with his leadership style helping to drive the team forward.

“I wasn’t talking about anything personal. But you also know, he (Gambhir) has an aura in the way he carries the team forward. I was just talking about that,” said Rana.

The pacer, who made his debut for India in all three formats since being retained by KKR for the IPL 2025 season, has taken 11 wickets in nine matches so far. Despite an injury to his left elbow, sustained during a no-result game against Punjab Kings, Rana confirmed he was eager to get back into action for KKR’s crucial match against Delhi Capitals.

Currently, KKR is in seventh place on the points table with three wins, five defeats, and a no-result. Rana’s performances could play a key role as KKR looks to keep their playoff hopes alive.

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