Sunil Narine credits Gautam Gambhir for his success in IPL

Apart from his exceptional bowling skills, Sunil Narine has also established himself as an explosive opening batter. The West Indies Star made headlines in the Indian Premier League 2017 by opening the innings for franchise Kolkata Knight Riders.

It was a season of revelation for the all-rounder. He was nothing less than a firecracker with the bat. During IPL 2017, Narine smacked fifty of just 15 balls against Royal Challengers Bangalore to register his name in the records book.

It was Gautam Gambhir who understood the true potential of the spinner and promoted him up the order. Speaking of his IPL records, Narine has played a total of 148 matches so far hammering 1025 runs at an average of 162.7.

Narine reveals the reason behind his success as an opener

Reflecting on his journey as an opening batter in the IPL, the 34-year-old lauded KKR’s confidence in him. Narine also believes that he is quite unpredictable as a batter and the same has contributed to his success in the shortest format.

“Gautam Gambhir asked me to open. He wanted me to get the team off to a fast start, it didn't matter if I lost my wicket early. Nobody could plan too much for me as I was still new to the role, the opposition didn't take me that seriously.

“I went from strength to strength. The more I performed well, the more confidence KKR had in me and gave me that encouragement,” Narine told Cricket Monthly.

Apart from IPL, Narine has also batted at the top in other T20 leagues. He opened the batting for Melbourne Renegades in the Big Bash League and Trinbago Knight Riders in Caribbean Premier League.

The all-rounder is happy to bat at different positions

Furthermore, the Trinidad-born cricketer elaborated his opinion on his different batting positions. The all-rounder is now being used in the middle-order by most of the T20 franchises.

Speaking about the same, Narine admitted that he likes to experiment with his place. The all-rounder is keen on exploring himself in different batting positions to contribute positively with the bat.

"It's a trend I've set for myself: every team I play, for now, I bat in a different role. It's good and bad - I can try different roles as a batter but I don't have that secure position in the order.

“One tournament I might be doing well in the middle of the order but then in the next one I may have to open the batting," the all-rounder concluded.

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