In the first week of May, Rahmanullah Gurbaz had to rush back home to be with his ailing mother. The 22-year-old was on a short break from the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) when he got a message from his team, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR).
By then, The management was aware of Phil Salt’s unavailability for the Playoffs stage of the tournament and was keen on having Gurbaz back for the knockouts. For Gurbaz, however, it was a tough call to make as his mother was still hospitalised, but he decided to rejoin the side for the business end of the tournament. It wasn’t a straightforward call to pick between the two “families” but he had no option but to “manage” the situation.
“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,” said Gurbaz at the post-match press conference.
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Before the Qualifier 1 vs SRH, KKR was the only side to stick with the same opening combination, and high-flying returns meant Gurbaz, who was retained before the auction, warmed the bench. Salt came in as Jason Roy’s replacement this season but set the stage on fire with 435 runs in 12 innings.
Not only was Salt consistent, but he also scored his runs at a brisk pace – SR of 185. It wouldn’t have been easy for Gurbaz to warm the bench for so long, but he kept peace with it and prepared for the opportunity.
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“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,” explains Gurbaz.
The wicketkeeper-batter was in the KKR XI for their last league game against Rajasthan Royals, but relentless rain in Guwahati meant his first hit would be in the knockouts vs SRH. He was neat behind the stumps – two catches and a run-out – and scored a 14-ball 23 in the 160-run chase. The right-hander was determined to cash in on the powerplay and did allow his side to get off to a flying start in the chase. The youngster credited “the KKR family” for absorbing all the pressure and giving him the freedom to “enjoy the game”.
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“See, if you have top management like the KKR family, I think you don’t need to worry about anything. Because GG sir (Gautam Gambhir) is there, Shah Rukh sir is there, the head coach is there, and everyone is like a family. I didn’t play for a long time and suddenly played in the semi-final, which was big pressure, but they took all the pressure from me and said, ”Just go and enjoy the game”. I was well prepared actually because we had a very good net session. Phil Salt played well, and I hope I replace him in good name,” says Gurbaz.
KKR are now off to Chennai for their next assignment – the IPL 2024 final – and the opponent is still unknown as RCB, RR, and SRH are still in the race. As far as Gurbaz is concerned, he would be looking to put his best foot forward to help his KKR family end the long wait for an IPL trophy. If he manages to do that, he will indeed be putting a smile on the faces of his family and ailing mother back home.
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