Former batter Ambati Rayudu opines that IPL teams that give freedom to the players have a better chance of success than teams where coaches make all the decisions.
Rayudu spoke about the value of preserving a positive team environment and gave Kolkata Knight Riders coach Gautam Gambhir’s example. Rayudu credited Gambhir’s philosophy of allowing players to express themselves to their fullest.
“These are the teams that thrive if the coaches step back and nd work behind the scenes and let the players take ownership, and give the players the freedom to perform on the field, and that is what KKR has been doing,” Ambati Rayudu said.
KKR are the first franchise to qualify for the playoffs with 19 points from nine victories in IPL 2024. Gambhir is back as KKR’s mentor this season, and it is his influence that has worked in team’s favour.
“Gautam Gambhir is simply helping them and pointing them in the proper way… It is simple if you maintain it that way,” he continued.
Former Indian spinner Harbhajan Singh gave former KKR coach Brendon McCullum credit for keeping the team’s dressing room upbeat despite the team’s results.
“When I played for KKR, Brendon was our coach. Brilliant guy. Easily the best individual I have ever worked with. He exuded such positivity in the changing room. He did not change whether you won or lost. Despite losing 6-7 games in the start of the season, we managed to make it to the finals,” commented Harbhajan.
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