Sunil Narine has emerged as a pivotal player for Kolkata Knight Riders in IPL 2024, proving his worth with both bat and ball. Currently the second-highest run-scorer for KKR with 380 runs at a remarkable strike rate of 179.24, Narine has also showcased his power-hitting abilities by smashing a century and two half-centuries during the ongoing campaign. His bowling performance has been equally impressive, as he has taken 13 wickets in 10 matches, placing him fifth in the Purple Cap race. Narine’s ability to restrict batters and maintain an economical rate of 6.72 has made him a valuable asset to KKR.
Ravichandran Ashwin, the star spinner for Rajasthan Royals, recently discussed the exceptional bowling performances of Jasprit Bumrah and Sunil Narine. Ashwin acknowledged Bumrah’s unique release point, which provides him with a distinct advantage as a pacer. However, when asked about Narine’s bowling action, which has faced some scrutiny in the past, Ashwin declined to elaborate, stating that it was against his policy to comment on such matters.
Despite his limited wicket count of two in nine games, Ashwin’s contributions have proven crucial in key moments for Rajasthan Royals, who currently lead the IPL 2024 points table. In contrast, Bumrah’s sizzling form has not translated into success for Mumbai Indians, who find themselves at the bottom of the table with only six points from 11 matches. Kolkata Knight Riders, on the other hand, are second in the standings with 14 points from 10 fixtures.
This season, batters have generally outperformed bowlers, leading to high-scoring matches. Among the top five wicket-takers in the Purple Cap race, only Bumrah (6.25) and Narine (6.72) have managed to maintain an economy rate below 7. Bumrah’s dominance is evident in his 17 dismissals from 11 games at an exceptional economy of 6.25.
Sunil Narine’s resurgence this season has been remarkable, and his all-round contributions have played a significant role in KKR’s success. However, the question of his bowling action continues to linger, with Ashwin choosing to remain silent on the matter. Nevertheless, it is undeniable that both Narine and Bumrah have showcased their exceptional bowling abilities in IPL 2024, leaving their mark on the tournament.
