IPL 2024: Rahmanullah Gurbaz reveals reason behind his absence from KKR squad

Rahmanullah Gurbaz was traded in by KKR from GT for his base price before IPL 2023.

Afghanistan batter-keeper Rahmanullah Gurbaz has been missing action for Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024. KKR are currently on top of the table with 16 points from 8 wins in 11 matches, almost cementing their place in the playoffs.

The Afghan wicket-keeper batsman joined Gujarat Titans through the auction in 2022 and then didn’t get a single game to play for the side in the entire season. However, later he was traded to KKR ahead of the 2023 season, where he made his debut for the two-time champions.

In his debut season, Gurbaz went on to score 227 runs in seven matches for KKR at a strike rate of 133.53, including two half-centuries. He was then retained by the franchise before 2024 season, but is yet to play a game this season.

The reason has been England keeper-batter Phil Salt’s success at the top. Salt, who was bought in by KKR as replacement of Jason Roy, has managed to score 429 runs in 11 matches for the team so far at a staggering strike rate of 183.33. He has been averaging 42.90 and has also managed the wicket-keeping duties well for the team.

I will join my KKR family very soon: Rahmanullah Gurbaz

Rahmanullah Gurbaz, the KKR opener and wicket-keeper, announced on Tuesday that he will rejoin the squad after returning home to Afghanistan owing to his mother’s sickness. On May 1, Gurbaz flew back to Kabul to be with his ill mother. He is likely to join the team next week, according to reports.

“After a short break from IPL due to my mother’s illness, i will join my kkr family very soon, thanks for all the messages and prayers, alhumdulillah she is feeling better now thanks,” Gurbaz informed on social media.

KKR’s next encounter in the IPL 2024 is on Saturday, May 11. Even without Gurbaz, the team has adequate time to prepare for the game.

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