RAMANDEEP. (Photo source: X(Twitter)
Kolkata Knight Riders have found a gem of a player in Ramandeep Singh as the batter changed the momentum of the game against Sunrisers Hyderabad at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata. His power-hitting ability was put to great use as Kolkata Knight Riders were given a good foundation during their Indian Premier League 2024 campaign opener.
The right-handed batter came when his team was in a precarious position and had already lost four wickets inside eight overs with just 51 runs on the scoreboard. Fans would have expected him to forge a partnership with Phil Salt to stabilise the innings by using the defensive approach.
However, under the new reign of Gautam Gambhir, Ramandeep Singh made the best use of his opportunity as he smashed 35 runs from just 17 balls. The batting all-rounder was able to hit four sixes and one four in his blockbuster innings. He was the aggressor during the 54-run partnership alongside Salt. He ultimately was dismissed by Pat Cummins during the 13th over but by that time he had already shifted the momentum towards his side.
Fans on social media are going berserk over the attacking innings of Ramandeep against Sunrisers Hyderabad. The Eden Gardens was on their feet as they saw the ball fly into the stands more often than not throughout the innings.
Ramandeep Singh: A new star in the making under Gautam Gambhir?
The 26-year-old has been part of the Indian Premier League before as he was part of the five-time champions Mumbai Indians. Over the past two seasons, he was able to make the playing XI just five times. All of these five appearances came during the 2022 season of the league. Throughout his five games, he was just able to score 45 runs in total but took five wickets as well with his accurate line and length.
Some amazing performances in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy for Punjab tempted the Kolkata Knight Riders to take the all-rounder for their team. During India’s domestic T20 competition, Ramandeep played with a monstrous strike rate of 222, which indicates the kind of innings he is known for playing. Under Gautam Gambhir, the Punjab all-rounder can grow a lot and can be the X-factor player for the franchise.