IPL 2025: Assistant Coach Ottis Gibson Praises Rahane as KKR's Role Model Like Dhoni and Kohli

Synopsis

Ottis Gibson, Kolkata Knight Riders' assistant coach, has named Ajinkya Rahane as a batting role model for the team, comparing him to cricket icons M.S. Dhoni and Virat Kohli. Rahane's leadership has positioned KKR third in the points table after their recent victory over CSK.

Key Takeaways

Ajinkya Rahane is regarded as a role model by KKR's assistant coach.
He has scored 204 runs with an average of 40.8 this season.
Under Rahane's captaincy, KKR is currently third in the league.
Gibson emphasizes the importance of observing Rahane's playing style.
Moeen Ali humorously supports Rahane's role model status while favoring Sunil Narine.

New Delhi, April 12 (NationPress) Ottis Gibson, the assistant coach of Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), highlighted skipper Ajinkya Rahane as a prime batting role model for the team, asserting that the experienced batter stands alongside legends like M.S. Dhoni and Virat Kohli.

To date, Rahane has amassed 204 runs in six matches, showcasing an average of 40.8 and a striking strike-rate of 154.54. Under his guidance, KKR currently holds the third position in the points table after defeating Chennai Super Kings (CSK) by eight wickets at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on Friday.

"Often, when I collaborate with teams and young talents, we look for role models. These may include figures like MS Dhoni or Virat Kohli."

"Jinks (Rahane) serves as a role model for everyone in this dressing room as a batter, and here's why. Each day, when we organize our roster, Jinks takes 20 minutes, without bowlers, to receive some bubble feeds from us and throws from our throwers," Gibson mentioned in a video shared by the franchise on Saturday.

He elaborated on how Rahane embodies tranquility within the KKR framework. "He never plays aerial shots. Everything is grounded. Once the game commences, he understands his technique. With his strike rate over 150, he practices his desired style every day, and when he plays alongside us in the middle, he exudes confidence and composure as he executes his game plan."

"Thus, he is a role model for the young players here. You ought to observe his approach to the game," Gibson emphasized.

Veteran off-spin bowling all-rounder Moeen Ali concurred with Gibson’s views, adding a humorous twist. "I absolutely agree with the Coach that Jinks is an exceptional role model for all batsmen. However, my role model is Sunil Narine because he can hit the first ball for six against anyone."

As the defending champions, KKR will take a brief break before facing Shreyas Iyer-led Punjab Kings at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in New Chandigarh on April 15.