IPL 2025: KKR's Rahmanullah Gurbaz Thrilled to Return to Beloved Eden Gardens

Mumbai, Dec 4 (NationPress) Rahmanullah Gurbaz, the remarkable cricketer from Afghanistan who rose from humble beginnings, is looking forward to the Indian Premier League (2025). Once playing a U19 match against India with a borrowed bat, he has now been secured in the auction for Rs 2 crore. More than the significant price tag, Gurbaz is thrilled to return to his favorite pitches at Eden Gardens in Kolkata.

Selected by the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) for the second consecutive season, Gurbaz is eager to build upon his success that led the franchise to clinch their third IPL title in May 2024.

"I am incredibly excited to step onto the field and play exceptional cricket. Interestingly, Eden Gardens is one of my favorite venues, where I generally perform well, so I can't wait to showcase my skills in Kolkata," Gurbaz shared in an exclusive conversation with Telecom Asia Sport during the conclusion of the Abu Dhabi T10.

"The IPL is always exhilarating, but I don’t dwell too much on the auction. I trust in my abilities and have performed well in the past...so I am looking forward to playing for the team that best fits my growth as a cricketer," explained Gurbaz, who debuted in the IPL in 2022 for Gujarat Titans as a replacement for Jason Roy.

A true cricket nomad, Gurbaz has represented Gujarat Titans and KKR in India, Khulna Tigers and Rangpur Riders in Bangladesh, Multan Sultans and Islamabad United in Pakistan, Kandy Tuskers and Jaffna Kings in Sri Lanka, Guyana Amazon Warriors in the Caribbean Premier League, and Kathmandu Kings XI in Nepal, in addition to playing for UP Nawabs in the Abu Dhabi 10 this year.

In 2023, he was traded from Jaffna Kings to KKR prior to the season, contributing to the Knight Riders’ third IPL title.

Gurbaz's path has been challenging, having progressed from playing without a proper bat to earning a respectable living in franchise cricket to support his family. It has been a tough yet fulfilling journey for the Afghan cricketer, who made his Test debut against Ireland in February 2024.

"As a cricketer, there are numerous ups and downs in life. Hard times are inevitable. Particularly in cricket, while happy times arise, often there are challenges," Gurbaz reflected.

The 23-year-old from Kabul reminisced about a pivotal moment in his life—the day he played an international match with a borrowed bat.

"I recall a time when I was part of the Under-19 team. I had no bat available before a match against India. My batting coach urged me to prepare, but I lacked a bat. Bats were costly, and I had no funds to purchase one," Gurbaz recounted.

"I pleaded with my teammates, ‘Please, lend me a bat’. Most Afghan players, including myself, came from very modest backgrounds. Eventually, someone lent me a bat.

"I won’t name him, but the person who lent it said: ‘I have two—one good, one poor—but I will give you the inferior one so you don’t ruin my good bat.’ It was honestly a terrible bat. Yet, I accepted it as I had no other option."

That performance with a subpar bat truly illustrated Gurbaz’s character, demonstrating his talent as he scored a century and led his team to victory.

"I played with that inferior bat and scored a hundred. I clinched the match for my team on my debut. That was one of the most challenging moments in my life, but it also served as a turning point as those struggles imparted valuable lessons," he expressed, visibly emotional.

Looking back on his journey, Gurbaz expressed gratitude to those who contributed to his success, acknowledging the sacrifices and dedication it took to reach his current position.

"I have never shared this before, but that was the most arduous journey of my life. Now, by the grace of God, I have everything I need. I don't focus on highs or lows. I appreciate whatever comes my way; behind this journey lies immense hard work," he concluded.

Gurbaz will be among the seven players from Afghanistan participating in the Indian Premier League.