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Sunil Narine‘s extraordinary display in ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 has been a spectacle to behold, as he continues to leave a significant impact for the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) with his exceptional all-round contributions.
Batting brilliance: Sunil Narine’s remarkable form with the bat
Widely recognized for his off-spin bowling prowess, Narine has transcended expectations by emerging as a potent force with the bat, amassing a formidable tally of 276 runs in just six matches, all while maintaining an astounding strike rate of 187.77.
His batting prowess was particularly evident in the recent clash against the Rajasthan Royals (RR), where he showcased his ability with a remarkable maiden T20 century in just 49 balls that included thirteen boundaries and six towering sixes, albeit being overshadowed by Jos Buttler‘s scintillating ton in a closely contested encounter that ultimately saw Rajasthan clinch a thrilling two-wicket win.
Also READ: Double Tons: A Look at IPL Matches with Two Centuries
Rovman Powell’s update on Narine’s T20 World Cup 2024 return
Post-match discussions unveiled a tantalizing prospect as Narine’s compatriot, Rovman Powell, who is currently playing for Rajasthan, hinted at the possibility of Narine donning the West Indies jersey once again for the upcoming T20 World Cup 2024, slated to be held in the West Indies and the United States of America (USA).
Despite Narine’s retirement from international cricket in 2023 and his absence from the West Indies squad since 2019, Powell expressed optimism in coaxing Narine out of retirement, rallying support from seasoned campaigners like Kieron Pollard, Nicholas Pooran and Dwayne Bravo to persuade Narine for a potential return.
“For the last 12 months, I’ve been whispering in his (Narine’s) ears, but he’s blocked out everyone. I’ve asked [Kieron] Pollard, [Dwayne] Bravo, [Nicholas] Pooran. Hopefully, before they select the team, they can crack his code,” Powell said.
Narine’s bowling excellence in the IPL 2024
Currently being third in the race for the orange-cap, Narine’s exceptional batting exploits have been complemented by his unwavering bowling excellence. Even amidst high-scoring encounters, Narine has remained a potent threat with the ball, claiming 7 crucial wickets in six matches at an exemplary economy rate of 6.88, showcasing his versatility and indispensability as a key asset in the dynamic landscape of T20 cricket.
