Picture Credit: X
During the recently concluded three-match T20I series between India and Afghanistan, the all-rounder Gulbadin Naib had a splendid run with the bat, scoring back-to-back fifties at an enterprising strike-rate. Although India defeated Afghanistan by 3-0 in the T20I series, the 32-year-old made everyone notice his blitz hitting against a very formidable bowling attack.
The second T20I of the series saw Gulbadin Naib score 57 off 35 with five fours and four maximums at the Holkar Cricket Stadium in Indore, propelling the Afghanistan total to 172 runs in the first innings, which India chased down comfortably. At the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in the third and final T20I, he backed up his previous performance with a better fifty, notching up unbeaten 55 off 23 with four fours and four maximums to help his team tie the contest from a hopeless situation.
Following the scintillating display of batting from the 32-year-old Gulbadin Naib in back-to-back matches, the Indian off spinner Ravichandran Ashwin, who plays in the IPL for Rajasthan Royals, sent out a post on his official X account about him. He pointed out how the franchises should notice the Afghan all-rounder, who is a finisher from Asia with a base price of ₹50 Lakh.
With that, SportsTiger looks at the three IPL franchises who could buy Gulbadin Naib either as a replacement player for the 2024 season or beyond.
Kolkata Knight Riders
Kolkata Knight Riders have two of the best all-rounders in T20 format, namely Sunil Narine and Andre Russell in their squad, who have served them well for many years. But in recent times, while Narine has struggled to pick up wickets consistently due to changes in his action in the IPL, his West Indian counterpart Russell has been suffering from niggles, which hasn’t helped him in performing to the best of his abilities for KKR.
Therefore, if Kolkata Knight Riders need to either replace or sign a new player in their place, Gulbadin Naib can be a very good fit for them. This can be the case specially because his T20 strike-rate of 134.87 is moving in the upward trajectory, while his bowling can also be a valuable asset if used in a meticulous way.