IPL 2021: My heart says KKR should win but I want a new winner – Gautam Gambhir

Former Indian opener Gautam Gambhir has said that he wants a new winner in the IPL even though his heart wants KKR to win their third title.

Gambhir had himself led KKR to two titles in 2012 and 2014 but wants to see a new winner in either Delhi Capitals or Royal Challengers Bangalore.

Delhi Capitals had finished the league stage at the top of the points table with 10 wins from 14 matches whereas Chennai Super Kings had finished at second place. Royal Challengers Bangalore has also had a good run in IPL 2021 as they won nine out of the 14 matches they played whereas KKR won seven matches in the league stage to finish at fourth place.

Gambhir feels a new winner will be good for the tournament as the league has dominated by MI, CSK, and KKR over the years.

Gautam Gambhir said on ESPN Cricinfo, “I want KKR to win. My heart says KKR should win but at the same time, I want a new winner. So the new winner has to be either Delhi or RCB. I want a new winner and it’s good for the league, the competition and it’s good for everyone.”

Meanwhile, Kolkata Knight Riders will face Royal Challengers Bangalore in the Eliminator contest at Sharjah Cricket Stadium on Monday. Gambhir added that the KKR spinners will have an advantage in Sharjah.

Sunil Narine and Varun Chakravarthy have been right on the money for KKR and they will definitely be a threat for RCB batters. Shakib Al Hasan has also done a good job since he has replaced injured Andre Russell in the playing XI. Moreover, KKR has won both of its matches in Sharjah in the second phase of the tournament.

“Yes, because they are playing in Sharjah. They’ll play their first [playoffs game] at Sharjah and if they end up beating RCB, they’ll play their next game in Sharjah as well and that’d probably suit their attack. They have got Shakib, Narine, and Varun Chakravarthy and they have got their Indian batting that suits that surface. If they can probably get to 150-160, they’ve got the bowling lineup with Lockie Ferguson who’s got the pace to defend that total.

Both KKR and RCB have won once against each other in the league stage of the ongoing season.