Rahmanullah Gurbaz, the opener for Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), shared a poignant moment from the IPL 2024 final against Sunrisers Hyderabad on Sunday, May 26, 2024, revealing the heartfelt message his mother conveyed to him.
Despite facing a tough decision of leaving his ailing mother in the hospital, Gurbaz answered the call from his IPL franchise KKR during the playoffs, stepping in after the departure of England opener Phil Salt.
During the final match, Gurbaz showcased his talent by scoring 39 runs from 32 balls, including five fours and two sixes. He also contributed significantly behind the stumps, taking three catches.
Reflecting on his conversation with his mother before the crucial match, Gurbaz shared. “I think she will be watching, she is okay now. Before the match, I spoke to my mom. I asked what do you want, and she said, nothing, just win.”
This victory marks Gurbaz’s second IPL title, having previously triumphed with the Gujarat Titans two years ago. Expressing his gratitude, he stated, “Twice I’m champion of IPL, I’m lucky. When you work hard for two months and the result when it comes like this is special.”
Gurbaz’s journey back to India for the playoffs was not without challenges, as he had to navigate his mother’s illness. He shared his emotional struggle, saying, “My mom is still sick. I went (back) there and the call from here was (that) Phil Salt was leaving. They called and they messaged me that ‘Gurbaz, we need you, and what is your feedback for us?’. I said, ‘Yes, I will come’.”
Despite the difficult circumstances, Gurbaz emphasized the importance of managing both his family responsibilities and his commitment to KKR. He acknowledged the challenges but remained determined to balance both aspects of his life.
Gurbaz’s dedication to both cricket and family serves as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices athletes often make in pursuit of their dreams.
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