Gambhir is an exceptional leader, says Wasim Akram

Wasim Akram

Out-of-favour Indian opening batsman and Kolkata Knight Riders captain Gautam Gambhir has brought back smiles on millions of faces after recovering from a disastrous start to the Indian Premier League 2014. He started the tournament by scoring 3 ducks in a row and then stiched together 3 half-centuries, 2 of which helped his team win matches.

Despite a not-so-good start to the ongoing IPL season, the Knight Riders have managed to win 4 back-to-back games to keep their hopes of reaching the top 4 alive. Former Pakistan fast bowler and the Knight Riders bowling coach Wasim Akram was all praises for the skipper and his team's bowlers.

"Gautam is an exceptional leader and his results are there for all to see," Akram told Times of India. "The way he has come back to form after the first few disappointments says a lot about his mental strength. He is someone who leads from the front," he added.

Acknowledging the presence of wicket-taking bowlers and their crucial contribution to the side, the 47-year-old said, "Sunil Narine, Morne Morkel and Umesh Yadav have all played cricket at the highest level, and have a lot of experience. Even with the likes of (Vinay) Kumar, (Piyush) Chawla and Shakib - it is all about helping them to approach a game from the psychological perspective."

The legendary pacer identified youngster Suryakumar Yadav as one of the positives for the Knight Riders. Impressed by the 23-year-old's performance so far, Akram said, "I reckon the find of the season for us has been Suryakumar Yadav. The way he batted in the first few matches has been very impressive, and he is also an exceptional fielder."