IPL 2023: “I Respect Him a Lot and Have Learnt So Many Things from Him,” Says Naveen-ul-Haq about Gautam Gambhir

Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) fast bowler Naveen-ul-Haq applauded franchise mentor Gautam Gambhir, stating that he has huge respect for him. He also added that he has learnt a lot from the former opener during his Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023 as well. However, Naveen was the standout performer for LSG in the Eliminator clash against Mumbai Indians (MI) at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on Wednesday, May 24.

He registered the bowling figures of 4/38, picking up the big wickets of Rohit Sharma, Suryakumar Yadav, Cameron Green and Tilak Varma. In a post-match conference, following LSG’s exit from IPL 2023, Naveen praised Gambhir and commented:

“Everyone should back their own players. Mentor, coach, player or anyone – I will stand for each teammate on the ground and that’s what I expect from each individual also. He (Gambhir) has been a legend for India; he has huge respect in India. He has given so much to Indian cricket. As a mentor, as a coach, as a legend of cricket, I respect him a lot and have learnt so many things from him – how I should go about my cricket inside the field and same thing outside.”

IPL 2023: “I learnt quite a few things from this IPL” – Naveen-ul-Haq

Gautam Gambhir, who had played for Delhi Capitals and Kolkata Knight Riders in the IPL during his playing days, came onboard as LSG mentor prior to the franchise’s debut during the 2022 season as well. While LSG failed to go all the way in IPL 2023, Naveen-ul-Haq also admitted that it was a good season for him personally. He, however, shared that they could have done better as a team as well.

“To be honest, it [his season] was good. We could’ve done better as a team. Individual performances don’t count. At the end of the day, our team goal was to win the trophy. My individual performance comes second. It was a good season for me, I learnt quite a few things from this IPL and hopefully [I’ll] come back stronger,” Naveen-ul-Haq concluded.

However, he featured in eight matches in IPL 2023, picking up 11 wickets which came at an average of 19.91 and an economy rate of 7.82.