The Eden Gardens on Tuesday was witness to something special on Tuesday. Sunil Narine, after 15 years since making his first-class debut, scored his career's first century at the age of 35 years and 326 days. The century came in 49 balls for Kolkata Knight Riders against Rajasthan Royals. The West Indies allrounder, who has been promoted up the order, slammed 13 fours and six sixes on way to slamming a 56-ball 109. The century was met with joyous reaction from Shah Rukh Khan, team owner of Kolkata Knight Riders.
Kolkata Knight Riders mentor Gautam Gambhir has been really influential in Narine's rise. During his stint as IPL captain, Gambhir had used Narine as a pinch-hitter at the top of the order. Former India and CSk star wicketkeeper Parthiv Patel praised Gambhir for giving Narine a new role.
"When Gautam Gambhir was captain of KKR, he was completely convinced that Sunil Narine is the kind of player who could win them matches if he opened the batting. He came back to KKR and has done just that. A lot of things make a difference. Knowing you have someone who backs you, allows you to bat with confidence. Without a doubt, his batting is exciting. If you score 85 off 39 balls and it feels like every other ball can go for a four or a six, it is exciting," Parthiv Patel said as quoted by Jio Cinema.