Narine's pinch-hitting proved to be a success for a few seasons before his weakness against fast and short deliveries was exploited and he became a liability at the top. But in 2024, he returned with an improved version of his batting and cracked open the game for his side with some explosive hits at the top. Heading into his sixth game of the season, not only does he boast of the most runs (127) and highest strike rate (201.59) among all players in the powerplay this season, but has also ensured that his team has been the most productive when the field restrictions are on (averaging 54.4 at a run-rate of 11.33), significantly ahead of the second best team - Mumbai Indians.
When Sunil Narine, the batter does well, Kolkata Knight Riders, the team does well. His performance as a pinch-hitter has been an anomaly in the Indian Premier League. Let alone finding success in that role, very few teams have even ventured into replicating that plan with their options.
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