As a mentor, a coach, a legend of cricket, I respect Gambhir a lot: Naveen-ul-Haq

Gautam Gambhir and Naveen ul Haq. (Photo Source: Instagram)

Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) pacer Naveen-ul-Haq expressed that he learned quite a lot from mentor Gautam Gambhir during his stint with the franchise in the IPL 2023. Notably, the Krunal Pandya-led side crashed out in the race for the finals following a crushing defeat at the hands of Mumbai Indians in the Eliminator.

Following the loss, pacer Naveen-ul-Haq was asked about his equation with mentor Gambhir upon which the former expressed that he learned many things from the India great.

“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,” told Naveen in the post-match presentation.

My individual performance comes second: Naveen-ul-Haq

During the match against MI, Naveen recorded a four-wicket haul for 38 runs at an economy of 9.50. In addition to this, the pacer claimed 11 scalps in eight appearances for the franchise during the ongoing season. Despite relishing a decent season, Naveen acknowledged that the teams’ goals are the main priority over individual performances. 

“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,” he added.

While LSG were eliminated, Mumbai Indians, on the other hand, will lock horns with defending champions Gujarat Titans in Qualifier 2 on Friday, May 26. The five-time winners will aim to cement their spot in the finals and add a record-extending sixth title to their illustrious cabinet.