Rahmanullah Gurbaz left his hospitalised mother's bedside in Afghanistan to play a pivotal role in the Kolkata Knight Riders' advance to the IPL final.
In his first appearance this season, the 22-year-old wicketkeeper-batsman scored a crucial 23 off 14 balls, helping Kolkata chase down 160 with ease against Sunrisers Hyderabad in Ahmedabad on Tuesday.
Gurbaz's decision to return came after Phil Salt left to prepare for England's T20 World Cup campaign. Despite his mother's ongoing illness, Gurbaz answered the call from his team. "My mom is still sick. I went there (back to Afghanistan)," he said. "But I knew my KKR was also my family. They needed me here, so I came back from Afghanistan."
Having flown home to be with his mother, Gurbaz rejoined KKR when they needed him the most. His quickfire innings, including two fours and two sixes, set the pace for Kolkata's chase, completed in just 13.4 overs, securing their fourth IPL final berth. He also took two catches as Hyderabad were bowled out for 159, with Mitchell Starc taking 3-34.
Despite limited IPL playtime, Gurbaz has significant experience with 55 T20 caps for Afghanistan and will be a key player in the upcoming World Cup. For now, his focus remains on Sunday's IPL final in Chennai, with his "first priority" being KKR. Hyderabad still have a chance to make the final when they face the winner of Wednesday's game between Rajasthan Royals and Royal Challengers Bengaluru.
