Jacques Kallis hails Gautam Gambhir as one the most valuable players in IPL

New Delhi: Former South African all-rounder Jacques Kallis hailed Gautam Gambhir as one of the most valuable players in the Indian Premier League. They were part of the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) team which won the 2014 IPL title. Now, Kallis will work as a mentor to the team, while Gambhir continues as the skipper.

In a special column for Gulf News, the legendary South African emphasised how Gambhir placed his innings in their season opener against Mumbai Indians. The defending champions, thanks to the skipper's 57-run knock, won the match by seven wickets at the Eden Gardens.

“Gautam Gambhir once again showed his class against Mumbai. He refused to panic after making a slow start and then kept things together during the run chase with a beautifully paced innings. He is now, in my opinion, one of the most valuable cricketers in the IPL,” Kallis wrote.

Regarded as one of the greatest cricketers of all time, Kallis shared dressing room with Gautam for three seasons as players, before he took up the back-room role this season. They have won tow IPL titles in three years.