Updated: September 22, 2020 7:35:33 pm
Shubman Gill is set to open for KKR with Sunil Narine. (Source file)
Kolkata Knight Riders skipper Dinesh Karthik is optimistic that talented Indian hitter Shubman Gill will exceed all expectations in the current edition of the IPL.
Gill had a limited opportunity to show his skills in the last edition, as his batting position was constantly manipulated, but this time KKR coach Brendon McCullum has already given the 21-year-old the starting spot.
“Shubman is a quality player. There are many expectations of him around the world, I am sure that he will exceed all expectations and I am very confident in that, ”said Karthik in a virtual interaction before the clash against the Mumbai Indians.
In Gill and Sunil Narine, KKR has the perfect opening combination, he said.
“No tricky hitting by Sunil Narine makes it easy for us. It’s a very unique opening pair. “
Karthik admitted that he has the ‘abundance problem’ choosing the XI from a renewed team of Kolkata Knight Riders.
“One of the difficult points for KKR at the moment is choosing the right XI. Many guys have raised their hands and are ready to be selected. It’s going to be interesting and difficult, but it’s a good sign. “
Last season, KKR started well by winning four of their first five games, but lost six games in a row at the end of business to miss the playoffs.
The team has a new training setup led by the great McCullum of New Zealand, while the addition of England’s 2019 World Cup winning captain Eoin Morgan and pacemaker Pat Cummins provide solidity and balance alongside this time. .
While Cummins will lead the pace attack, it remains to be seen who the Indian team will be.
Kamlesh Nagarkoti and Shivam Mavi return after lengthy layoffs due to injuries, while also having the talented Prasidh Krishna alongside Sandeep Warrier.
“We are in a good space. One of our strengths is the variety we have in our rhythm department. The four Indian pacemakers are shaping up very well. It will be a difficult decision to decide who is going to start the tournament, ”said Karthik.
The first two matches have seen scores in the region of 160 and Karthik said this time it appears to be the number in the IPL in UAE.
“Looking at the games so far, I think 160 is an even score on most grounds. But there is no reason why a higher total cannot be achieved. But yeah, 160 is a very interesting number this year, ”Karthik said.
KKR has an uneven head-to-head record against four-time defending champions the Mumbai Indians, who have won 18 times in 23 games.
“It’s good that we are playing against them at the beginning of the tournament. They are a very solid side, we are aware of that. But it’s a new year and two good teams, I’m sure tomorrow will be a great game. “
Another big disappointment for KKR last season was Kuldeep Yadav’s shaky performance, as the left arm wrist spinner just got four wickets from nine matches and fell.
McCullum, however, backed Yadav, saying that Yadav is determined to go back to being the “top” Indian spinner.
“He’s been challenged a bit, but I can tell you he’s come back stronger, he looks incredibly fit right now,” he said of Kuldeep, who was crushed for 26 runs in an over by RCB hitter Moeen Ali last season.
“Naturally, in any cricketer’s career, you will go through periods of peak performance and then times when you are challenged a little bit, that’s the nature of the top tier. Other teams are starting to investigate more about you and question you in certain ways with your own ability, ”said the former Kiwi captain.
McCullum further said the team could be at home as conditions look similar to Eden Gardens with the wickets that aid joint movements.
“I think the conditions are probably a bit similar to Eden Gardens. If you look at the first games and the totals, I think the fields in the UAE have not been used in recent months. They have a pretty cool undertone, ”he said.
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