The 2019 edition of the Indian Premier League saw things heated up a bit at Kolkata Knight Riders’ camp after a fit Andre Russell, during a press conference, questioned the team’s decision-making to send him further down in the batting order. In an interview on the RK Show a couple of months ago, Karthik opened up about the incident, looking at the incident constructively and discussing things with Russell after the episode and the two things arranged between them.
But even though the episode seems like an incident from the past, former KKR spinner Brad Hogg opined that the tensions between the two players are a major flaw in the KKR team heading into this year’s IPL which begins on the 19th. September in the United Arab Emirates.
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Speaking on the latest episode of ‘Hogg’s Vlog’ on his official YouTube channel, Hogg said: “What is the only flaw in this team? There is only one: the relationship between Andre Russell and Dinesh Karthik. We can’t let Andre Russell come out in the media after the game and say we didn’t make the right decisions. That has to be done behind closed doors. “
Hogg added that head coach Brendon McCullum has to make sure tensions between the two players don’t escalate further. “Brendon McCullum has to make sure he rectifies that relationship, he gets up to speed on it early, because if there’s a little bit of disharmony in this lineup, it can have a ripple effect in a biosecure environment, and things like that can get out of hand. control very quickly, ”Hogg said.
Hogg further said that the KKR team has specialized players in all departments who can help them in this year’s tournament. “What is the advantage for Kolkata Knight Riders? They have specialist players in each role. They have good fast bowlers, quality spinners, and a variety of hitters who can play different roles. They also have Sunil Narine there. Yes, we know he can throw a little spin, but it’s his hitting, his versatility, that adds power in this lineup.
“Because he can open up the bat, hit in the middle, also play some big shots at the end to end innings. Plus they have Andre Russell, who can throw a little bit at a medium pace. But that hitting in the end is pure firepower. There is no limit too big for him, ”he said.
“The standout player on the team will be Tom Banton from England. He’s going to lead the way, he’s going to be the leading scorer in runs for the Kolkata Knight Riders. He’s going to be one of the top three hitters in the IPL this year.
“I think Kolkata Knight Riders will finish third. They can get the IPL title during the final series, ”said Hogg.
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