KKR get rid of foreign recruits worries
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Chris Lynn and Andre Russell were the two major injury worries for Kolkata Knight Riders ahead of the upcoming Indian Premier League [IPL]. Both of them pulled out of the Pakistan Super League [PSL] as Lynn suffered a shoulder injury and Russell sustained a hamstring injury.
Sunil Narine’s bowling action had been reported in PSL and that raised doubts regarding his participation in the league given that the spinner will be under the microscope for his action.
KKR’s CEO Venky Mysore has confirmed that all three overseas players will be available for the lucrative league. The Kolkata-based franchise will, however, miss the service of Australian quick Mitchell Starc who has picked a shin injury in South Africa.
Mitchell Johnson, another Aussie, will be the spearhead of their pace attack instead. Mysore has also revealed that they have been looking to replace Starc.
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“Lynn's fine, Johnson's fine - they're all on a plane as we speak,” Mysore said on Tuesday. “Tomorrow, we'll have a practice game. If the physio feels they're fit to play the practice match after the flight, then you'll see them in action. Lynn's available for the first match.”
“With every adversity comes an opportunity and it could be one of the youngsters who shine this season. So, yes, we are disappointed but we're not going 'Oh my God, what happened.'
“Johnson's played a lot at the IPL and won two championships [with Mumbai Indians]. He's an outstanding bowler - you saw how he bowled at the Big Bash. He's still fit, still bowling 145+ and is an experienced campaigner. So, at least in the initial stage, we won't miss Starc, but we're looking at replacements. Give us 24 hours,” he added.
According to Mysore, hunger for success is what counts instead of big names in the team.
He said, “Yes, we talk about [Shivam] Mavi, [Kamlesh] Nagarkoti and [Shubman] Gill, but don't forget Apoorv Wankhade, Rinku Singh, Nitish Rana and Ishank Jaggi.
“Jaggi's a highly under-rated player and had an excellent season for Jharkhand. It's good that we're under the radar. People are saying, 'where are the names, where are the names?' You don't need names here, you need people who are hungry to do well.”
Knight Riders' season opener is at home, against Virat Kohli's Royal Challengers Bangalore, on April 8.