After playing for Kolkata Knight Riders in the Indian Premier League since 2011, Shakib Al Hasan was let go by the franchise this year. Sunrisers Hyderabad, meanwhile, took the opportunity with both hands and bought him for 2 crore rupees ($304,500) in this year’s auction.

They also added another former Kolkata Knight Riders player in the squad in the form of Wriddhiman Saha, a move that surprised many given that he is a Test specialist (although he has a healthy strike-rate of 130.67 in T20s).

Sunrisers coach Muralitharan, however, explained how Shakib’s inclusion played a part in bringing Saha to the team as the West Bengal star is one of the best wicketkeepers in the world, especially known for his ability to keep wickets impeccably against spin-bowling.

“It [the IPL] is a marathon and the race has just started,” he told Economic Times. “What we’ve done is create a team that has really good balance. Many people asked why we chose Wriddhiman Saha. It was a clearly thought out strategy.

“Last year we did not have good spin backup options after Rashid Khan. This year we do. We have picked Shakib Al Hasan as our first choice left-arm spinner. When you have two quality spin bowlers in your team, it’s essential you have a good keeper. Else, the chances created by the spinners are wasted more often than not.

“So in that sense, we’ve done what we could have. Now only time will tell if the planning gives us the results we are hoping for.”

When asked about the absence of David Warner, the legendary Sri Lankan spinner stated that while his void is difficult to fill, Kane Williamson has done a great job thus far.

“His are big shoes to fill. He has been an exceptional player for us and for any team he has played for. But there is little that can be done and I have to say Kane Williamson has led the team very well in Warner’s absence. He has the experience and has held the dressing room together quite nicely.”

Muralitharan holds the record of taking the most wickets in the international circuit with 1334 scalps to his name. Despite being an off-spinner, he used his wrist to turn the ball – unlike the use of the fingers, like conventional offies do – and generated gigantic angles even on the flattest of tracks.

According to him, wrist spinners will always be the go-to option for the captains, especially on foreign soil, which is why the Indian selectors prefer to use Kuldeep Yadav and Yuzvendra Chahal in limited overs cricket over Ravi Ashwin and Ravi Jadeja.

“Wrist spinners will always give you better dividends in overseas conditions. Or more simply put in good batting conditions. There can’t be any debate on this matter. They are expected to pick more wickets and I can clearly see and understand why the Indian selectors have done what they have done.

“There’s always an element of mystery to wrist spinners and until this mystery is decoded they will deliver for the captain. I don’t know whether Ashwin or Jadeja will be back but the reasoning behind the call is fairly obvious. And both Kuldeep and Chahal have done well and justified the faith shown in them.”