Ahead of their match against Kings XI Punjab, all-rounder Ramandeep Singh said Kolkata Knight Riders have returned to the form of a winning team thanks to the influence of their mentor and former captain Gautam Gambhir.
Ramandeep said the team performed well because everyone understood his role in the system set by Gambhir. “The role of the team is very clear. It is because of him that the team has done so well. He supports everyone,” why KKR are currently second with five wins from seven matches.
Ramandeep brushed off injury concerns over Mitchell Starc, the team’s head of bowling, saying the Australian left-arm pacer, who has missed a few KKR practice matches, could be picked. “Yes, he is available. It has to do with managing his workload,” he said. “He is a legend. We can’t judge him with a few matches,” added Ramandeep, commenting on Starc not living up to his potential.
Kolkata: Mitchell Starc of Kolkata Knight Riders practices ahead of the 2024 Indian Premier League (IPL) T20 cricket match between Kolkata Knight Riders and Kings XI Punjab. | Photo credit: PTI
Kolkata: Mitchell Starc of Kolkata Knight Riders practices ahead of the 2024 Indian Premier League (IPL) T20 cricket match between Kolkata Knight Riders and Kings XI Punjab. | Photo credit: PTI
Meanwhile, PBKS will have to play without skipper Shikhar Dhawan, Kings XI Punjab’s spin bowling coach Sunil Joshi told the game without Shikhar Dhawan, who is yet to fully recover from a shoulder injury. “He is on the road to recovery. Hopefully he will be fit and available for the next match (against CSK),” Joshi said at the pre-match media briefing. Until then, all-rounder Sam Curran will serve as the stand-in captain.
The former Indian spinner said that PBKS will be free to play as home team KKR will be under pressure to win. “We came out of the house. The home team will be under pressure now. So, we can play freely and make runs,” said Joshi.
