McCullum said Sheldon Jackson is close to Andre Russell in ball-striking ability.
Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) head coach Brendon McCullum lauded wicketkeeper-batter Sheldon Jackson for his ball-striking abilities and keeping skills in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL 2022).
Despite three clean catches behind the stumps and a couple of stumpings in the first two appearances in the ongoing IPL 2022, Jackson was overlooked for Shivam Mavi against the Punjab Kings (PBKS) to maintain the balance of the side.
McCullum, on the other hand, has stated that he will play more games in the IPL 15.
However, Jackson hasn’t yet impressed with the bat so far in the ongoing IPL 2022. The Saurashtra wicketkeeper fell for a golden duck against RCB while he didn’t get the opportunity to bat against CSK in the first match of the ongoing IPL 2022.
McCullum said, “Sheldon continues to get better and better. He is 35, but you wouldn’t know. His growth in the last two years has been significant. He has a good ball-striking ability. And very few players hit the ball as far as he does; he is not too far, if not the same, behind Andre Russell when he is striking the ball. I am sure with more opportunities; we will see a performance from Sheldon.”
Sheldon took three catches against RCB, including a diving one-hander, and the KKR head coach said: “The wicket-keeping skills have been superb. He has got an MS Dhoni sort of a feel about keeping; really fast hands, and an understanding of spin. He knows what the bowlers are doing. He is desperate to do well.”
Well, there is no clarity if KKR will rotate Sheldon and Sam Billings behind the stumps. Since the spots for foreigners are limited, the Indian wicketkeeper could get more opportunities.
Meanwhile, KKR’s fielding has been impressive so far in the ongoing IPL 2022. The KKR mentor, David Hussey, highlighted the background work done by fielding coach James Foster.
Hussey said, “The boys do a lot of fielding. The fielding coach James [Foster] is excellent; arguably one of the best fielding coaches in the world. He rides the boys pretty hard. There is a lot of ground fielding and catching. He makes sure the boys are ready for the game. He ensures they are nice and comfortable under high balls and flat balls.”
On the other hand, Australia Test captain Pat Cummins is available for selection for the KKR for their next IPL 2022 clash against the Mumbai Indians on April 6 in Pune.
McCullum signed off by saying, “Pat is a leader. And he will add another layer of leadership in and around Shreyas.”
(With Sportstar Inputs)