KKR all-rounder Sunil Narine injured his finger in the first innings while fielding at covers against Sunrisers Hyderabad on Sunday (24 March). He had to go off the field for quite some time. This was also the reason that he could not come out to open the innings.

KKR coach Jacques Kallis told IANS that the injury was not serious and that Narine will be fine. He said, "I don't think the injury is too bad. I think he will come through. It's just soft tissue and he is a hard guy, I am sure he will be fine."

He was asked whether the injury was the only reason Narine did not open the innings. He said, "Narine hurt his finger in the field. Plus, there are a few tactical things which we will keep changing throughout the season so that we don't become predictable. Going forward, we will do a few things which are slightly different so that we can keep the opposition guessing. We got some ideas up our sleeves for the rest of the season."

Andre Russell made it possible for KKR to chase down 53 runs in the final three overs. Kallis was impressed by the big-hitting of Dre Russ and said, "It was a good knock. He timed it well. And there were issues, the light wasn't incredible. But it was some of the best ball-striking I have seen in a long time. In terms of finishing, he is one of the most powerful hitters that I have seen."

The Knight Riders' next game is against Kings XI Punjab in Kolkata on Wednesday (March 27). KXIP have the Universe Boss, 'Chris Gayle', in their squad.

Kallis was asked to compare the Russell with Gayle. He said, "He is certainly up there. It's a very different role when you are batting down the order at No. 6, 7 or 8 as compared to facing the new ball. So it's difficult to compare new ball batters with old ball batsmen."

KKR bowled very well against the Sunrisers in their opening game. On that, he said, "We bowled pretty well. We could have improved on one-two things but we bowled to a plan and 180 was a par score on that wicket. I am confident about our bowling attack. Our spin department is one the best in the tournament. I think the guys will take a lot of confidence from the win yesterday."

(Source: IANS)