Kolkata Knight Riders’ (KKR) bowling coach Kyle Mills on Wednesday (August 26) said England's World Cup-winning skipper Eoin Morgan is going to “complement” his captain Dinesh Karthik “really well” in the upcoming 13th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020 in the UAE.
Karthik has had a big shoe to fill after replacing two-time IPL-winning KKR captain Gautam Gambhir. However, the KKR has shown trust in the wicketkeeper-batsman for the IPL 2020 despite a lot of criticism following a string of losses in the tournament last year.
Morgan, who previously played for the KKR from 2011 to 2013, is the franchise’s vice-captain and Mills feel the latter’s presence as Dinesh Karthik's deputy augurs well for the team in the upcoming IPL 13 starting from 19th September in the UAE.
Mills said in an interview on KKR's website on Wednesday: “I think Eoin is going to complement DK really well. DK can focus on keeping, Eoin will be in the cover region. So, the communication with the bowler in the death overs or pressure situations will work well.”
He further added, “Eoin Morgan has a lot of experience and also had successful campaigns for England. He doesn't get flustered under pressure situations. So, you need leaders like that in a young group. I know leaders who panic and raise their voice.”
On KKR's heavy bowling attack comprising Pat Cummins, Harry Gurney, Lockie Ferguson, Andre Russell, Prasidh Krishna, Kamlesh Nagarkoti, Sandeep Warrier and Shivam Mavi, the former New Zealand pacer said: “Looking at the young local lads along with Pat, Harry, Lockie, and Andre, I should say we have got some real firepower that we need to put a harness on to give the right direction.”
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The 41-year-old added, “We have got really heavy artillery. I guess Pat Cummins will be a superstar by the time he ends his career. He has been around for a while, and he is just 26-27 years of age. He is really young. We have got him in his prime. At this moment, without a question, he is the best fast bowler in the world. He has had a lot of injuries in the past but he is really fit now and has been bowling with great control and pace. And also, if you see his mannerism on the field, he is a great team player.”
Mills also spoke high of the KKR's star all-rounder Russell, adding: “Sometimes with these all-rounders with the batting going super well, they often forget the other skill that they have got, which is their X-factor. Andre is great with the bat but you can also pick him just for his bowling. He is very fast, has got some good variations and now he has got a lot of IPL and international experience. I am sure Andre is going to take his batting and bowling to the top level as an all-rounder.”
“If you see the World Cup last year in England where New Zealand lost the final, Lockie was one of the best fast bowlers in the tournament. He bowled with great pace and swung the ball really well. He had a little niggle during the home season in New Zealand but I am sure he will be fit and raring to go in the IPL. He hasn't played cricket in the last five months so he is really excited to go out there and play with the white ball,” he signed off by saying about Ferguson
(With PTI Inputs)
