Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) CEO –Venky Mysore, on Sunday, said the franchise is disappointed with the fact that the Australian pace super head –Mitchell Starc ruled out of the entire 11th edition of the IPL 2018 due to a tibial bone stress fracture in his right leg, but said it is the part of the game.
But Mysore reckoned that the team won't be much concerned with Starc's absence, as they have a very good option in Mitchell Johnson, though they will announce his replacement as a backup on Monday.
With Starc’s absence, there will be a huge responsibility on his compatriot Johnson, but Mysore is confident that there will be someone who will come in place of Starc and surprise everyone in this IPL 2018.
As per IANS, Mysore said on the sidelines of KKR's jersey launch, “It's funny how injuries are beyond anybody's control. Sunrisers (Hyderabad) are feeling something, Mumbai (Indians) lost a player, (Royal Challengers) Bangalore lost a player so this is what you plan for sometimes. You hope that it doesn't happen but you are ready. So it's not about big names to be honest.”
He continued, “In 2012, nobody had even heard of Sunil Narine. He came and took IPL by storm. So something like that could happen and I always feel in every adversity there is an opportunity. So there may be someone who can come and surprise us. We are disappointed but not that much.”
Commenting on Johnson, Mysore said, “We have a very good option in Mitchell Johnson. He has played more IPLs and won two championships when he has played for teams and he is an outstanding player. You saw how he performed in the Big Bash League, so he is still fit, and bowling 145kph plus. He is an experienced campaigner, I don't think we won't miss him (Starc) initially but we need backup.”
On being asked about Starc’s replacement, KKR CEO said, “We are working on it. We are very close. In the next 24 hours, we will have a replacement.”
Mysore also said that the mystery spinner Narine has already joined the KKR camp on Sunday, and Chris Lynn and Johnson are expected to arrive on Monday.
He signed off by saying, “Chris Lynn is fine, and Mitchell Johnson is fine. They are on a plane as we speak. Tomorrow we will have a practice game. They might play tomorrow. They will be available for the first game.”
