Former KKR all-rounder, Lakshmi Ratan Shukla believes that only a few sharp words of motivation can help Kolkata Knight Riders bounce back in this edition of the IPL after finishing last after seven matches.
Kolkata Knight Riders have struggled in this season of the competition, having lost five of their seven matches at the start of the season, earning their first win against Rajasthan Royals. The Knights will now have to win all their seven matches to qualify for the playoffs.
They will need at least six wins to stay in the competition this season, and hence, they will be officially out of the competition after two losses this season. Former KKR all-rounder Lakshmi Ratan Shukla has said that it is a catastrophic failure and the KKR team can bounce back.
Lakshmi Ratan Shukla supports Sunil Narine as an opening batsman, while taking a dig at their fearsome batting lineup
The former all-rounder showed no doubt on the talent of the cricketers selected by KKR in the mini-auction. He said that all these players were selected because they played well and the issue is that as a team they have not been able to get any success.
He further claimed that the powerplay has been a major flaw in his batting card and questioned why Sunil Narine is not used to the powerplay at every opportunity. “The decision not to play Sunil Narine in the opening slot is surprising,” Shukla said.
He said, “When Sunil Narine has a good success rate as an opener, he should open. Either Raghuvanshi or someone else should open with him. You have to stick to a plan. A team cannot follow the advice of every expert commentator.”
Shukla then said that the unit needs to play fearlessly to optimize their efforts so that they can maximize their potential. “Looking at the batting unit, it seemed as if KKR were batting with a lot of fear,” Shukla said candidly.
He said, “Even in the last match at Eden Gardens, we chased 150-160 runs till the last over on a good wicket. Overall, the team still needs to play smart cricket and they should play fearlessly.”
KKR feels void after Andre Russell’s retirement
KKR are indeed haunted by the ghost of Andre Russell, as the new all-rounder who replaced him has not managed to make even half the impact that the great West Indies all-rounder had. Cameron Green, bought for Rs 25.20 crore, could score only 162 runs with an economy of 14.17 and take one wicket after seven matches.
Lakshmi Ratan Shukla explains, “There is a huge difference in the composition of this team. It is not a minor difference.”
“Look at the team combination…Andre is replacing Russell with Powell. Powell is a good player, but he is not at Russell’s level. In fact, he doesn’t give you the bowling that Russell used to give,” he said.
With a new coaching unit, should Shah Rukh Khan hand him over to spark a comeback?
KKR advised Abhishek Nair to remain patient and support his team in these difficult times. According to Lakshmi Ratan Shukla, KKR may need a catalyst for change, and the key may lie in the hands of team owner Shahrukh Khan.
“Just support your team,” advises Shukla. “So far, he’s led from the outside…he got his first coaching role this year. So don’t be hard on him…he needs some time because everything is happening so fast.”
Shukla recalls, “In the first year, Shah Rukh Khan would always come and talk to the team personally. The year we became champions… he came and talked to us personally.” He said, “I don’t think the team meeting…that vocal tonic of Shahrukh Khan has happened yet.”
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