Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) head coach Brendon McCullum heaped praise on skipper Shreyas Iyer ahead of the 2022 Indian Premier League (IPL) opener against the Chennai Super Kings.
McCullum believes Skipper Iyer has the potential to be an absolute game superstar in the future. The KKR coach also said their new skipper had all the qualities to be the franchise’s “Player of the Decade.”
Iyer, who led Delhi Capitals to their first IPL final of 2020, was snapped up by KKR after aggressive bids for Rs 12.25 crore and was subsequently skippered the two-time former champion.
“It’s a great buy. He could be the franchise player for KKR for most of the decade. We have to start somewhere, and that’s tomorrow,” McCullum said on the eve of the IPL 2022 opening game against defending champions CSK.
“He’s already incredibly respected around the world for what his game is about and what he’s been able to achieve. His best years are certainly ahead of him.” “I think he has the potential to be an absolute football superstar, so I can’t wait to work with him.”
The Kiwi legend is thrilled their new skipper shares the same type of attacking mindset he had during his playing days, something the head coach believes would see the team finish.
“We both share a common value of how we want to see the game, which is that you bring a group of guys together, paint a vision and get the guys to play the game positively and try to embrace those around you.
“We will all go on a journey together to try to achieve something special, not only in terms of results but also in terms of investment, which we hope to talk about for many years to come. So I’m really looking forward to working with Shreyas,” McCullum said. Umesh Yadav leads the pace attack in the absence of Tim Southee.
“Southee is unfortunately unavailable for the first game, just a little late when we got here to India. So he won’t be available for the first game,” MCCullum said.
In the duo’s absence, KKR will look to Umesh Yadav and Shivam Mavi for early breakthroughs. “We would probably rather go for a strong bowling lineup with native players from India.
“Umesh Yadav was a really good pickup for us at the auction. His ability to swing the ball forward and he’s also a wicket-taker,” McCullum said.
“His powerplay stats are really, really good. And that’s what we’re looking for to try to use it.
“Hopefully between him and the likes of Shivam Marvi and some other guys we can hopefully get some early wickets and then allow our weirdos to come into play with us up front.” ‘ he said.
