Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) skipper Dinesh Karthik conceded that the road might be full of obstacles keeping in mind the difficult times due to the Covid-19 pandemic where the players have mostly spent their time confined to home. Karthik promised that KKR will ‘to give it all’ despite the players – like others from India and many other parts of the world – not having played any competitive cricket in recent memory.
KKR on Friday confirmed that their contingent of Indian players and support staff have arrived in Abu Dhabi, and well settled at a plush hotel.
The 13th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) will start from September 19 in the UAE.
“This IPL will be different. What has happened in the world has pained us deeply and it is surely a challenge to play cricket. But we understand that when we play the game, we bring happiness to our fans,” veteran wicketkeeper-batsman Karthik said in a statement posted on kkr.in.
“Yes, there will be a bio bubble. Yes, we haven’t played or trained extensively for the last few months. Yes, the road ahead may be full of obstacles. But we promise to give it all,” said Karthik.
Chinaman bowler Kuldeep Yadav added: “Initially, it was very tough to adjust when the lockdown was imposed because we were unable to practice outdoors. But I am completely ready now. In fact, I will be happy if there is a match in the next 7 days! I can’t wait to get back in action.”
