The presence of England’s World Cup-winning skipper Eoin Morgan as Dinesh Karthik’s deputy augurs well for Kolkata Knight Riders, the franchise’s bowling coach Kyle Mills said on Wednesday.
Karthik had a big shoe to fill after replacing two-time IPL-winning skipper Gautam Gambhir, who led them for seven seasons.
The wicketkeeper-batsman faced criticism in 2019 after they failed to make the cut following a string of losses at the business end of the tournament.
This time, the franchise has brought back the England limited-overs skipper Morgan, who played for the KKR from 2011 to 2013, as the team’s vice-captain.
“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,” Mills said in an interview on KKR’s website.
“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.”
The former New Zealand pacer spoke about KKR’s heavy bowling artillery with world number one Pat Cummins spearheading the attack comprising Harry Gurney, Lockie Ferguson and Andre Russell alongside Indian youngsters — Prasidh Krishna, Kamlesh Nagarkoti, Sandeep Warrier and Shivam Mavi.
“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,” the 41-year-old said.
