IPL 2020: ‘Kolkata batsmen are well prepared to tackle the spin threat of Rashid Khan,’ says Shubhman Gill

IPL 2020: ‘Kolkata batsmen are well prepared to tackle the spin threat of Rashid Khan,’ says Shubhman Gill
Shubhman Gill

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) opening batsman Shubhman Gill said the team is prepared to take on “experienced” Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) bowling unit. The youngster added that his team have prepared well for the spinners in the practice sessions and is confident of executing their plans in their second clash of Indian Premier League (IPL) on Saturday.

Gill, who failed to score in their opening match against Mumbai Indians (MI), said that the presence of left-handed batsmen — Nitish Rana and Eoin Morgan — will help them abolish the Rashid Khan threat.

“The wicket will get slow and favour spinners as the tournament moves ahead. At the moment medium pacers are getting swing under the lights initially,” he said.

“They have got a very experienced bowling attack. We have practised well for situations when bowlers are at the top, we just need to bring those things to the game. Everyone has practised against spin very well and we are very confident.

“With Nitish and Eoin Morgan, we will be in a better position to tackle the threat of Rashid and off-spinners. A left-hand right-hand combination will help us,” he said.

We have lot of variation in our team: Shubhman Gill

Dinesh Karthik (L) and Andre Russell

When asked about his interaction with captain Dinesh Karthik and star all-rounder Andre Russell, Gill said that the duo recommended him to play his specified role in the team.

The 21-year-old said his only goal is to finish matches for his team.“I keep on talking to DK bhai and Russell. They keep on telling me that everyone has a fixed role and they ask me to perform my role.

“We have a lot of variation in our team. We have got a left-arm spinner, chinaman leg-spinner and we have a nice spin attack,” he said.

Both the teams look potent on paper and a nail-biting clash can be witnessed at Abu Dhabi’s Sheikh Zayed Stadium.

A duel between the spinners from either sides can be witnessed in today’s match. While SRH has T20 specialist Rashid Khan, KKR has Sunil Narine and Kuldeep Yadav in their squad.

Also read: IPL 2020 Kolkata Knight Riders vs Sunrisers Hyderabad fantasy 11 prediction: Top Dream11 picks for KKR VS SRH