IPL 2021: ‘Kolkata Knight Riders batsmen lack class in batting,’ says Sunil Gavaskar


IPL 2021: ‘Kolkata Knight Riders batsmen lack class in batting,’ says Sunil Gavaskar

Sunil Gavaskar and KKR skipper Eoin Morgan

Former India cricketer Sunil Gavaskar lashed out at Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) batsmen after their loss against Delhi Capitals (DC). Batting first, KKR somehow managed to post an average total of 154/6 at the good batting track of Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad.

The Knight Riders were struggling at 82/5 at one stage before West Indies all-rounder Andre Russell came to their rescue with his knock of 45* runs. The 71-year old reckoned that the Eoin Morgan-led side’s batsmen lack ‘class’ this season. Gavaskar added that KKR must look at promoting either Russell or Dinesh Karthik higher in the batting order. 

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“If you have a look at their batting, apart from Shubman Gill, and Morgan himself, there is no class. Apart from Andre Rusell down at 5 or 6 and Dinesh Karthik I would look at promoting Karthik up the order or Rahul Tripathi up the order,” Sunil Gavaskar told Star Sports.   

‘Sunil Narine at 4 or 5 is a waste of time and space’: Gavaskar

Sunil Narine

The former cricketer also slammed the team management’s decision of sending Sunil Narine in the middle-order. He suggested that the West Indies pinch-hitter can bat at the opening slot to utilise the field restrictions during the powerplay overs. The veteran batsman added that the Kolkata-based franchise needs a solid batsman in the middle-order who can keep the scoreboard ticking.

“Sunil Narine, at 4 or 5, is a waste of time, waste of space. It doesn’t make any sense having him there. If you want to have Narine, have him at the top of the order where can throw his bat around, and connect a few. KKR’s problem is that they haven’t got anybody in that 3, 4 or 5 who can play an impact inning. That is making a big difference in the side,” Sunil Gavaskar further said.

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