England batsman Eoin Morgan is looking forward to working with new Kolkata Knight Riders head coach Brendon McCullum during this year's edition of the Indian Premier League.
McCullum, who used to play for the Knight Riders, has succeeded former head coach Jacques Kallis, who has since joined South Africa's coaching staff.
“I think his contribution not only to New Zealand cricket but to world cricket really took the front in 2015 with their campaign – throughout the 2015 World Cup. They really did, I suppose, transform the fate of a nation and the hope of a nation in the way that they played,' Morgan told the Kolkata franchise's website.
‘They played aggressive, positive cricket but also in a way that wasn't in your face the whole time. It was really good to watch, it created a huge amount of attraction and I think majority of the time actually the way that they play and the manner that they play overlooks the skill level that they produce.
‘And I think Brendon is the reason for that turnaround. I think he has had a huge input in the way they've played and in all formats as well not just white ball. I suppose it makes that move to KKR all the more sweet when he's head coach.
‘I think if we see any similarities in the impact that he's had as a player and as a captain on his coaching, the impact will be monumental. I really do think he's changed the landscape of cricket and the attitude of the way people play.'
Morgan to learn from Karthik and others
England limited-overs captain Morgan, too, is eager to contribute to a Kolkata team led by captain Dinesh Karthik. The squad also has Australian fast bowler Pat Cummins, West Indies all-rounder Sunil Narine, England batsman Tom Banton and other stars from abroad.
“While I'm here to help, I also want to learn as much as I can from him. There are a lot of dynamics about being a captain when you're playing in India that I don't know about, I'll be picking his brain the whole time,' added Morgan.
‘I'll naturally be myself and try to give as much as I can just like the rest of the international players. But it's going to be fascinating to see how and when we get to play and how the competition lines up. Because everybody is going to come out of isolation extremely excited, rearing to go, batting, bowling, fielding the whole lot.'