Kolkata Knight Riders mentor David Hussey is confident wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav will play a key role in the 2020 Indian Premier League.
Yadav only took four wickets in nine matches during the 2019 IPL. This season, however, Hussey believes he will fare significantly better.
“I personally believe after the last eight to nine days of training camp, he's at the top of his game,” Hussey told PTI.
“He's fielding well, he is running well, he's covering the ground very well. And he's bowling has a nice rhythm, and with a lot of revolutions on the ball.”
“Kuldeep is a very confident player. He knows what he can and can't do with the ball. He spins the ball both ways and reads the game exceptionally well.
“I don't think he will have any confidence issues throughout the tournament and I do say that without putting too much pressure on him. I think he would be a very good consistent performer for the Kolkata Knight Riders.”
Yadav and Narine Team-Mates
West Indian spinner Sunil Narine is also in the Knight Riders squad for the 2020 IPL. He played for the Trinbago Knight Riders in the recent Caribbean Premier League, but missed the final against the St Lucia Zouks.
“Narine will be one of the bowlers captain Dinesh Karthik will throw the ball to whenever the opposition has the momentum,” added Hussey.
“I'm sure Sunil will win more often than not, those close battles. Narine arguably is the best T20 bowler in the world. In any conditions, he is one of the best players to have. Fortunately, he is at KKR, and he'll be at his most difficult self to play and handle.”
The Knight Riders won the IPL in 2012 and 2014. The 2020 IPL will start on 19 September in the United Arab Emirates.
IPL 2020 Information
The Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings will contest the tournament opener. They were last year's finalists. Mumbai are the reigning champions.
Kolkata's first match will be against the Mumbai Indians in Abu Dhabi on 23 September. KKR also have West Indian all-rounder Andre Russell, New Zealand fast bowler Lockie Ferguson, England captain Eoin Morgan and other stars from abroad available for the tournament.
