Having won a World Test Championship, and played in both the World Cup and T20 World Cup finals, Tim Southee’s vast experience could be a huge asset for Kolkata Knight Riders during a marathon IPL season.
By Debasis Sen
Tim Southee, who replaced Kane Williamson as New Zealand’s Test captain last year, has been an integral member of the Kolkata Knight Riders squad for the last couple of seasons in the Indian Premier League. He has been earmarked for a bigger role in the KKR bowling department this season. According to Southee, the inclusion of Lockie Ferguson and Shardul Thakur has added to KKR’s bowling strength. In a brief chat with RevSportz, Southee spoke about Shreyas Iyer’s absence due to injury, how big a challenge it will be for Nitish Rana as captain, the Knights’ bowling attack this season, playing at the Eden Gardens in front of a huge crowd and more. Here are the excerpts:
Tim, how do you look forward to the season ahead?
Yes, it is always exciting because the last couple of years the tournament was restricted because of Covid-19 bubbles. To be back in our hometown is great. To be back at the Eden Gardens is always special. I am looking forward to playing in front of a packed house.
Do you see it as a challenge leading this KKR bowling attack this season?
I think it is a very exciting bowling attack. You look at Umesh Yadav who had a great last year at the IPL . He is an experienced cricketer. You have Lockie too. We have two good spinners in Sunil Narine and Varun Chakravarthy. And Andre Russell can roll his arm over for a few overs as well. It’s an exciting bowling attack to be part of.
Does it come as a huge blow to miss Shreyas Iyer this season due to injury?
Yeah, Shreyas had a tremendous last couple of years for India across all three formats. He has been exceptional. Yes it’s a big blow but it is also an opportunity for someone else to step up and show what they are capable of.
A word on the Impact Player rule?
I have not paid too much attention to it. Yes, in the coming days all the teams will sit down and strategize. We will have a fair idea after a few games.
What will be the challenges to do well in this season?
It is great to be back in Kolkata, and I am looking forward to it as the last couple of seasons, the matches had to be played elsewhere. Eden Gardens is such an iconic venue and somewhere that I am looking forward to playing. Yes, it is going to be exciting next few weeks as we all know the IPL is very challenging.
Your inputs to Nitish Rana, the new captain, will be very crucial. Your thoughts?
Yes, it will be a new challenge for him to lead the side. He has been part of this franchise for the last few years and has the experience of captaining his state side Delhi. It is a challenge he is looking forward to. The guys are behind him and will support him in every possible manner.