Andre Russell, Rinku Singh and the other Knights that KKR would
bank on for a successful IPL 2024 campaign underwent an intense warm-up session
at Eden Gardens on Tuesday before an intra-squad practice game.
All eyes though were on Mitchell Starc, the IPL’s costliest buy ever (at Rs 24.75 crore), who’s expected to play a pivotal role for the Kolkata Knight Riders if they are to secure the crown for a third time.
During warm-up, the Australian bowled with a reduced run-up, but as the practice game began, Starc seemed to be in his elements. Bowling with his usual run-up, the left-arm speedster trapped Rahmanullah Gurbaz out leg-before in his very first over, bringing the ball back into the batsman.
Conceding only one off his first over, Starc also managed to beat the bat on an occasion or two, giving absolutely no room or width. For quite some time, the Knights have been missing a pacer capable of giving them early breakthroughs, which can help them put pressure on the opposition.
Rinku Singh (background) and Andre Russell at practice at the Eden on Tuesday. Santosh Ghosh
Starc was a bit expensive in his fourth and last over though, taking some stick from Rinku. But with Starc’s experience, which includes three World Cup titles for Australia (ODI Cup in 2015 and 2023, and the T20 World Cup in 2021), KKR can certainly be optimistic about making good use of the new ball.
On his part, Starc too is excited about being part of the “electrifying atmosphere” at the Eden on Saturday when the Knights begin their campaign against Sunrisers Hyderabad. Hopefully, in the presence of principal owner Shah Rukh Khan.
Flintoff at Eden
The Knights had a surprise guest at their practice match on Tuesday — England’s former Ashes-winning all-rounder and captain Andrew Flintoff.
Flintoff is here representing a foundation that works for the benefit of underprivileged cricketers of the United Kingdom. According to sources, he wants them to have a feel of cricket in this part of the world and is also trying to get them to watch Saturday’s game at the Eden.
Flintoff was spotted having a fairly long discussion with KKR mentor Gautam Gambhir and also visited their dressing room.
