Knights pin hopes on Johnson for firepower
CEO Mysore says Starc’s replacement to be named today
Kolkata Knight Riders ( KKR) CEO Venky Mysore yesterday said the franchise is not losing sleep over star Australian pacer Mitchell Starc being ruled out of IPL due to injury, adding his replacement will be announced today.
“It’s funny how injuries are beyond anybody’s control. Sunrisers ( Hyderabad) are feeling something, Mumbai ( Indians) lost a player, ( Royal Challengers) Bangalore lost a player so this is what you plan for sometimes. You hope that it doesn’t happen but you are ready. So it’s not about big names to be honest,” Mysore said on the sidelines of KKR’s jersey launch at the team hotel here.
“In 2012, nobody had even heard of Sunil Narine. He came and took IPL by storm. So something like that could happen and I always feel in every adversity there is an opportunity. So there may be someone who can come and surprise us. We are disappointed but not that much,” he added.
Starc was on Friday ruled out of the fourth Test against South Africa due to a tibial bone stress fracture in his right leg.
Starc was roped in for a whopping sum of Rs90 million by KKR and was tipped to lead the franchise’s bowling attack. In his absence, KKR will now depend more on compatriot Mitchell Johnson to deliver the goods.
“We have a very good option in Mitchell Johnson. He has played more IPLs and won two championships when he has played for teams and he is an outstanding player,” Mysore said.
“You saw how he performed in the Big Bash ( League in Australia) so he is still fit, and bowling 145kph plus. He is an experienced campaigner, I don’t think we won’t miss him ( Starc) initially but we need backup,” Mysore said.