IPL 2018: Jacques Kallis Reckons Supporting Nitish Rana Has Paid Rich Dividends

The Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) head coach Jacques Kallis believes that supporting promising youngster like Nitish Rana, has returned the favour in abundance to the camp.

Predominantly, it is known that the southpaw batsman Rana is in fine prime form, in the ongoing eleventh season of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2018.

Rana has amassed 165 runs in the six matches he has played for the franchise.

Furthermore, the Delhi lad Rana has also chipped in with the ball as a part-time spinner and has scalped four wickets.

In the last three matches, Kolkata has won two matches. In both of these wins, Rana was adjudged as the Man of the Match.

The former South African all-rounder Kallis said that Rana was given a message. The exciting batsman was told that the team management will put their weight behind him if he showcases his talent.

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“We had given him a message that he will be a settled member in the side and he just needs to showcase his talent. We are backing him 100 percent and certainly, it has paid off,” Kallis said of Rana.

Nitish Rana had a similar start to the previous season as well while playing for reigning champions Mumbai Indians. Proteas all-rounder added they had their eyes on him after he impressed in one of the knocks of the last edition (2017).

“He played well against us in Mumbai. We had heard some good things about him, but, perhaps, he didn’t get as many games for MI as he would have liked. He certainly has got a bright future with KKR,” Kallis said.

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Kolkata think tank will hope that Rana continues to deliver the goods for them. Rana has shown great promise and he is one of the finds of the season.

High on confidence, Nitish Rana is also sending a strong word to the national selectors for the Indian team selection.

KKR lost their last match against KXIP. Kallis further added that he hopes that the team returns to winning ways soon in the next match.

Dinesh Karthik-led team is at the third place with three wins and as many losses in the competition.

“We are in the mid-table now, the other end would not have been nice. We have played some good cricket. It’s nice to get a few days off and regroup in Delhi, and hope to return to winning ways,” Kallis added.

Knight Riders will now lock horns with Delhi Daredevils on April 27 at latter’s home ground of Feroz Shah Kotla.

Also, Read IPL 2018: Two Outstanding Victories Put Kolkata Back on Track Jacques Kallis