Chris Morris for Rajasthan Royals
Chris Morris for Rajasthan Royals (Twitter)

Chris Morris, who is the most expensive buy in the history of IPL auction, is ready to take extra responsibility to lead the pace attack of the Rajasthan Royals after England star Jofra Archer has been ruled out of the first half of the IPL 2021 due to injury.

Chris Morris was snapped up by the inaugural champions for a record-breaking amount of Rs. 16.25 crore in the February auction; the all-rounder had played for the Royals in 2015. He was released by Royal Challengers Bangalore despite bowling brilliantly last season – 11 wickets in 9 matches at an economy of 6.63; he was impressed with the new ball in the powerplay as well in the death.

The 33-year-old says that leading the pace attack won’t be something completely new for him as he has done that role, as well as the supporting role in the past.

Chris Morris
Chris Morris (Image Credit: Twitter)

“Every single team that I have played in the IPL, my role has been with the new ball and at the death. That doesn’t really change. I have always had fast bowlers in the team and I’ve been there supporting act,” Chris Morris said at a virtual press conference.

“It won’t be a new role if I am leading an attack, won’t be new if I am supporting. There is a little bit of responsibility when it comes to leading the attack. But like I said, since it wouldn’t be able to be alien to me,” he added.

At the end of the day, you need to perform no matter what the price tag is: Chris Morris

The Pretoria-born all-rounder isn’t picked in the South Africa team anymore, his last appearance being in the 2019 World Cup, and is short of game time coming into the IPL 2021 – he featured in just a solitary tournament – CSA T20 Challenge – since the last IPL in the UAE.

Chris Morris
Chris Morris (Image Credit: Twitter)

Speaking about his unprecedented price tag, the right-hander says that there will be extra pressure on him to perform. However, he points out that he has been picked for heavy price tags in the last few seasons as well, and says that ultimately it is the performance that matters.

“I think it’s natural to have a little bit of a pressure when something like that has happened. I’d be lying to you if there wasn’t any pressure but fortunately enough in the past, I have been coming in with quite a big price tag on my head. At the end of the day, you need to perform, no matter what the price tag is,” the all-rounder stated.

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