After Gautam Gambhir's 'Desperation' Jibe, Anil Kumble Explains Why KXIP Went All Out For Sheldon Cottrell

Kings XI Punjab spent a staggering amount of INR 8.5 crore to secure the services of West Indies pacer Sheldon Cottrell. The left-arm pacer has made for himself with his wicket-taking capabilities in the powerplay and middle orders. Not to forget, he also brings his famous salute celebration to the table. Kings XI Punjab needed a genuine fast-bowler after releasing Andrew Tye and Sam Curran and they went all out for Sheldon Cottrell.

The West Indies star started gathering attention after impressing in this year’s World Cup where he picked up 12 wickets from nine games at an economy rate of 5.85. With a base price of Rs 50 lakh, he drew a bidding war between Rajasthan Royals and Kings before Delhi Capitals also joined the race. In the end, Kings XI Punjab secured Sheldon Cottrell’s services. The star pacer became the second most expensive bowler after Pat Cummins (15.5 crore) in this year’s auctions.

But as soon as the auction ended, former India opener Gautam Gambhir reckoned the Punjab based franchise’s Director Of Cricket Operations Anil Kumble picked the Caribbean cricketer in desperation as they were not left with much options.

“There were no better options, Pat Cummins and Chris Morris both were sold out – they tried hard to get (Chris) Morris but it didn’t work. I still don’t think Sheldon Cottrell has enough quality to become an 8.5 cr bowler. He’s still to build on accuracy and speed yet that he can bowl at 145 speed; he can look at putting cutters but that might not help at Mohali,” Gambhir told Star Sports.

“I think Anil Kumble picked him up in desperation since they couldn’t get Chris Morris or Pat Cummins. If the demand is high and supply is low, these things happen,” he added.

Anil Kumble’s reaction:

Anil Kumble has now himself clarified as to why the franchise went all out for Sheldon Cottrell. Days after Gambhir said that Kumble bought Cottrell in desperation, the former India skipper spoke in length on why Kings XI Punjab went all out for Sheldon Cottrell. He also said that the addition of Cottrell will provide balance to the squad.

“We know that Cottrell doesn’t shirk away from having a competition with the opposition, he is in the batsman’s face all the time. he has different variations and we were looking for a left-armer with that kind of ability and that’s why we chose him. He’s someone who can bowl anywhere in the 20 overs & that’s the ability we were looking for. I think with him coming into the squad it gives us a balance with someone like Mohammed Shami, a senior Indian fast bowler in the squad,” Anil Kumble told CricketNext.

Anil Kumble further said that Sheldon Cottrell’s salute celebration is also something that the franchise wants to see in every game.

“So, it’s not just on the field that he brings that quality but off the field as well. I mean with his salute, which is now really famous. So we hope to see, at least from a Kings XI perspective, we want to see a lot more salutes every game in this IPL,” said Anil Kumble.

Also Read: IPL 2020: Anil Kumble Reveals The Reason Behind Naming KL Rahul As Kings XI Punjab Captain