IPL 2018: Small Squad Helps in Better Bonding Believes Robin Uthappa

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) top-order batsman, Robin Uthappa feels that small squad helps in better results and lends security and responsibility to uncapped domestic players.

Meanwhile, the Knight Riders had the smallest squad size at the end of two-days of a mega-auction which raised speculations.

However, as the tournament near its end, the franchises’ decision to restrict the squad size is bearing good result.

Moreover, Kolkata, who is currently at the fourth spot with 10 points from 10 games. The side has been rewarded after restricting the squad size.

Surprisingly, the other team that has used the least number of players, just like the Knight Riders, is Mumbai Indians. The defending champions Indians are also one of the three teams to have the largest pool of players.

So far in IPL 2018, three teams – Chennai Super Kings (CSK), Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), and Delhi Daredevils (DD) – have used the same number of players or more than that of the Knight Riders’ squad.

Smaller squad results in better team bonding –

However, Uthappa feels a smaller squad size lends the sense of security and responsibility amongst players. He also added that smaller pool of players also results in better team-bonding.

“With a small squad, the roles are well known. Boys have a clearer picture of what their roles are within the unit. It doesn’t take too long to get to know one another personally. And I think everyone gets to travel with the team, no one’s left behind. So I think the sense of unity is a lot more,” says Uthappa as being quoted by The Hindu.

Uthappa feels the provision of replacing an injured player half-way into the IPL also helps to restrict squad size. He also added there are more pros than cons in shrinking a squad.

“There are more pros than cons. The IPL allows us that if in the first seven games anyone gets is injured and we need a replacement, we will be able to replace them. So I think that also helps in the fact that you can have a smaller squad,” he added.

In conclusion, Robin Uthappa admitted that smaller squads provide more opportunities of being successful and a clarity to the youngsters.

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