IPL 2018: Vinay Kumar praises skipper Dinesh Karthik

Vinay Kumar, the new buy of Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise Kolkata Knight Riders, has heaped praises on Dinesh Karthik. The wicketkeeper-batsman Karthik had played a crucial role with the bat and behind the stumps respectively.

Kumar said that Karthik may not have led Tami Nadu for past few seasons but he is a good leader.

“He did not lead many matches for Tamil Nadu does not mean he’s not a good leader. He’s a very good leader, hopefully, he will do well. We have many seniors, have to help each other,” Kumar said.

Karthik was surprisingly chosen over Robin Uthappa to lead the franchise in the coming season of IPL.

However, Uthappa was appointed as deputy to Karthik.

It was probably the fact that Karthik is the member of the Indian team at present went in his favour.

Kumar, surprisingly, was also in contention to lead the side. His name was mentioned by KKR CEO, Venky Mysore, in the contention list. He could have been a great captain as he has won many domestic tournaments for Karnataka.

In fact, he led his state side to two back-to-back Ranji Trophy, Vijay Hazare Trophy and Irani Cup in 2013/14 and 2014/15 season.

However, the lack of IPL credentials did not go in his favour.

played just one game in previous IPL and this season he was bought by KKR at his base price of INR 1 Crore.

This year (2018), he is expected to play many looking at pace attack of KKR.

Mitchell Starc will lead KKR’s pace attack which also has Mitchell Johnson, Kamlesh Nagarkot, Shivam Mavi and few others.

Nagarkoti and Mavi have drawn much-highlight before the auction and all the limelight will be on them.

Commenting on the duo, Kumar said, “They have not played any IPL matches does not mean they are not good. Everybody has to perform well. Youngsters will bring in more energy on the field. They are good enough, that’s where they are here.”

Kolkata Knight Riders open their IPL campaign against Royal Challengers Bangalore in a home game on April 8.

KKR Squad: Sunil Narine, Andre Russell, Chris Lynn, Mitchell Starc, Dinesh Karthik, Robin Uthappa, Kuldeep Singh Yadav, Piyush Chawla, Nitish Rana, Kamlesh Nagarkoti, Shivam Mavi, Mitchell Johnson, Shubman Gill, Ranganath Vinay Kumar, Rinku Singh, Cameron Delport, Javon Searless, Apoorv Vijay Wankhade, Ishank Jaggi

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