KOLKATA: Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) is going into the new season of IPL with several new faces and some holes to fill. Abhishek Nairwho takes over as the side’s new head coach after playing a major role in looking after their academy, feels it will be “a season of opportunity” for both support staff and players.With pride in the dressing room Dwayne Bravo As ‘mentor’, Shane Watson as assistant coach and Tim Southee as bowling coach, along with the franchise’s long-term finisher. Andre Russell Sitting in the dugout in a new role as ‘power coach’, Nair feels his job has become easier. “For me, the position has changed but the role is very similar. It’s amazing to have such a leadership group.
“Both captain Ajinkya (Rahane) and I will rely heavily on our entire support group to ensure that we can tackle the challenges throughout the season. The players will enjoy the luxury of having so much input in the dressing room,” said Nair.The former Mumbai cricketer is happy with the shape of the current crop of players but feels that the team needs to get the right combination. “The priority is to make sure that our combinations are working. Yes, everyone is in form but it is important to keep them in good positions,” said Nair.Without Russell this time, Nair felt that players like Ramandeep Singh, Rinku Singh and others would get more opportunities. “Rinku has done it for India over the years. And Raman has done it for us this season when we won the championship. So we are very hopeful that he will repeat his performance,” Nair said.Rana out for the rest of the season?The team management said they are awaiting a medical update on key fast bowler Harshit Rana from BCCI’s Center of Excellence in Bengaluru. “Once the medical team talks to us, we will tell you,” said Nair, “It’s not easy to replace Harshit Rana. But in the last few days we have seen a few bowlers.Navdeep Saini, Akash Madhwal, Samarjit Singh, Sandeep Warrier and KM Asif are some of the fast bowlers called up by KKR during practice at Eden Gardens this week. “Losing some key bowling options is not something you plan on but you have to accept that,” Bravo said, adding, “The good thing is that he has a lot of depth.”KKR are also waiting to hear about Lincoln fast bowler Muttisha Pathirana’s injury. “Pathirana is undergoing rehabilitation. He will play Tests after that,” Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) said in a release.
