Clarke on KKR Sending Narine as an Opener: “Their Batting Depth Allows Them to Take Risks”
Former Australia cricketer Michael Clarke praised Kolkata Knight Riders’ decision to send Sunil Narine as an opener, stating the deep batting lineup justifies the risks. Narine’s exceptional performance against Delhi Capitals caught Clarke’s attention, as he scored 85 off 39 balls, with 7 boundaries and 7 maximums.
Clarke commended KKR’s strategy, calling it a “smart move” on Star Sports Cricket Live. He noted Narine’s clean hitting ability and stated, “I think it suits their batting line up and I think you’ll see him there throughout the IPL.” Along with Narine, 18-year-old Angkrish Raghuvanshi impressed with a quick fifty, becoming the youngest debutant to do so in IPL history.
Praising Raghuvanshi’s talent, Clarke described him as a “skilful, classy player” and predicted a bright future for the young batter. Despite losing Raghuvanshi and Narine, Andre Russell’s explosive batting added to KKR’s massive total against DC. Clarke highlighted Russell’s fitness and power-hitting abilities, stating his importance in both batting and bowling.
Russell, who also picked up a wicket in the match, received praise from former India cricketer Lakshmipathy Balaji for his bowling variations and fitness level. Balaji emphasized Russell’s confidence and conviction in his bowling, calling it a significant advantage for the KKR bowling lineup. The performances of Narine, Raghuvanshi, and Russell have set a positive tone for KKR’s upcoming matches in the IPL.
