I’d jump at the opportunity to captain KKR, says Chris Lynn
IPL
At a time when Kolkata Knight Riders are struggling to find a skipper after parting ways with two-time IPL winner Gautam Gambhir, Chris Lynn has expressed his interest to lead the side. The explosive opener from Australia has been a success in the IPL and was retained by KKR for 9.8 cr via the RTM.
Ahead of the 2018 IPL season, which is scheduled to start on April 7, KKR’s biggest dilemma has been to choose their next captain. Since Gambhir last took them to the title back in 2014, the Kolkata-based franchise has reached the playoffs twice in three years.
Their odds of doing that in the upcoming season were further slashed when they decided to let go of Gambhir, who is likely to lead his hometown side, Delhi Daredevils, this season. KKR, however, have some potential and experienced options in the likes of Robin Uthappa and Dinesh Karthik, one of whom was largely believed to take up the mantle this season.
However, Lynn’s sudden interest in the job surely widens the options for the side. While a concrete decision was never relayed to the fans, coach Jacques Kallis had hinted at Lynn’s appointment as the skipper, which the opener further assured by openly expressing his desire.
“I’d love to, I’d jump at the opportunity. We’ve got a really good group at Kolkata. The coaching staff, Simon Katich, Jacques Kallis, Heath Streak … I can relate (easily
“But there’s a couple of boys that have been in the IPL for 10 years so you can’t ignore their experience, especially in their own backyard. I’m still learning the game over there but if given the nod then I’d jump at the chance.”
Lynn played a crucial role last season where he developed a formidable opening partnership with Sunil Narine, as they scored a staggering 106 runs in the six powerplay overs against Royal Challengers Bangalore. Though KKR didn’t go further in the knockout stages, Lynn finished the tournament with a staggering strike rate of 180 despite missing half of the season. Hence, his price tag of 9.8, though astronomical to a certain extent, was expected.
“I was actually padding up before the last Big Bash game and ‘Hopesy’ (Heat assistant coach James Hopes) had his phone out. Brendon McCullum came out … You sort of pause for five minutes. The heart rate went up a few beats but it’s pretty cool seeing that. I’ve got to put the runs on the board because there is that added pressure now with that price that comes with it,” he concluded.
