IPL 2018 | A team does not comprise of just one good batsman even if its Virat Kohli, says Jacques Kallis

04/07/2018

Kolkata Knight Riders are slated to take on the Virat Kohli-led Royal Challengers Bangalore tomorrow in their opening fixture but coach Jacques Kallis claims that there’s more to RCB than just their skipper. Kallis has also added that KKR will miss the services of Aussie spearhead Mitchell Starc.

The Kolkata Knight Riders had always been touted as favorites ahead of the last few IPL seasons when they were in the hands of the composed Gautam Gambhir. But things are different this time round, as the KKR outfit chose to let their skipper return to his hometown team - Delhi Daredevils. The KKR management team has tried their best to put together a young squad for this year’s tournament and will look to get off on the right foot in their first match against Royal Challengers Bangalore on Sunday.

The RCB franchise have always possessed big names that failed to live up to expectations over the years. But the Virat-kohli-led team looks one of the more balanced sides in this year’s league and will look to challenge for their maiden IPL title under the guidance of coach Daniel Vettori. Legendary SA all-rounder, Jacques Kallis, who had previously represented the team, was quick to point out that there was more to the RCB batting line-up than just Kohli.

"We have got plans for all the batters. One batter (Kohli) doesn't make a team. When you fall into the trap of one batter then you are focussing on wrong things, you need to focus on all the batters," Kallis said in the press conference.

Under the new leadership of Dinesh Karthik, who won India the Nidahas Trophy with a match-winning six off the last delivery of the final against Bangladesh, Kallis wanted the KKR team to make a positive start to the tournament.

"You want to start off the tournament well. RCB are a good side. A team that starts off well, are the teams who know their players' roles and where they fit in and how they settle down. We have a good record against them and want to make sure we play some good cricket," Kallis told reporters.

An injury to one of KKR’s more expensive buys, Mitchell Starc during the IPL auction in January ruled him out of the tournament for the second year in a row. England pacer, Tom Curran, 23, was brought in as a last-moment replacement for the Aussie bowler.

"Unfortunately Starc got injured but we have got replacement in Curran. We look forward to some exciting stuff from Tom. Should stand up and play a big role in absence of Mitchell," Kallis said.

IPL 2018 | A team does not comprise of just one good batsman even if its Virat Kohli, says Jacques Kallis

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