Sunil Narine is becoming quite predictable as a pinch hitter batsman and is opening more than other regular batsmen for the Kolkata Knight Riders according to former Australian left-arm unorthodox spinner Brad Hogg who believes that since Sunil Narine has failed to impress in the first two games in IPL 2020, a change is needed at the top of the order for KKR.
Brad Hogg thinks that Sunil Narine should be used as a surprise option and should not be exposed to every bowling attack. He must only be played as an opener against the particular bowling attack with whom he has had a history of doing well. Brad Hogg believes that England’s dashing opener Tom Banton must get a go-ahead at the top of the order for KKR.
Sunil Narine Opening Way Too Often & Should Be Kept As A Surprise Option: Brad Hogg
Sunil Narine has failed to impress with the bat and ball in IPL 2020 scoring only nine runs and taking a solitary wicket. He has opened the batting and used as a pinch hitter since 2017 and he has impressed by scoring at a strike rate of more than 165 since 2017.
“KKR are too much dependent on Sunil Narine and Andre Russell in their line-up. Narine is opening the batting way too often. You need him as a surprise option every now and then when he has got a good match-up against an opposition bowler,” Brad Hogg said on his YouTube channel.
Sunil Narine is KKR’s leading wicket-taker with 123 wickets in 112 matches at an average of 23.56.
Andre Russell Is The Biggest Weapon In The Last 5 Overs In The IPL: Brad Hogg
Brad Hogg is of the opinion that big hitter Andre Russell is KKR’s biggest weapon, especially towards the end of their innings. His ability to clear ropes at will and dominate bowlers is something that Brad Hogg feels KKR should utilize the most. Brad Hogg feels KKR must set up a good platform by building the innings before Andre Russell comes and sets himself at the crease and then go for a six-hitting spree in the death overs.
“Also you have Andre Russell coming in the 12th over, you don’t want to have too much pressure on him with a slow run-rate when he comes to the crease. You want a run-rate which is at an acceptable level where he can give himself a couple of overs to get in, get adjusted and then bow away with the last five overs. He is the biggest weapon in the final five overs in the IPL,” Brad Hogg said.
After a convincing victory over the Sunrisers Hyderabad by seven wickets, KKR will play their next game against the Rajasthan Royals on 30th September at Dubai.