West Indies pacer Sheldon Cottrell is excited to join Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) in the UAE — as he will be playing his maiden IPL edition. He is also looking forward to grooming himself under the captaincy of ‘phenomenal cricketer’ — KL Rahul. Notably, Team India’s player will be the first time leading the KXIP.
The Punjab-based franchise bagged the service of Sheldon Cottrell in the last year’s auction after winning the bidding war with Rajasthan Royals and Delhi Capitals. KXIP bought the pacer for whopping INR 8.50 crore.
Sheldon Cottrell on maiden captaincy stint of KL Rahul:
Sheldon Cottrell, who is famous for his salute celebration, is desperate to play alongside Chris Gayle, Nicholas Pooran and KL Rahul for KXIP. He has stated that he would give his 120 per cent for the franchise.
“I am very much excited about playing in the IPL. I just cannot wait to be with the Kings XI family. I am looking forward to playing under the captaincy of KL Rahul, he is a wonderful guy. I would be playing alongside Chris Gayle and Nicholas Pooran as well. I am going to give my 120 per cent all the time,” Cottrell told ANI.
The Windies, who has played in Global T20 Canada and will be playing in CPL 2020, heaped praise on KL Rahul’s calm and composed character. He said that he is ready to learn from the skipper. As he is well aware that Rahul will be the first time leading KXIP, he is eager to see how the Indian cricketer leads the team.
“The first time I spoke with KL Rahul was when India last toured the Caribbean; we talked briefly, he is a phenomenal cricketer, he is so cool and calm. I am looking forward to trading information with him, I would look to pick his brains as he has played a lot more cricket than I have. I am really excited to play under his leadership and to see what leadership qualities he brings to the table,” added the pacer with 49 wickets in his ODI career so far.
Further, Sheldon Cottrell added that he is ready to take the knee to show support for the Black Lives Matter campaign during the IPL. The movement has gained momentum following the death of an African-American man named George Floyd after a police officer pressed his knee on Floyd’s neck.
Meanwhile, the IPL is scheduled from 19 September and the grand finale of the league will be played on 10th November.