Former CSK batsman Suresh Raina has suggested a massive change in KKR’s batting order and has supported the promotion of Rinku Singh in the batting order. Last season, KKR had to struggle a lot in the middle-order batting.
Kolkata Knight Riders will undergo massive changes for the upcoming season, especially with the arrival of new coach Abhishek Nair and new assistant coach Shane Watson. However, they have retained Ajinkya Rahane as their captain.
If Rahane wants to step down from the captaincy role, Rinku Singh could be the next person to take up the role for KKR. Kolkata Knight Riders have already missed the availability of Harshit Rana, and Mathisha Pathirana’s unavailability will be another big question mark.
Former CSK batsman Suresh Raina commented on KKR’s middle-order batting position. Raina mentioned that the middle order was where he struggled the most last season. He said that Rinku Singh should be promoted to strengthen the batting order.
“Last season, their net run rate was not that good. Ajinkya Rahane batted well, but the middle order did not work. The three R’s – Russell, Ramandeep and Rinku Singh – were all coming in at 7,8,9.
“Rinku has to bat higher. He can come in at No. 4 because he is not lazy. He is a proper batsman. He has won matches for them, so he can play long innings. [Ankrish] CSK batsman Suresh Raina claimed, “Raghuvanshi is in good form.”
Suresh Raina chose Finn Allen to open with Sunil Narine.
The CSK batsman also claimed what would be the possible changes in KKR’s batting order. Along with Rinku’s promotion, he also considered that New Zealand opening batsman Finn Allen should be a part of the playing eleven.
Knight Riders had picked up both Kiwi openers Finn Allen and second opener Tim Seifert in the mini-auction. His performance in the ICC T20 World Cup will put a cloud over the KKR coaches as they will have to settle for only one of them.
Suresh Raina feels it should be Finn Allen, while the other overseas players would be Sunil Narine, Cameron Green and one of the fast bowlers, Mathisha Pathirana or Blessing Muzarabani.
“Sunil Narine will have to bat at the top with Rahane.” -Sanjay Bangar
Whereas former RCB coach Sanjay Bangar said that whatever changes they are considering making in Kolkata’s batting order, Sunil Narine will have to open the innings.
“No matter how much you evaluate, Sunil Narine has to bat with Rahane at the end. You can make Cameron Green bat at number 3. So in this way they can handle the top order. Then in the lower order, you have Rinku Singh, Rovman Powell and Ramandeep,” he said.
Kolkata have retained Ramandeep Singh, which means they will be using the Punjab all-rounder to the best of his ability for at least this season.
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