IPL 2020: Mumbai Indians have ‘world-class players’, says KKR captain Dinesh Karthik

Abu Dhabi: Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) will open their IPL 2020 campaign tomorrow (September 23) in Abu Dhabi as they face defending champions Mumbai Indians (MI). Ahead of the big game, KKR captain Dinesh Karthik spoke to the media via a virtual press conference. Read on to find out what he said about his team and the opposition.

Two-time champions KKR don’t have a good record against MI. They have lost 19 of the 25 matches played against the four-time title winners.

Stating that the Rohit Sharma-led MI have “world-class” players, Karthik felt it was good for KKR to play them early in the tournament, which is being played in the UAE.

“They (Mumbai Indians) have a team of world-class players, they are a strong line-up and the amount of IPL titles they have shows that. It’s good that we are playing Mumbai early in the tournament, every year is a different year, I am sure it will be a great game tomorrow,” the wicketkeeper-batsman said.

The skipper praised young KKR batsman Shubman Gill and said he “will exceed all expectations”. “Shubman is a gun, he is a quality player, I am sure he will exceed all expectations, it is good to have him, Gill and (Sunil) Narine make a good opening combination.”

Speaking about his team’s bowlers, Karthik explained, “We have had conversations about the speed that the spinners need to bowl here. We have spoken about it, every franchise must be talking about the speed and length spinners need to bowl in the UAE. All Indian pacers are shaping well, it will be hard to decide as to who will start the tournament. They have come around nicely, we are in a good shape. It's important we as KKR choose the right 11.”