|| CF DESK ||

Kolkata Knight Riders have recruited two-time champion Shakib Al Hasan, aiming to return their old form. KKR skipper Eoin Morgan thinks Kolkata has become more balanced with the inclusion of Shakib in the team. The Kolkata captain demanded that if Shakib is included in the XI, he will definitely play his role.

KKR have failed to reach the playoffs in the last two seasons of the Indian Premier League (IPL). The team did not rise to the top four despite a fierce fight at the end of last season.

“Given that we have a bit more travel this year and we go from venue to venue, it's important to have strength and depth in the squad. Shakib Al Hasan gives us a different dynamic in the team. Given that we play at different venues where the conditions change quite a lot, you have a spin bowling all-rounder who had success in international cricket and IPL at different stages. If called upon, he can definitely deliver” said Morgan.

Kolkata has finished fifth in the points table in the last two seasons, is suffering a lot from batting. Especially they are not able to find a solution for the number three position. Nitish Rana was seen batting in this position most of the time in the last edition.

Although he was not consistent with the bat. Shakib can be a big solution for Kolkata in this position. However, he will have to fight with Sunil Narine to get a place in the team. Because he has been playing regularly in Kolkata XI for the last few seasons. However, he did not meet the expectations of the team last season.