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Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) coach Brendon McCullum has hinted the return of all-rounder Shakib al Hasan in the next IPL matches.

Shakib played three matches for KKR in the ongoing season, however, he didn’t get a chance to play any match in the second phase of IPL in UAE.

McCullum said that Shakib had been in contention but indicated that Seifert's batting form in the CPL had been tough to ignore.

"Yeah Shakib's certainly available. We've got a lot of squad options. You make calls when you're a coach, which you sort of go on gut feel at times. Tim Seifert has been exceptional in the Caribbean where he's been playing for TKR. He did really well in the middle order and we just felt like we needed to strengthen that middle order a little bit,” McCullum said.

Shakib usually bats at number three for the national team, however, the coach considers Shakib has the ability to adapt to any position.

“Shakib's always in the mix when you talk selection because his skillset, his ability to bowl left-arm orthodox and also his batting - we probably see him a bit more in the top three as a batter, but that certainly doesn't mean he can't slot in somewhere else. So he'll be in the mix for the next game for sure," he added.

Meanwhile, former cricketer and commentator suggested KKR to make Shakib the captain for the side. He also said that Shakib will provide KKR's playing XIs with more balance with his all-around ability.