IPL 2016: Shaun Tait added to Kolkata Knight Riders squad

Shaun Tait during the Big Bash League

Kolkata Knight Riders have added Shaun Tait to their squad according to the franchise’s CEO Venky Mysore. Knight Riders had lost John Hastings due to an ankle injury last month. Mysore posted an image of the Australian fast bowler on the social media website Twitter on Wednesday.

Tait has very impressive figures in limited overs cricket over the years, having picked up 208 wickets from just 159 matches in T20 cricket. Although he can be a bit expensive at times, the 33-year-old’s strike rate of 16.7 is among the best in the game. 

The Aussie pacer has played 21 IPL matches in the past – all for the now suspended franchise Rajasthan Royals. He picked up 23 wickets at an average of 27.82 and went for a little over 8 runs per over.

Tait recently played for the Australian T20 side for the series against India down under after impressive performances in the Big Bash League (BBL). But he struggled on his return and was dropped from the squad for the ICC World T20.

Pleasure to welcome @shaun_tait32 to @KKRiders family. Welcome Taity! pic.twitter.com/Us4NV3Blm1

— Venky Mysore (@VenkyMysore) May 11, 2016

Tait will join fellow Australians Chris Lynn and Brad Hogg at the Knight Riders. The Kolkata-based franchise are one of the favourites to qualify for the playoffs, having gathered 12 points frm 10 matches so far. They next face against the Rising Pune Supergiants at the Eden Gardens on Saturday.