KKR preparing to unleash spin mystery duo

Sunil Narine

Kolkata - Alongside the bowling hero of last edition Sunil Narine, the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) are all set to unleash another mystery bowler in the form of Sri Lankan offie Sachithra Senanayake.

“Senanayake is a different type of bowler and that is why he was picked at the auction. He is difficult to read and along with Narine, he will add to our bowling firepower,” KKR assistant coach Vijay Dahiya said on Saturday.

The 27-year-old Senanayake, yet to make his IPL debut, was the highest wicket-taker with 16 scalps in the 2011-12 Sri Lanka Premier League.

Sachithra Senanayake

Meanwhile, Narine who was instrumental in leading KKR to their maiden IPL title last year taking 24 wickets from 15 games, and skipper Gautam Gambhir are scheduled to reach the city on Sunday.

The team’s other star players including Yusuf Pathan and Jacques Kallis are slated to join the rest of the squad in the city latest by April 1.

The KKR team sans most of its high-profile players continued to slog at the nets under the watchful eyes of pace spearhead Brett Lee who also is the bowling mentor after Pakistani legend Wasim Akram stepped down as the bowling coach.

Though effusive in his praise for Lee, Dahiya conceded that it was difficult to replace some one of the stature of Akram.

“Though Lee has been wonderful in his new role, replacing someone of the stature of Akram whose experience and credentials are huge, is difficult. As for Lee, his major role will be as a player,” added Dahiya.