IPL 2015: Shakib Al Hasan returns to KKR squad ahead of Mumbai Indians encounter

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) have received a huge boost ahead of their penultimate league stage game against Mumbai Indians on Thursday with star all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan having returned to the squad. Shakib had played the first two games for KKR before flying to Bangladesh for their just-concluded series against Pakistan.

The left-hander played a crucial role with bat and ball in what could be termed a successful series for the Bangladeshis, having won the ODI series and the one-off T20 and drawn one of the two Tests, and is now ready to help his IPL franchise in their bid to retain the crown.

The 28-year-old, who has scored over 300 runs and taken more than 30 wickets for KKR since joining them in 2011, provides tremendous balance to the KKR side with his all-round ability. Apart from being extremely dangerous with his lower-order hitting, he is also one of the best left-arm spinners in the world and complements the likes of Sunil Narine and Piyush Chawla brilliantly.

KKR currently have 15 points from 12 games and will need another win under their belt to secure their place in the play-offs. If they manage to finish in the top four, one cannot bet against them going all the way once again with their past experiences of handling big games likely to hold them in good stead.