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England’s wicketkeeper-batter Phil Salt was not in Kolkata Knight Riders’ (KKR) wishlist before the mini-auction. Salt was left shocked to see himself without an Indian Premier League (IPL) contract. When Jason Roy pulled out of IPL 2024, it turned out to be a blessing in disguise for KKR as they roped in an in-form Salt. He joined forces with Sunil Narine and formed a formidable partnership with the Caribbean all-rounder. His attacking displays led to comparisons with former KKR opener Chris Lynn. Before the clash against Gujarat Titans (GT), he was asked about the comparisons to which he had a witty reply.
“I’ve got a bit more lean muscle than him. When you come into a new team, you want to come in and do well. Lynn did it for a few years here, but for me it has been more about myself and how I can better my abilities,” Salt told the broadcasters.
From 2014 to 2019, Lynn scored 1,274 runs from 40 games at an average of 34.43 including 10 half-centuries.
Salt is KKR's second-highest run-scorer in the season. He has scored 435 runs from 12 games at an average of 39.55 including four half-centuries. His strike rate has been an outstanding 182.01.
KKR are at the top of the points table and have already qualified for the playoff. Salt revealed that mentor Gautam Gambhir wants the team to give their all against Shubman Gill’s GT.
“Chat before the game today was about not letting up, turn up with the right attitude. GG (Gautam Gambhir) has been pretty solid with how he wants us to play as a team. He stressed on us to come here and still look for two points,” he said.
Salt hails Narine
Salt praised his opening partner Narine and called him the difference between them and the opposition. Narine is KKR’s leading run-scorer in the season. He also has 15 wickets to his name.
“Our point of difference is we’ve got Sunny (Narine). He’s like playing with 13 players with his skill with bat and ball. So that really frees the rest of us to play the way we want to. Sunny is very chill, as am I in the middle. We know what we do well and we remind each other of that. Hopefully we can keep it going,” he added.
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