Ahmedabad, meanwhile, confirms that Hardik Pandya will captain its team
The IPL allowed both new teams to pick three players (who had not been retained by the eight existing franchises) each ahead of the auction, which is scheduled for February 12 and 13 in Bengaluru.
‘What’s better than someone who gives you three things?’
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Talking to the Star Sports, Goenka said that the three players his franchise had picked would not only “propel” the team but also “lay the foundation” for the future. “KL is not only an outstanding batsman but also a great wicketkeeper,” Goenka said. “Marcus is a great finisher, a good bowler and a phenomenal fielder. Ravi brings a unique dimension to the spin department and is an exceptional fielder. We want players to be here for three-four-five-six-seven-eight years.”
Goenka also confirmed that Rahul would be Lucknow’s captain. “Yes, KL will be the captain. I have been very impressed with not only his batting and wicketkeeping, but also his leadership skills. He is evolving, growing, maturing as a leader. He is somebody I would have wanted to lead the team and I do believe that given the right atmosphere, environment, he will emerge as a remarkable leader.”
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Kirsten: ‘Hardik will be really motivated to come in and make a play’
Bishnoi was the highest wicket-taker in the 2020 Under-19 World Cup and was then picked by Punjab Kings, where he has been impressive over two seasons. Gambhir described the 21-year-old legspinner as one of the “most exciting prospects” in the IPL. “He is a complete wicket-taking option.”
Former South Africa batter and India head coach Gary Kirsten, who will serve as mentor-cum-batting coach at Ahmedabad, explained the franchise’s thinking behind making Pandya captain. “He’s a young, new captain and he’ll be motivated to come in, make a play and show what he’s capable of at this level as a leader,” Kirsten told Star Sports. “He’s a great leader, a high performer, and he’s really motivated. What I’ve heard is that he is keen to get in the mix. What I’ve heard, he’s raring to go and get in the mix from a leadership perspective. That’s very exciting for us to have a player with such a level of skill, motivated to do well.”
It will be the first time Kirsten works with Rashid, though. Rashid is headed over from Sunrisers Hyderabad, and Kirsten is looking forward to the experience. “Rashid has proven his value all around the world,” Kirsten said. “I haven’t yet worked with him, but I’ve met him a few times. Watching him on the field, he is a competitive young man and wants to do well for the franchises he plays in.”
Kirsten called Gill, who was released by Knight Riders, a “match-winner”. “Gill is a fantastic player who, at the end of the day, in my view, should be playing for India. He’s on the verge of that and plays with great flair and instinct for the game. He can be a match-winner on his own.”