Eoin Morgan and Shah Rukh Khan Picture Credit: BCCI/IPL
With IPL 2021 just two weeks away, it seems like Kolkata Knight Riders will have to start the new season on the back foot. The franchise suffered a major blow when skipper Eoin Morgan was ruled out of the ongoing ODI series between India and England. The 34-year-old split the webbing between his thumb and index finger, which could also possibly result in him missing the first few games for KKR. To add on to the problems for the franchise, KKR have been dealt with another major blow.
Pravin Tambe leaves the bio-bubble
The 49-year-old leg-spinner, who has been part of KKR's coaching setup since 2020, has notably left the franchise's bio-bubble ahead of the new season. Unfortunately, Tambe had to take this step due to slipped disc.
The experienced campaigner has been an inspiration for all the cricketers in his career. At the age of 48, Pravin Tambe became the oldest player to be bought in an IPL auction (2020) when KKR bought him for INR 20 lakh. However, BCCI ruled him ineligible to feature in the tournament due to his involvement in various other leagues across the world.
The leg-spinner was eventually brought in the KKR coaching setup ahead of IPL 2020. CEO Venky Mysore had said, "On popular demand, it was decided that he should come and join just here and be part of the set-up and help the team. Some of the enthusiasm he brings is unbelievable.”