Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) CEO Venky Mysore has clarified that their injury prone players like Chris Lynn and Andre Russell are expected to be available for their side’s Indian Premier League opener against Royal Challengers Bangalore on April 8.

During the sidelines of Sourav Ganguly’s Kolkata leg book launch of ‘A Century Is Not Enough’, Mysore said, “We are expecting Lynn and Russell to play on April 8. They will join the camp.” However, Lynn has been suffering from a shoulder injury that had ruled him out of the Pakistan Super League, while West Indian hard-hitting all-rounder Russell has pulled a hamstring during a match of the PSL.

Also read: Sourav Ganguly Has An Advivce For The KKR

Mysore further gave an update on Mitchell Starc’s fitness as the Australian speedster has a sore calf. He said, “I think Starc’s report was not necessarily very accurate. He is absolutely fine. It’s a bit unfortunate with the injuries. All the reports we are getting, they are making very good progress. Fingers crossed.”

Windies spinner Sunil Narine faced a new storm recently when his bowling action was again reported during the ongoing PSL. “That was a strange one. But he is fine. He has played international cricket, he has played two-three series and there is absolutely no issue. He has put it behind him already.”

Also read: Simon Katich Asks Chris Lynn To Take The Final Call

KKR team management’s decision to appoint Dinesh Karthik as skipper may have surprised many but after his sensational innings in the final of the Tri-nation T20 Series against Bangladesh, he has surely proved his mettle.

When Karthik walked in to bat, India needed 34 off 12 and Bangladesh was on top. But in a matter of 8 deliveries, Karthik changed the course of the match as he sealed a four-wicket win with a last ball six. Talking about that knock, Mysore said, “In eight balls, he has made us look like geniuses. But we were convinced even before that, that he is absolutely the right choice for us because he brings in a lot of freshness, a lot of experience. He is a class player. With a wicket-keeper, batsman and captain you get three in one there.”

He further added, “His calmness struck me. I have spent a lot of time with him recently, and when he came in to bat, he seemed like he was confident he was going to win it. It bodes well for us also. I was very happy when DK what he did to win the game for India.”

Also read: Andre Russell Doubtful to play IPL 2018 for KKR

Asked to compare Karthik with MS Dhoni, Mysore said: “He is a very different type of player. I always admire the fact that DK has the flexibility to play in any situation. MS has been a legend, a power hitter, he hits those helicopter shots.”

Talking about DK’s deputy in KKR, Robin Uthappa, Mysore said, “DK has got his shots like reverse sweep, lap shot and the ability to clear the field. There’s no panic of any sorts. There’s something unique. He (Uthappa) has been there with us for so many years. There’s a lot of good combination of continuity and change for us.”