According to former India off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin, the “novelty factor” around the Kolkata Knight Riders’ mystery spinners has diminished, and their bowling assault no longer exudes the same sense of terror.
India spinner Varun Chakravarthy would have a lot of responsibility, according to Ashwin’s analysis of KKR’s strengths and weaknesses before the IPL.
“I don’t think oppositions will be worried after looking at KKR’s bowling attack. I think the mystery factory, the novelty factor, and the fear, that particular facet, would have gone. Earlier, batters used to go to the analyst’s room, watch the bowler’s hand, or just look to take a single,” Ashwin said on his YouTube channel.
“Varun is at a stage in his career where he has to find answers. But, it is natural for every cricketer’s progress and his career. I think the novelty factor is out,” he said.
Ashwin added that Sunil Narine, a seasoned all-rounder, has become less successful, especially with limitations on his variations.
“Sunil Narine also cannot bowl the faster ball anymore, because of his action. Eden Gardens is a small ground, so now it becomes easy for the opposition to say, ‘Hey, you know what, here is a team that is not going to make me scared, so let us go after them’,” he added.
Ashwin emphasized that KKR’s bowlers would find it more challenging to restrict aggressive batting lineups without the element of surprise, particularly on smaller grounds.
The renowned Indian spinner added that since the auction, the bowling unit has been hampered by injuries and personnel changes.
“After the auction, I had said that KKR’s bowling attack is solid. But now, Mustafizur Rahman is not there. (Matheesha) Pathirana’s injury is there, Harshit Rana has been ruled out. KKR have the blessing of Blessing Muzarabani. He has worked hard and I am excited to see them, but with all the injuries plaguing them, somebody has to do the heavy lifting. I can’t see anyone who can do that,” he said.
The latest setback for KKR was the season-long omission of India seamer Akash Deep.
Ashwin also mentioned the absence of Shreyas Iyer, who was not retained by the team after leading KKR to their third championship in 2024.
“Korbo is there, Lorbo is there, but I don’t think Jeetbo is there. KKR won the title three times, twice under Gautam Gambhir and once under Shreyas Iyer. Now that I think about it, with Shreyas Iyer, you had a qualifying opportunity that went to another team. Shreyas Iyer’s captaincy history is compelling. KKR’s loss ended up being PBKS’ gain,” Ashwin said.
Last year, Iyer joined the Punjab Kings and led them to their first IPL final in ten years.
According to Ashwin, teams ought to be able to deduct a player’s salary if he is unable to fulfill the expectations.
“There is a question about Cameron Green. Will Cricket Australia allow him to bowl all four overs? That is also a possibility. In this scenario, the Australian board is saying to Green that he can play in the IPL, but Test cricket is very important for us, so you can play only this much of workload,” Ashwin said.
“IPL teams also should have an opportunity where if he bowls only two overs, then they should deduct (Rs) 2 crores. Why not? If he (a player) is not able to deliver his four overs, then you should have the right to cut their money, right?”
“When you came into the IPL auction, the expectation was that you will bowl all four overs, and also bat. If there is no restriction on bowling, then great, but if there is restriction the team should be allowed to cut from the contract money,” Ashwin elaborated.
“Imagine if you are Shah Rukh Khan, and you have paid (Rs) 25 crores for a player. But then he comes and says that, ‘Sir, I will bowl only one over today, or bowl only 10 balls a day’. How will you feel?” R Ashwin said.
