IPL 8: Kolkata Knight Riders is no one-man army, says mentor Akram

Champions Kolkata Knight Riders' team mentor and former Pakistan captain Wasim Akram says every player has contributed to defending champions' success in the eighth edition of IPL

No Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) player figures in the Top 10 of Indian Premier League-8 run-scorers, wicket-takers or for most catches so far. Yet Gautam Gambhir's outfit is the team to beat in this tournament.


Kolkata Knight Riders' skipper Gautam Gambhir during a practice session at Wankhede yesterday. Pics/Atul Kamble 

A win today against Mumbai Indians at Wankhede Stadium will take KKR to the top of the IPL table, dislodging Chennai Super Kings, who are at 16 points from 13 matches.

Robin Uthappa is the highest run-getter from KKR with 325 runs in 11 matches, while leggie Piyush Chawla has claimed 11 wickets in 11 matches.

KKR vice-captain Suryakumar Yadav has taken most catches (six). KKR team mentor Wasim Akram provided an insight into the team's success. "It's a team sport. We never rely on any particular player in batting or bowling. Everyone has got a responsibility. They are enjoying their roles and our captain is leading from the front.


KKR pacer Umesh Yadav bowls at Wankhede nets 

'Gauti's the best captain'
"In my opinion, he is one of the best captains in the IPL, always going for wickets. He never goes for dot balls. Even in the 15th or 16th over, there will be a short leg, a slip at least for a few balls to create pressure on the new batsman. Everybody is enjoying each other's success. Our coach Trevor Bayliss likes to keep things simple," Akram said on the eve of the clash.

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