Knight Riders skipper Brendon McCullum hopeful team will make semis this time but ready to quit if they fail to do so
Knight Riders skipper Brendon McCullum hopeful team will make semis this time but ready to quit if they fail to do so
Under tremendous pressure following the demoralising run of his team, Kolkata Knight Riders' skipper Brendon McCullum has offered to step down if he' not able to inspire his team to be in contention for the semi-final.
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Knight Riders skipper Brendon McCullum |
In a nightmarish start to their Indian Premier League campaign, KKR succumbed to their third defeat in five matches. Their match against Chennai Super Kings was washed off. Their only win came against Kings XI Punjab in a rain-affected game
"It is about accountability as a captain. I know I will be judged by results, my team will be judged by results. If I am not able to inspire my team to give ourselves an opportunity to get back in the tournament, then I am more than happy to step aside next season," said a disappointed McCullum after their humiliating 92-run defeat against Mumbai Indians at the St George's Park stadium.
Since, named KKR's captain his personal form has suffered a slump too. Yesterday, he failed with the bat again.
"It's tough at the moment, it is a lonely place when things are not going your way.
"When you are not winning, your position is under pressure. But from my point of view, how he can turn his team around in tough times is the mark of a captain and if I can do that, it will be fantastic.
"I am desperately keen to put out a winning contribution. It is always tough to get across messages and the right kind of feelings to the team when your own game is struggling. But that's probably the mark of a captain...when you are going through hard times and are still able to put the messages across the team," he said.
He was still hopeful about his team's chances and denied captaincy is the cause of his batting woes.
"I am terribly disappointed with the way I have contributed with the bat. But I don't think captaincy has had any effect."
McCullum has proved to be a poor choice as captain. According to few KKR players, McCullum is a nice guy and there is no ill-feeling towards him in the team. But he is not able to inspire the team or take tough decisions. He looks on the field, an indication that he is not comfortable with the role.
Meanwhile, owner Shah Rukh Khan agreed that "The team hasn't gelled well. I told the boys not to lose heart and that we can still make it."
There was some criticism about sending their in-form batsman, Sourav Ganguly, at No 4 when the team was chasing a huge score against the Indians. Ganguly had top-scored with a 30-ball 46 in their last game against Rajasthan Royals.
"There are some fine players in our top four and the plan was to get a decent start so Sourav can ice the cake. The No 4 spot is right for Sourav. I have spoken extensively about it to him and he is comfortable at No 4. It fits the balance of our side," he said.
Given the players' body language, it will need a miracle to get KKR out of the rut they are in.
