IPL 2019: KKR eyes teenage Kashmir pacer as Shivam Mavi's replacement; calls him for trials

After signing in Kerala pacer Sandeep Warrier in place of young pacer Kamlesh Nagarkoti, two-time Indian Premier League (IPL) champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) has now eyed Jammu and Kashmir’s teenage pacer Mujtaba Yousuf to replace another young fast bowler Shivam Mavi who, like Nagarkoti, has also been ruled out of the tournament because of injury. KKR had picked Nagarkoti and Mavi last year following their impressive show in the Under-19 World Cup in New Zealand.

According to reports in Sportskeeda, the franchise has called Yousuf for trials on Sunday, a week before they play their first game in the upcoming IPL against Sunrisers Hyderabad in Kolkata. The Dinesh Karthik-led side had lost to the same opponents in the qualifier last year to miss out from playing their third final of the tournament.

Yousuf made his debut for J&K in Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy recently

Yousuf, who is from South Kashmir’s Anantnag district, made his debut for Jammu and Kashmir recently in Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy T20 tournament after doing well in U-19 cricket. The left-arm medium pacer has picked three wickets in six matches in the tournament with the best figure of one for 17 against Nagaland. He has also attended a couple of sessions at the National Cricket Academy in the past to sharpen his cricketing skills.

Although he got just three wickets, Yousuf impressed with his pace and movement of the ball. KKR, who faced problems with some of their young bowlers getting ruled out of the tournament, zeroes in on Yousuf. While Nagarkoti missed the entire season last year, Mavi played a handy role in KKR’s mission, taking five wickets in nine games. KKR has called some budding cricketers to attend the pre-season camp to find a worthy replacement for Mavi.

Mumbai Indians bought another player from Jammu and Kashmir named Rasikh Salam in the last IPL auction and he became the third cricketer from the state to go to the IPL.

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