New KKR bowling coach Lakshmipathy Balaji to take advice from Wasim Akram

Former Indian bowler Lakshmipathy Balaji who has played several seasons for the Kolkata Knight Riders franchise has now been appointed as their new bowling coach. Earlier, the post was held by Pakistan cricket legend Wasim Akram.

With the franchise suffering a setback of Andre Russell being ruled out of the 10th season of the Indian Premier League, they have successfully strengthened their bowling line-up at the auction which was held in the month of February. The franchise owned by famous Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan has brought in the likes of Trent Boult, Chris Woakes and Nathan Coulter-Nile which will give them a lot of bowling options to choose from.

However, Balaji will have a tough role replacing the Pakistani legend Wasim Akram as it is not an easy task to successfully use the experience of the bowlers in the right way. Balaji has himself attended Wasim Akram’s classes during his tenure as a KKR player and is honoured to have done so.

Balaji quoted after arriving at Kolkata to attend the Knight Rider’s preparatory camp “I am very much aware of the fact that Akram was KKR bowling coach. As a bowler, I also had taken his several classes in the previous leagues. It was my pleasure that I could attend his teachings on bowling and tried to apply those in my bowling while playing”

The right-handed bowler seems to trust Akram a lot and said that he would try to get in touch with him before the season starts. He also vowed to insert Akram’s philosophy among the young bowlers.

“I do not have Wasim’s phone number at the moment. But I must try to get it and call him for advice. He never behaved like a boss or a coach. He was always like a friend. He was bowling coach for long seven years and like other bowlers in the team, I also had the opportunity to share thoughts with him several times. I want to convey those teachings to the bowlers in the team now.”