‘Opportunity for Gill and Rana' - Brendon McCullum on KKR missing the services of Pat Cummins and Eoin Morgan in IPL 2021

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has decided to host the remaining matches of the 14th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) in the United Arab Emirates in September and October. However, some franchises will be at a disadvantage during the UAE leg of IPL 2021 as it is learned that many overseas players might skip the tournament due to international duties.

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) are likely to miss the services of their two veteran players including Pat Cummins and Eoin Morgan. When KKR’s head coach Brendon McCullum was questioned regarding the same, the veteran asserted that the franchise is really disappointed as both Cummins and Morgan are valuable assets of the KKR setup.

However, the 39-year-old feels that the absence of Cummins and Morgan can benefit young lads like Nitish Rana and Shubman Gill. McCullum believes that both Rana and Gill will have to step up to take responsibility.

“Now, if we are to lose some of those guys, that would be really disappointing because, structurally, we had set it up to rely on certain people and some of those personalities which we had picked,” McCullum told Sports Today.

“I knew that if we were under pressure they would still be in it for the long haul and would remain calm during tough times. I think of Pat Cummins and Eoin Morgan, who are calm customers and good leaders.”

“If we were to lose them, then we are going to have to find some guys to step up. That brings out an opportunity for the likes of Shubman Gills and Nitish Rana, who can, maybe, have to play beyond their years and experience,” he stated. 

Rana and Gill are only suffocated by their own insecurities: Brendon McCullum

Further in the interaction, McCullum also opened up on KKR’s torrid run in IPL 2021. The Knight Riders weren’t enjoying an ideal outing in the league as they could win just two out of their seven league games. Carrying an analysis of the defeats, McCullum asserted that the team needs to play aggressively.

The former Kiwi skipper backed Rana and Gill to do good as he believes that both the players have the required skillset and talent to excel. However, what the two Indian players require is a mindset to express themselves more freely on the cricket field.

“It does take courage to play aggressively. That’s what I am trying to drive into some of the young guys, the likes of Shubman and Nitish in particular because they have the game. They are only suffocated by their own insecurities or pressures at this stage. They are tremendous talents,” McCullum signed off.