Kolkata got 'highly skilled batsmen' says batting coach Simon Katich to WION

Kolkata's batting coach Simon Katich spoke highly of side's explosive batting unit that has inspired the team to two wins and a narrow defeat so far in the ongoing edition of Indian Premier League. 

Kolkata defeated Hyderabad by six wickets in their campaign opener and registered another win in their second match against Punjab, however, they suffered a defeat to Shreyas Iyer-led Delhi in an intriguing match that concluded in a Super Over. 

In an exclusive interview to WION, Katich said, "Lot of positives in the three matches so far. Didn't get up against Delhi especially in the Super Over, but proud of the way the boys fought back." 

Against Delhi, Kolkata was at a score of 61 after losing five wickets but the middle batting order stepped up and ended up giving a 185-run target. 

"We got highly skilled batsmen. Nice to have that balance, I trust the boys to go with their instinct," Katich said.  

The former Australia left-handed batsman talked about Andre Russell and Dinesh Karthik's magnificent form in the ongoing edition of Indian Premier League. 

"We knew how much of a match-winner Russel can be but from a batting point of view, we tried to work on keeping his front leg still and that has allowed him to be in a much more powerful position," said Kolkata's batting coach on Russell's training. 

He added, "Teams can't just throw the ball with pace or bowl wide yorkers and if he can continue to do that then he can be hard to bowl to." 

Windies batsman Russell has been outstanding in the ongoing season, in the first match Hyderabad, he scored an unbeaten 49 off 19 and in the second match against he scored 48 off 17 balls. Against Delhi, Russell hit a half-century, he scored 62 runs off 28 balls. 

Katich is confident that their captain Dinesh Karthik will once again excel in his designated finisher's role. 

He said, "None of the guys would try to execute these shots unless they've done it in practice and they try to simulate the situation and Dinesh does it very well." 

He added, "He has the experience and can be difficult to bowl to at the back end of the innings." 

Ahead of the tournament, Katich had dropped a hint that Karthik would use the IPL to showcase his skill set in pressure games, making a case for his selection in India's World Cup squad. 

Katich gave especially mention to the local players, who are well aware of the conditions. 

He said, "It's the IPL, locals have a big advantage as they know the conditions."

"Big advantage for KKR with these players. Even Shubhman Gill is among them. He has had a great IPL he is not getting opportunities at the moment. 

"If he does get the time he's got huge talent," said Katich.