KKR’s record in CLT20 is not that great, says skipper Gautam Gambhir

Led by the stylish Gautam Gambhir, the team has not given a good account of itself in the CLT20 competitions so far as even though they reached the Group Stage in 2011 and 2012 editions, they failed to go beyond.

“Our record in Champions League is not that great. Hopefully we have to rectify that. There is lot to play for. CLT20 is the tournament that we have not won and we have the side that can win any tournament. So this time we are motivated to win the tournament,” Gambhir said.

Besides Gambhir, KKR boasts of some high-octane performers such as Jacques Kallis, Robin Uthappa and Yusuf Pathan, though it is missing the services of Shakib and Morkel.

“Obviously (we will miss them). I would be lying if I say I won’t miss them. They are quality performers. Especially Shakib is an unbelievable performer. But it gives opportunity for other young guys who have been waiting. Hopefully they can grab the opportunity and deliver it for us,” Gambhir said.

“This will also help us in next IPL if they perform well. We will have big pool to select the team for IPL,” he added.

The Kolkata side has practiced hard, including playing a practice match with Hyderabad XI, at the Rajiv Gandhi cricket stadium here yesterday. In the 20 overs practice match, Kallis has scored 58 runs (43b, 3×4,4×6).