IPL 2019: Scouts highly recommended Sandeep Warrier’s name, says KKR bowling coach
Indian Premier League (IPL) side Kolkata Knight Riders, on Sunday, confirmed the signing of Kerala seamer – Sandeep Warrier – who has been roped in as the replacement for Kamlesh Nagarkoti, who has been ruled out of the 2019 edition of the cash-rich league due to a foot injury. After the announcement of Warrier’s signing, KKR’s bowling coach Omkar Salvi revealed that KKR scouts always had an eye on Warrier. Salvi said that the Kerala pacer was highly recommended by the KKR scouts and praised the Kerala seamer for having an outstanding domestic season.
KKR has even signed Karnataka spinner – KC Cariappa – as the replacement for the injured Shivam Mavi as the Shah Rukh Khan-owned franchise continue to get hurt by injuries ahead of the impending IPL 2019.
“Warrior has done really well in the domestic season. Our talent scouters watched him and recommended his name strongly,” Salvi told reporters on the sidelines of KKR’s practice session at the Eden Gardens.
“KKR has been blessed with a lot of unique and versatile bowlers. We are excited to work with them,” he said.
Warrier bagged eight wickets in the recently-concluded T20 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy and took a hat-trick against Andhra in Kerala’s thrilling win in the domestic T20 tournament. The 27-year-old seamer had earlier bagged 12 wickets in the Vijay Hazare trophy and was the highest wicket-taker for Kerala.
Warrier was also a part of Royal Challengers Bangalore. Meanwhile, Cariappa has played for Kings XI Punjab in 10 games, taking eight wickets. He was also a part of KKR’s squad in 2015, but played only one game for them. The mystery spinner has played 228 T20s in his short cricket career and will look to put out an impressive show in IPL 2019, which starts from March 23. The tournament opener will be played between defending champions Chennai Super Kings and Royal Challengers Bangalore at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.
