IPL 2021: KKR's David Hussey Backs Shubhman Gill, Nitish Rana to do Well in UAE

New Delhi: Kolkata Knight Riders chief mentor David Hussey heaped huge praises on his team's opening pair Shubman Gill and Nitin Rana as he claims the duo will shock the world. The second leg of IPL 2021 is scheduled to start on Sunday, September 19 and Kolkata Knight Riders will be under immense pressure to bounce back in the tournament. KKR are currently placed at the 7th spot on the points table with only two wins in

Shubman and Nitish both failed to live up to expectations during the first leg of IPL as the batting department turned out to be a disappointment.

While Gill scored just 132 runs, Rana managed 201 runs in the first seven games for KKR in this year's IPL, which was postponed in April following multiple COVID-19 cases inside the bio-bubble in India.

However, Hussey pinned his hopes on the duo, calling them the 'next generation of Indian players'.

"They both are quality players, they are determined to do very well for the team and for themselves and they have a taste of international cricket now," Hussey told ESPNcricinfo.

Morgan also faced some backlash for his captaincy approach in the first leg but Hussey backed the English skipper to come good in the UAE.

"As a captain, he is going to lead from the front. We need some big performances from him. His is probably the hardest position to play in the middle order. He comes in either in deep trouble or coming in with 3-4 balls to go when top orders have done realy well," he said.

"He also has to lead on the field, get the fields correct, take wickets and also gamble a few times...Eoin will be a little disappointed with the last seven games, but knowing well that he is going to be prepared really well, I back him to be dominant in the next 7 games not only with the bat but captaincy as well."

The road ahead, however, is extremely difficult for KKR as the team is languishing at the seventh position on the points table.

However, Hussey believes his team can script a turnaround.

"All we have to do is win this ... We have done it before and so we can do it again... I feel we have the squad to do it also. You qualify for the finals and whole competition starts again," he said.

In the 2014 edition, KKR had won nine matches in a row to claim the title. Hussey said coach Brendon McCullum is determined to prove a point this time.

"Brendon has been phenomenal, been very consistent, whether we are winning or losing. He has been a consistent person, this time there is a bit of determination in Brendon, he really wants to show that this squad can go a long way in the tournament."

KKR will face Royal Challengers Bangalore in Abu Dhabi on Monday.