IPL 2022: Support staff must manage players’ workload to minimize injuries, says David Hussey | Cricket News – Times of India

KOLKATA: Kolkata Knight Riders seemed to have ticked all the right boxes ahead of the 15th Indian Premier League season, but will that be enough for them to grab the cup under Shreyas Iyer? Team mentor David Hussey feels they do have the combination right, and now it is over to the players and support staff.
The support staff in particular have a huge role to play, given that some of KKR’s key players are prone to injuries. Andre Russell, Sunil Narine and Varun Chakravarthy all have in the past missed crucial matches and Hussey accepts workload management is an important area to work on.

“Injuries throughout the tournament can be tough and it can have a huge impact on any team,” the former Australian batsman said during a virtual interaction on Wednesday.
“It is up to us as the support staff to recognise if anyone is struggling injury wise, fitness wise or fatigue wise and get on the same page as them, if they need rest. We have to work with our fitness trainers to keep them as fresh as possible.”
KKR, runners-up of last edition, have a well-balanced squad this time around. However, question marks have been raised on their wicket-keeping. Hussey, though is not worried. He feels Sheldon Jackson and Sam Billings have enough skills and experience to do a good job for the team. “We have a wonderful wicketkeeper in Jackson. He is also a good striker of the ball and dominates in Ranji Trophy. There is also Billings who has kept wickets for England,” Hussey said.

Head coach Brendon McCullum is known for his aggressive strategies and Hussey feels that is the right to go about the task. “It’s our job to educate the young players about Brendon’s way, which is the way KKR is known for,” Hussey said.
With Ajinkya Rahane and Pat Cummins in the side, Shreyas will have ample leaders to turn to. Although Rahane has been struggling for runs, Hussey feels the Indian is a class player and would be looking to dominate during IPL. “Also, he is a leader among the group and apart from his on-field contributions, he is am asset off the field too. He can guide the youngsters.”

Cummins will lead the attack, which will see a few new faces this time. The Australian Test skipper, along with Aaron Finch, will miss out a few early games as they will be playing against Pakistan, something which Hussey isn’t too happy about. “But then international cricket should be paramount. They will be cricket ready when they join us.”