Considered as one of the most explosive players in the world - Chris Lynn is looking forward to captain two-time champions Kolkata Knight Riders in the upcoming edition of cash-rich Indian Premier League (IPL) 2018. The captaincy spot in the Shah Rukh Khan-owned franchise has been vacant after Gautam Gambhir returned to Delhi Daredevils after spending seven seasons with KRR.
Famous for his ball striking abilities, Lynn is a fairly known name among cricket enthusiasts especially in the shorter format of the game. The 27-year old is a prolific performer in the Big Bash League (BBL) and has the ability to take the match away at the top of the order. Along with former Kiwi batsman with Brendon McCullum, Lynn has formed one of the most destructive opening pairs in BBL and are often called the 'Big Bash Brothers'.
During the IPL player auction last month, KKR broke the bank to secure the services of Lynn when they bought him for a whopping price of Rs 9.6 crores. He became the costliest Australian at the auction and left pacer Mitchell Starc on the second spot.
Recently, KKR coach Jacques Kallis told PTI that Lynn is one of their top picks for the captaincy role in the upcoming edition of T20 extravaganza. At the Big Bash League 2017-18, though he played just five matches for Brisbane Heats, he was a solid performer scoring 148 runs with a best of 63 not out and strike-rate of 162.63.
"I'd love to, I'd jump at the opportunity," the Lynn was quoted as saying by cricket.com.au on Monday.
"We've got a really good group at Kolkata. The coaching staff, Simon Katich, Jacques Kallis, Heath Streak … I can relate [easily to] them."
Lynn has been a part of the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) franchise side since 2012 KKR but the franchise decided not to use the RTM as they have already retained two foreign players in the form of Sunil Narine and Andre Russell which is the maximum in terms of foreign players to be retained.
"But there's a couple of boys that have been in the IPL for 10 years so you can't ignore their experience, especially in their own backyard. I'm still learning the game over there but if given the nod then I'd jump at the chance." Lynn added.
Playing for KKR, he scored 295 runs in 7 matches with an average of 49.16 at a mind-boggling strike-rate of 180.98 in the last edition of T20 league. To add to his striking abilities, Lynn is also a brilliant fielder that can come in handy in the shortest format of the game.
