In small squad, the roles are more well defined: Robin Uthappa

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) had the least number of players in their squad at the end of the two-day mega-auction in January which raised a few eyebrows. Many believed that they will struggle with only 19 players in the Indian Premier League (IPL) which goes on for almost 50 days. But as things stand now, it seems that their decision has worked wonders as they have used the least number of players so far in the tournament. However, the IPL veteran Robin Uthappa has also backed the decision saying that the roles are well defined in the smaller squad.

KKR are being led by the new captain Dinesh Karthik after they had decided to let go their iconic player Gautam Gambhir. Karthik has done well at the helm so far as the team is at the fourth position in the points table with 5 wins after 10 matches. But they will have to win at least three games out of the remaining to assure themselves a place in the playoffs.

Sense of unity is a lot more

The key player of the KKR set up, Robin Uthappa, also feels that the idea of a smaller squad works better as there is a sense of unity and assurance among the players. “With a small squad, the roles are more well defined. Boys have a clearer picture of what their roles are within the unit. It doesn’t take too long to get to know one another personally. And I think everyone gets to travel with the team, no one’s left behind. So I think the sense of unity is a lot more,” he was quoted as saying by The Hindu.

He also believed that the youngsters benefit a lot with the fewer players in the squad. There is also a chance of the team being more successful which doesn’t make so many changes in the side during the course of the tournament.

“Especially for the youngsters, it gives them the sense of clarity that, you know, what direction they’re heading in. In my experience, in the last ten years of IPL, the fewer changes you make within a side, the more successful you tend to be. So I think with a smaller squad you also have that many fewer options so it gives you a better chance of being successful,” the 32-year-old went on to say.

KKR is also the team which has used the least number of players so far this season along with Mumbai Indians. Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) are the next in the list as they’ve been doing so well and are at the top half of the points table ever since the tournament has started.

Here are more details according to The Hindu:

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