Unable to process anything after KKR selection: Sandeep Warrier

Kerala’s wonder pacer, the 27-year-old Sandeep Warrier was incorporated into the Kolkata Knight Riders squad at the last minute. Just 10 days ahead of the 12th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) pacer Kamlesh Nagarkoti was ruled out of this season of the IPL due to a foot injury. Following his injury, Warrier got a call from KKR and was asked to join the team in Kolkata. The Kerala pacers said that initially, out of joy, he was unable to process what had happened.

As far as the two-time KKR recruit Kamlesh Nagarkori is concerned, the pacer would be missing out on his second consecutive IPL opportunity, both times due to his injury issues. Meanwhile, for the Kerala-born Warrier, it will be the second time that he would feature in an IPL squad. He was recruited by Royal Challengers Bangalore in 2013 and was a part of the franchise for three years but failed to make the playing eleven in any of the games. 

Under team coach, Dav Whatmore the Kerala pacer reached a whole new level at the recently concluded Ranji Trophy season. The right-arm fast bowler from Thrissur, who bagged 44 wickets in 10 matches, came up with the best bowling performances for Kerala throughout the series. Following that, Warrier claimed eight wickets from six matches, which included a hat-trick,  in the Syed Mushtaq Ali T20 Trophy. 

Speaking about Whatmore’s influence on the team, the youngster said, “The main difference is the mindset that he gives the players. He has given us the freedom to go out and express ourselves.”

Warrier reveals the reactions to his KKR call

Warrier who was initially ‘disappointed’ as he was left unsold in the IPL auctions, got a call from the KKR management on Tuesday, March 12. “I have not even been able to process what has happened. They called me up in the evening (Tuesday), and they said I’ll have to leave for Kolkata the next morning. When I asked what time, they said at 8:30 am and there is practice at 1 pm later. I didn’t even have time to reflect on it. All I have done is pack my bags and arrived here the next day,” Warrier told CricketNext.

“The family was happy, but it was not like they were overjoyed by it. In their mind, they knew that something like this could happen, keeping in mind the season that I had. I consider it has god giving me a reward for my performance last year,” the 27-year-old spoke about his family’s reaction to the KKR call-up.

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