Akram credits Gambhir for Hogg's emergence

Kolkata, May 5 (IANS) Hailing Chinaman exponent Brad Hogg for ably replacing spin ace Sunil Narine in the side, Kolkata Knight Riders' bowling coach Wasim Akram on Tuesday credited skipper Gautam Gambhir for effecting a seamless change in the slow-bowling department.

 

West Indian Narine was reported for a suspect bowling action during an Indian Premier League match (IPL) and has been banned by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) from bowling his off-spinners in the ongoing tournament.

 

KKR have kept him out of the team since the BCCI verdict on April 29.

 

"Hogg surely has filled his boots perfectly well, but the credit goes to Gautam Gambhir. He was always adamant to have a mystery spinner. A mystery spinner is one whose ball you can't pick easily. This is what Narine has been doing and that is exactly what Hogg is doing," Akram said here at event.

 

The Pakistan legend along with former India batsman Dilip Vengsarkar participated at an interactive programme at a school here.

 

Akram exuded confidence regarding Narine's comeback after reports of biomechanical tests arrive.

 

"Narine has been exceptional for KKR. He bowled us to the championship in 2012, and he contributed immensely in 2014 championship.

 

We are expecting the report on Narine in the next couple of days which would decide his fate. He has been working very hard and I am sure everything will go well for him. KKR needs him," said Akram.

 

He also allayed fears of any injury to pacer Morne Morkel who has been missing from action in the last few matches.

 

"There is no injury to Morkel. We rested him for a few games, it is a long tournament and we need to preserve our bowlers. He has pace, bounce and certainly our main bowler and a force to reckon. He is definitely in the picture for sure.

 

The former Pakistan pacer also praised the performance of Indian quick Umesh Yadav in the ongoing tournament.

 

"He is very consistent and hard working. He has got pace, he is a quick learner and will do well for India for long time," added Akram.