With questions being raised over Sunil Narine's action again, Kolkata Knight Riders’ bowling coach, Wasim Akram, says the mystery spinner will bounce back from the rough patch.
Coming clean after a rehabilitation program post being called for chucking in last year's Champions League T20, the West Indies spinner was called for suspect action during the ongoing eighth edition of the Indian Premier League and subsequently barred from bowling the off-break deliveries.
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Akram, however, insists things will soon fall into place for the champion spinner.
"He is a hard-working guy and I am sure everything will go well for him. KKR need him.
"Narine has been exceptional for KKR. He bowled us to the championship in 2012 and contributed immensely last season," the legendary Pakistani pacer told reporters in Kolkata on Tuesday.
Giving an update on the bowler's retest for the off-spin delivery, Akram said: "We are expecting the report on Narine in the next couple of days, which would decide his fate."
Kolkata Knight Riders have done well despite being without their ace spinner, who was instrumental in them emerging triumphant last season, as his replacement, Australian chinaman bowler Brad Hogg, has claimed eight wickets in four matches, at an economy rate of 6.21.
Akram credited the team’s skipper, Gautam Gambhir, for ringing in changes successfully.
"The credit goes to Gambhir for being constantly in search for a mystery spinner. A mystery spinner is one whose ball you can't pick easily. Hogg surely has filled in Narine's shoes perfectly. This is what Narine has been doing and that is exactly what Hogg is doing."
The 'Sultan of Swing' also showered praise on speedster Umesh Yadav, whose twin blows in the first over -- including the wicket of David Warner -- helped Kolkata thrash Sunrisers Hyderabad by 35 runs on Monday night.
"He bowled a dream delivery to dismiss Warner. That was just unplayable. He was the game changer yesterday by dismissing one of the best hitters of the game," said Akram.
"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," he added.
Kolkata Knight Riders’ Proteas pace import Morne Morkel has missed out on five previous matches but Akram does not read much into his absence.
"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."
Image: Sunil Narine of Kolkata Knight Riders.
Photograph: BCCI
