Dynamites’ all-rounder Andre Russel on Friday said this edition of BPL would be competitive.
Dhaka won the league in 2016 but failed to retain the title and lost the final by 57 runs to Rangpur Riders. Chris Gayle, the Caribbean explosive batsman, hit a tremendous innings of 146 off 69 balls which let Dhaka down in the match.
“I think we have a good team. Our expectation is still to win ... we have to start on the right foot first,” Russell said.
Shakib Al Hasan, the star all-rounder, will play an important role in his team’s success this season. Russell was full of praise for his teammate.
“Shakib is a very good skipper. I have played with him at KKR and Jamaica Tallawahs as well. He plays hard and at times he may get grumpy, and that’s how the captains are,” Russell said.
On the other hand, Lance Klusner, the Kings head coach, said they are not bothered about other teams.
“I am not trying to put too much attention to other teams. I think our focus will be on ourselves. Obviously, there are some really good teams out there and there is no easy game. But our focus will be on ourselves and what we can do to try and win the games,” he said.
Rajshahi finished the last BPL second from the bottom of the points table. But they are confident enough to show their prowess.
“We have got a good bowling attack. It’s just about finding the balance, and we have lots of variety so that’s something is an advantage for us,” Klusner said. “At the same time, we have some wonderful batters, and we will try to look at some decent scores to defeat."