"We felt including him would give that extra seam action as well as lancing (strengthening) our batting in seaming conditions."

Kolkata Knight Riders’ mentor Jacques Kallis has defended his side’s surprise inclusion of a rusty Azhar Mahmood in the playing XI for the crunch match against Rajasthan Royals — which they lost — as part of the ‘horses-for-courses’ policy.

Tough call



“It was a tough call. There was some extra grass on the wicket, and it looked like it would help the seamers a little bit extra. There was not too much for the spinners.

“We felt including him would give that extra seam action as well as lancing (strengthening) our batting in seaming conditions. It ended up being a really good wicket,” said Kallis at the post-match press conference on Saturday night.

“Probably it was a side that we were not used to playing but still the players who came in were good enough and capable to produce the goods. That’s the disappointing part.”

Mahmood, who did not get a look-in in the first 13 games but was included in place of Sunil Narine, went for 41 runs from his three overs, and made only six while batting.

“It was a tough selection. Sunny (Narine) probably has not been the same bowler, has been under the spotlight. He is working hard on his action. He is probably not as effective as he was last season. It will take time,” Kallis said.