Lockie Ferguson says he became a KKR fan after watching McCullum's whirlwind knock in 2008

New Zealand and Kolkata Knight Riders speedster Lockie Ferguson heaped praise on compatriot and coach Brendon McCullum and said that he became a Kolkata fan after former Kiwi cricketer's ferocious kck in first match of inaugural edition of IPL. McCullum h smashed 158 runs off just 73 balls in first IPL match against Royal Challengers Bangalore in 2008.

'We used to watch IPL as young chaps': Lockie Ferguson

"We used to watch IPL as young chaps. Brendon (McCullum) was definitely one of our heroes while growing up. After watching him do so well in first match for KKR, it was hard t to be a Kolkata fan. So yeah, I am super excited and I think Purple and Gold doesn't look b on me at all," KKR official website quoted Ferguson as saying.

" team we have (for this season) is looking super strong. Last year, we ended up sort of mid-table, so hopefully, this year we will get a chance to improve on that performance," he ded.

"In my international career, I just missed out on having him as my captain. It was just after World Cup here in New Zealand. I have bowled to him a few times at nets. He is one of those New Zealanders who played game way he thought it should be played," Kiwi pacer said.

"He was always super aggressive and I guess my bowling mirrors him in a way when it comes to aggression. So yeah, I am thoroughly looking forward to playing under him as coach," Ferguson ded.

KKR in IPL 2020

Knights will be hoping to win ir third IPL crown in 13th edition of cash-rich tournament that will be played in UAE from September 19 to vember 10. KKR players have alrey reached Gulf for participating in upcoming season of Indian Premier League. Dinesh Karthik-led side are staying at Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal.

Karthik, on or hand, will be leing two-time winners Kolkata Knight Riders in 13th edition of cash-rich tournament. He was last seen in action during heartbreaking World Cup 2019 semi-final against New Zealand at Manchester and has t been in Indian team manment's scheme of things since n. He will be hoping to make his bat do talking as well as showcase some extraordinary performances behind stumps and eye a comeback in shortest format for Team India as countdown to ICC T20 World Cup 2021 begins.

KKR will kickstart ir campaign when y lock horns against title-holders Mumbai Indians at Sheikh Zayed Stium, Abu Dhabi on September 23.

(With ANI Inputs)

(Im Courtesy: AP)

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