Holder: everyone loves the IPL

Having played a one-day international against India at Green Park in Kanpur, Jason Holder appeared surprised at what greeted him – short boundaries. "I remember playing here and the pitch was batting-friendly. But I can’t remember the boundaries so short."

Jason Holder has played just one match in this edition of IPL.

Green Park, the newest venue in the Indian Premier League, is not really new for Jason Holder, who is set to play against Gujarat Lions here on Thursday. Kolkata Knight Riders, rich on resources, has used Holder sparingly. He has played just one match in this edition, scoring nothing and going wicket-less.

“We are professional athletes and only 11 can play. I come to the ground and do all my pre-match preparations. It is part of the game.”

Having played a one-day international against India here, Holder appeared surprised at what greeted him – short boundaries. “I remember playing here and the pitch was batting-friendly. But I can’t remember the boundaries so short.”

The bowlers obviously would be concerned now.

On Andre Russell not being available for the match on account of injury, Holder said, “It is a loss no doubt. He is a wonderful player but we have players who can fill the bill. We have 20-odd players fully capable of delivering.”

Holder lavished praise on the IPL. “Everyone loves the IPL. It is the biggest T20 league in the world. The competition is very good and the level of cricket, very high. I don’t know if reducing the matches is ideal. It is hard to answer that. Travelling is the toughest part of the tournament.”