IPL 2024: 'Sunil takes off the pressure from Me' - KKR star Phil Salt on dynamic partnership

Kolkata Knight Riders star Phil Salt says batting with Sunil Narine takes the pressure off him to go berserk from the first ball.

Phil Salt and Sunil Narine have been a revelation for KKR in this IPL 2024 season. The duo have provided blistering starts to KKR sinnings in almost every match. Salt and Narine have complimented each other terrifically as the Caribbean and the Englishman have often produced the goods for Kolkata.

KKR's magician Sunil Narine scored his first hundred in T20s against Rajasthan Royals, while Salt has already notched up two fifties. The duo are also the two highest run scorers for the Knights so far this season.

And speaking about the partnership, Salt says that he is enjoying his time in the middle with Narine. The 27-year-old says Narine's ability to hit shots relieves the pressure on him.

"It's great batting with Sunil (Narine). He has got very different sort of skillset when opening the batting. One of the good things for me is he takes the pressure off. I don't have to strike at 200 in my first ten balls, some games I might, but I don't have to. Normally one of us gets us going. If we get a good start, we can make the powerplay big, something that we have done (this season)," Salt said during a KKR event on Monday.

Salt also confirmed that they pick out the bowlers in the middle to attack, and try to implement that during the powerplays. KKR have drastically improved their opening pair stats compared to last season, and Narine and Salt both have been instrumental in that.

"On the field, there's not much talking. He is a very low-key, chilled guy. Our conversations are mainly about who's gonna take what bowler, who likes the match-up, left arm spin..right arm pace. Normally one of us puts our hands up and takes that on. And not much, we keep things very simple," the Englishman further added.

The two-time IPL champions currently sit 2nd in the IPL table with 10 points in seven matches. They will be up against Punjab Kings on April 26 at the Eden Gardens.