The team management however said it was “not mandatory” for the former left-arm pacer to attend the practice session that went on for two hours in the scorching afternoon heat at Eden Gardens here on Monday. “It was an optional practice, so what if he did not come,” said KKR official Jeet Banerjee when inquired about Akram’s strange absence.
In Akram’s absence, KKR coach Dav Whatmore, a former middle-order batsman for Australia, doubled up as a bowler and offered tips to the struggling bowlers of the side who included the rookie left-arm pacer Jaydev Unadkat who had conceded 32 runs from 2.2 overs in his debut match.