Brendon McCullum happy to be back with CSK core
Brendon McCullum scored 841 runs from 28 innings for CSK. © BCCI
Brendon McCullum became an instant IPL success when he struck a blistering 73-ball 158 in the first match of the tournament for Kolkata Knight Riders against Royal Challengers Bangalore in 2008.
Eight years down the line, McCullum was again the first foreigner to be picked from the IPL players' draft - this time by the Rajkot franchise. This will be McCullum's fourth franchise after successful stints with KKR, Kochi Tuskers and Chennai Super Kings. In the two seasons that he played for CSK, McCullum made 841 runs from 28 outings with five fifties and a century.
"Having played in India on so many occasions over the years, I am excited to be part of the Rajkot side for the next edition of the IPL. It has always been great playing in India as the crowds give you so much love, and they have an enthusiasm for the game which is unmatched," McCullum told TOI on Tuesday (December 15).
When asked if he would miss sharing the dressing room with the likes of MS Dhoni, who was bought by Pune, McCullum chose to look at the brighter side. "In the Rajkot team, I will still be playing alongside Suresh (Raina), Ravindra Jadeja and Dwayne Bravo with whom I have had a wonderful time at CSK," said McCullum, who has 2080 runs from 76 IPL matches.
Will he be ready to lead if his franchise wants him to? "I think it's too early to speak on it as the draft itself has just happened," McCullum said.
On Monday, McCullum led New Zealand to a 122-run win over Sri Lanka in the first Test at Dunedin. Personally too, it was a great game for him as he went on to equal Adam Gilchrist's world record for most sixes in Tests (100).
"Oh, it was a great feeling to get that (record). As I said earlier, this was one hundred I definitely cared about. Hitting my 100th six was a moment I would definitely cherish as I had an eye on this record. I hope to hold on to this for some seasons at least," said McCullum.