Calcutta: As the countdown to IPL-V begins, the prognosis of yet another Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) campaign has begun to gather speed. Despite being one of the most glamorous of the franchises, KKR have managed to enter the semi-final just once.

This year, however, holds great promise, if young Jaydev Unadkat is to be believed. Speaking on the sidelines of a practice session at Eden Gardens, on Saturday, the 20-year-old said: “The support staff has improved… In fact, I think the team has improved”.

The lanky speedster burst onto the scene in the third edition of the IPL but has, since, fizzled out from public memory. Age, however, is still on his side.

“I still have time,” he said when asked if the lack of international opportunities vexed him. “This IPL will help me… It will be a good experience. I hope I play this tournament well so that the selectors take notice,” he added.

On his association with KKR bowling consultant Wasim Akram, Unadkat said: “Working with Akram for the past two years has helped my bowling a lot. It’s not just about the tips that one gets from a man like him… It’s the whole experience”.

When asked about his side’s bowling resources, Unadkat said: “The pace bowlers are better… In fact, overall the whole bowling attack is better”. However, that remains to be seen!