The Kolkata Knight Riders are one of the most talked-about teams in the Indian Premier League (IPL). They are also one of the more under-performing ones. After the second of two title wins in 2014, this team owned principally by Shah Rukh Khan have made the final just once, in 2021. In fact, in the last five editions, that was the only time that they reached the last-four stage.
At the mini-auction in Dubai for the 2024 edition, KKR will have lots of vital slots to fill. They have roped in a new mentor in Gautam Gambhir, who was captain when they lifted the IPL trophy in 2012 and 2014. Along with coach Chandrakant Pandit, Gambhir will play a big role to play in rebuilding the team. They have 12 vacant positions and Rs 32.7 crore in the purse.
Just a few hours away from the #IPL2024Auction!
As teams gear up for the bidding war, let’s take a look at who will bag the highest bid? Which players will be the surprise buys?
Tune in to this Auction Special Show for all the insights 👇@ThumsUpOfficial @CricSubhayan… pic.twitter.com/kaaagzk04y
— RevSportz (@RevSportz) December 19, 2023
Need fast bowlers: Having released almost all the fast bowlers including Lockie Ferguson, Tim Southee, Umesh Yadav and Shardul Thakur, KKR will be desperate for some big buys. It’s difficult to say who, but they will eye at least one big name like Mitchell Starc or Josh Hazlewood. South African Gerald Coetzee could also be on their radar.
Bottom line, they have to completely refurbish this department. Expect them to spend big on one or even two fast bowlers. They have to spend judiciously as well, having splurged money on Ferguson and Shardul without getting adequate returns. They also have to buy a few with a lesser price tag. That’s because, of the 13 players they have retained, only Harshit Rana and Vaibhav Arora tick this box.
One more batter: This is another department where KKR would like some reinforcements. They have Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Jason Roy, to go with Shreyas Iyer, back as captain, Rinku Singh, Nitish Rana and Andre Russell. But ideally, they would prefer at least one more, who can be a regular in the starting XI. If they spend too much on fast bowlers, money could become a problem when they go looking for an additional batter. But they need one, considering that batting has troubled them in the last two seasons.
No all-rounders: This is another area where KKR are not that well-stocked. Of the 13 players they have at the moment, only Russell and Venkatesh Iyer qualify for this role. Neither of the two are extremely convincing when it comes to delivering with the ball. This team has struggled of late because of this lack of a multi-dimensional player. The auction pool will offer plenty of options. Who and for how much will be the factors for the think-tank to balance.
Well-stocked spin wing: This is the only department where KKR do not need much. In Sunil Narine, Varun Chakravarthy and last year’s find, Suyash Sharma, they have this base covered. Rana can be used as a part-timer. There is Anukul Roy in the reserves. The only problem is, all three frontline spinners are similar. There is no variety as such. There is no out-and-out wrist spinner, something which IPL teams tend to like. If there’s enough left in the wallet, this is one box they might look to tick.
Another keeper: Having released Litton Das and N Jagadeesan, KKR are left with just one keeper in Gurbaz. They will certainly buy back-ups. Money might become a problem here, if they spend a lot on the fast bowlers and other requirements. However, that they have to buy a stumper is a given. The price tag may become a crucial consideration for the team when it comes to this slot.