Prospects
For what may be the first time in this cycle, Kolkata Knight Riders are prepared to challenge the big guys for the championship once more. KKR had consecutive bad seasons due to a mix of bad performances, injury issues, and a lack of a solid pace attack captain. But 2024 looks like it will be much better.
Where in this cycle they have completed
7th in 2022, 7th in 2023
Important arrivals include Sherfane Rutherford, Phil Salt, Mitchell Starc, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Chetan Sakariya, Manish Pandey, and Ramandeep Singh.
Important omissions: Mandeep Singh, Lockie Ferguson, Tim Southee, Shardul Thakur, Umesh Yadav, and
Complete roster: KS Bharat, Phil Salt, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Vaibhav Arora, Chetan Sakariya, Dushmantha Chameera, Varun Chakaravarthy, Mitchell Starc, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Harshit Rana, Suyash Sharma, Anukul Roy, Venkatesh Iyer, Sherfane Rutherford, Angkrish, Raghuvanshi,
One statistic from the previous year that they should fix
KKR has lost more wickets in the Powerplay than any other team over the course of the last two editions combined, averaging two wickets per innings. Because of this, they have employed 14 different opening combinations in previous two editions, something they would like to change this time. Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Phil Salt are seasoned foreign players. Given that Venkatesh Iyer’s best season with KKR occurred at the top of the order, it is anticipated that he may take the opening spot once more. This time, the top order will appear much more settled because Shreyas Iyer is also accessible.
Keep an eye on Mitchell Starc
When KKR takes the field, little question the Australian pacer will be the center of attention. In order to get the pacer, the franchise shattered the all-time auction record. He’s not only making his IPL comeback after nearly ten years, but he’s also been added to bolster the pace assault, which has been without a strong leader lately.
Accidents and accessibility
Shreyas Iyer’s availability for the tournament’s early rounds was once again questioned. To connect with his teammates, the 29-year-old has traveled to Kolkata, so he should be available for the opening game.
Potential XI and Impact Player strategy
Phil Salt (WK), Mitchell Starc, Harshit Rana, Varun Chakaravarthy, Andre Russell, Rinku Singh, Ramandeep Singh, Sunil Narine, Venkatesh Iyer, Shreyas Iyer, Nitish Rana, and Andre Russell
Impact Sub-Ideally, KKR ought to be trying to replace Rinku Singh with the formidable Suyash Sharma. Nonetheless, this team does have a variety of bowling options, so if the top order collapses, they will also be able to bring in Manish Pandey to stop the bleeding.
