5 players KKR could target in the IPL auction

The Kolkata Knight Riders have been one of the most consistent sides in the history of the IPL. After a nightmare of a start to their campaign in the early years of the tournament, they have come back strong to win 2 IPL titles under the leadership of Gautam Gambhir.

Now they have a new leader from last season in the form of Dinesh Karthik who has made rapid strides as a T20 player and has led the team well so far. KKR along with Delhi Daredevils and Kings XI Punjab has released quite a few players and have as many 5 overseas slots left to be filled with available purse money of 15 crores to spend.

Retained: Dinesh Karthik, Robin Uthappa, Chris Lynn, Andre Russell, Sunil Narine, Shubman Gill, Piyush Chawla, Kuldeep Yadav, Prasidh Krishna, Shivam Mavi, Nitish Rana, Rinku Singh, Kamlesh Nagarkoti

Total slots available 12: Indian 7 and Overseas 5

It is clear that KKR has invested a lot in young Indian cricketers who have shown the results and have retained most of the core players from last year.

The franchise has recently asked for suggestions to the fans in social media on whom to buy ahead of the 2019 IPL auctions. Here are the players whom KKR could look to target

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#5 Dale Steyn

Dale Steyn

Dale Steyn could be a dark horse to attract huge bids considering his recent form and many teams could be eyeing for this speedster from South Africa. A rejuvenated Steyn is deadly dangerous for the opposition batsman.

Kolkata Knight Riders have let go of Mitchell Johnson, Mitchell Starc and Tom Curran from the squad and they would be looking for a fast bowler who can guide the young bowlers in the squad like Shivam Mavi and Kamlesh Nagarkoti.

With years of experience in the league, Dale Steyn will be a perfect addition for teams looking for a good bowler and a leader of the pace attack but more so for the KKR at this juncture.

#4 Reeza Hendricks

Reeza Hendricks has been in form of his life

After a strong showing in the Mzansi Super League, Reeza Hendricks could be in for a huge demand in the upcoming auctions. Hendricks has not yet played a part in the IPL but this could be his opportunity to finally find a team and that team could be KKR.

The Kolkata-based franchise needs a strong opener at the top who could partner the ever-dangerous Chris Lynn. Reeza could definitely be a man to fill that void after his splendid performances in recent times.

Just ahead of the IPL 2019 auction, he smashed unbeaten consecutive centuries for his side in MSL 2018. And apparently, collected straight man of the match awards as well. This feat has made him a man to watch out for in the IPL auction, and he could what Maxwell did in 2013, become a million dollar buy.

#3 Jaydev Unadkat

He has played for KKR in the past

Jaydev Unadkat was relatively an unknown player when he played for the KKR from 2010-2012. But he has become one of the sought out death bowlers in the IPL particularly after an outstanding season that he had with the Rising Pune Supergiant in 2017 where he ended up taking 24 wickets in 12 games.

After a lacklustre outing last season, one in which he was bought for Rs 11.5 crores by the Rajasthan Royals, the franchise released him ahead of this season. This year too, Unadkat has set a base price of Rs 1.5 crores which is the highest among Indians and could start another bidding this time.

Given his abilities to hit the deck hard and bowl consistently at the desired length, he might just be the perfect pick for KKR who don't have an experienced Indian pacer in their ranks.

#2 Brendon McCullum

Brendon McCullum in 2008

Baz was the one who created a magic in the very first of the IPL back in 2008 when he played for the Kolkata Knight Riders scoring a brilliant 158 to set the tone for the phenomenon called the Indian Premier League. So, it is only fitting that he goes back to the same franchise this year.

KKR too are in need of an opener at the top to support Chris Lynn and what better player than Brendon to do so. Hence, with 5 foreign slots available KKR could well buy him from the auction and we could see McCullum turn out in purple again.

He has had a consistent run in the IPL and this T20 legend has been a good form of late playing for different franchises around the world. His addition to the squad would make KKR look more formidable than it is now.

#1 Sam Curran

Sam Curran could replace his brother Tom in KKR camp.

Sam Curran has drawn a lot of interest among the IPL franchises with his outstanding performances at the highest level over the past couple of months. He has all the attributes to be a great all-rounder for any side in any given format.

Curran has enjoyed a sensational debut year in international cricket, starring as Player of the Series during England’s 4-1 Test series win over India during the home summer, while also impressing in the 3-0 whitewash over Sri Lanka. This is his first time entering the IPL auction.

He has even drawn appreciation from Virat Kohli and the RCB too would be interested in buying him. And KKR will also benefit from having Sam in their ranks in the upcoming season as they are in need of all-rounder to provide an able support to Andre Russell who has now become more injury prone.