IPL 2019: 5 players KKR should rope in during trade window

One of the most popular T20 teams in the world, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), won their last Indian Premier League (IPL) title back in 2014 which was their second championship triumph. Since then they failed to make the final even once in spite of making it into the playoffs thrice. But, this time around KKR are keen to win the title of the most prestigious T20 league in the globe.

For the first time in the tournament's history, IPL authority introduced trade window for the teams to trade players with others. The newly introduced trade window is divided into two parts. One started right after the last edition of IPL had concluded, and another will start after the auction.

KKR finished the last season if IPL being number three on the table. They were mostly depended on the young guys during the previous edition of the IPL. Dinesh Karthik led his side on and off the field like a champion. But, they failed to achieve the ultimate goal- the trophy. KKR should bring some changes into their line-up if they want to lift the trophy for the third time in the history of IPL.

Since the trade window is still open for every team, KKR should jump into action to strengthen their armoury before the tournament begins. We have tried to sort out some names who could bring a new fortune for the KKR side this time around.

#5 Mayank Agarwal

England Lions v India A - Tri-Series International

Despite his downfall, Mayank Agarwal has scored 628 runs in his last 10 innings till date with four fifties and a century to his name. If not for his performance in the previous IPL, KKR should consider him for his recent tremendous presence in the middle. Mayank Agarwal, the Karnataka-born right-handed batsman, played the previous edition of the IPL for Kings XI Punjab but he failed to grab the chances he was given as he scored 120 runs in 11 matches off 94 balls.

The right-handed batsman was picked by Punjab in the last IPL auction for ₹10 million. The inclusion of Mayank can surely increase the batting depth of KKR as he is an experienced player when it comes to the IPL.

#4 Ben Laughlin

BBL Semi Final - Strikers v Renegades

This deficit of KKR can be removed by including Ben Laughlin. The 36-year-old Australian pacer has played a total of 124 T20s and has taken 157 wickets. His experience could add more depth to the KKR strength.KKR were short of a quality pace bowler during their assault in the previous IPL. They have had Mitchell Johnson in the squad, but the Australian pacer failed to impress as he took only two wickets in his six appearances. He was ruled out from the tournament due to an injury last year.

He has two four-wicket hauls and one five wicket-haul to his name. The right-handed pacer played five ODIs and three T20Is for Australia and took four and two wickets respectively. Laughlin has the ability and experience to offer world-class performances for the two-time champions of IPL.

#3 Ben Cutting

St Kitts & Nevis Patriots v Jamaica Tallawahs - 2018 Hero Caribbean Premier League (CPL) Tournament Play-Off 2

The 31-year-old all-rounder was tremendous during the inaugural edition of the Afghanistan Premier League where he represented Nangarhar Leopards. He played nine matches for the Leopards and scored 140 runs with a strike rate of 140.00 while taking 12 wickets as well. Ben Cutting, the right-handed all-rounder, can bring more strength into KKR's arsenal. Cutting played the previous IPL for the Mumbai Indians. But, he played only nine matches in which he was up to the mark while batting but failed to impress with the ball.

In the last IPL, Kolkata had no one other than Andre Russel, who was superb as a pace-bowling all-rounder with 316 runs and 13 wickets. Cutting has the experience of playing five ODIs and seven T20Is for his country- Australia. This experience will also add some value to his name.

#4 Mandeep Singh

Mandeep Singh, the right-handed batsman can be a good choice for KKR.

Mandeep was bought by Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the last IPL Auction for ₹10.4 million. He played all 14 matches for RCB and scored 252 runs. The right-handed batsman could be an excellent option for KKR. The KKR authority should think about roping him in. KKR can rely on the hard-hitting 26-year-old Mandeep Singh. He has all the potential and ability to help KKR to clinch another IPL title.

Mandeep has played 84 matches in IPL and has scored 1364 with an average of 20.98 with five fifties to his name. He has also played two T20Is for India and scored 87 runs with a maiden fifty. Despite scoring at an average of 43.5 in three T20Is for India, he did get another chance to represent his country.

#5 Sandeep Sharma

Sandeep Sharma played a vital role for SRH during the IPL 2018

The bowler played a crucial part to help SRH to advance to the final. But, he was too expensive in the grand final as he conceded as much as 52 runs in the match against Chennai Super Kings. Sandeep Sharma, the right-handed pacer, who played the last edition of the IPL for Sunrisers Hyderabad, took 12 wickets in 12 matches. The pacer was bought by SRH from the auction by ₹30 million.

Despite his downfall, he was one of the best bowlers for SRH, and he has all the experience to be a big part of KKR this year. Before the trade window shuts, KKR should think about signing him.

Sandeep played a total of 68 IPL matches and took 83 scalps with an average of 23.13. His vast experience of playing in the IPL could change fortunes for KKR in the upcoming season of the extravaganza.