IPL 2019: Five released players KKR should target at the auction

#1. Aaron Finch

Aaron Finch could provide flexibility in the batting line-up

The Australian opener had a disappointing season with Kings XI Punjab in 2018. In the 10 matches that he played, Finch scored only 134 runs at an average of 16.75. The franchise has decided to release him citing the terrible form, however, his possible absence in the latter stages due to World Cup next year may also be a reason for the move.

Even if Finch remains unavailable for the later stages of the IPL, he is still a worthy selection. The left-hander blasted 172 runs in the T20I match against Zimbabwe in July 2018 shortly after his T20 century for Surrey. He is one of the most explosive openers going around in white-ball cricket. Finch has the experience of nine years in IPL cricket as well.

Kolkata Knight Riders do have the phenomenal opening pair of Chris Lynn and Sunil Narine which worked well in this season. However, by the end, the bowlers figured out Narine’s weakness against the short ball and exploited the same. Lynn is injury-prone and having Aaron Finch around will help KKR if the opening combo fails.