IPL 2020: Kolkata Knight Riders strongest possible playing XI after the auction

Bowlers

Pat Cummins

Pat Cummins

Pat Cummins scripted history in this year’s auction by becoming the second most expensive buy in the history of IPL after Yuvraj Singh. Cummins bagged a whopping ₹15.5 crore and will spearhead the KKR bowling line-up in the upcoming season. The last two years have been quite exceptional for the Aussie speedster. Cummins will add variety to the squad and his inclusion will be a huge boost for the team management.

The Delhi Capitals and the Royal Challengers Bangalore had a fierce bidding war to grab the services of Cummins. However, at the end of the day, it was KKR who surprised everyone by snatching him at a record price of ₹15.5 crore.

Shivam Mavi

Shivam Mavi was retained by KKR which goes onto prove the trust the management had on the youngster’s abilities. Mavi lacked the wicket-taking abilities in the last couple of seasons but was impressive in patches.

This could be a breakthrough year for Mavi especially with Pat Cummins being a guiding force in the bowling line-up. Mavi has been among the wickets in the domestic circuit and will definitely look to make an impression this season.

Kuldeep Yadav

The chinaman bowler had a tough time with the ball last season but he definitely adds extra spice to the bowling line-up. He is an exceptional young talent who again proved his worth against West Indies in the 2nd ODI by becoming the 1st ever Indian bowler to bag two international hat-tricks.

He might go for runs on occasions but is a definitely a wicket taking option. Kuldeep Yadav will start in the Kolkata line-up despite his disappointments last season.

Prasidh Krishna

Prasidh Krishna was roped in as a replacement for the imjured Kamlesh Nagarkoti two seasons ago and the youngster has gelled along quite well in the squad. He is a skiddy customer having the ability to hurry any top order batsmen. Prasidh had a sensational season with the ball in 2018.

It was on the back of his performances in 2018 that the youngster was given a long run last year. He was not at his best and had a modest season. Prasidh managed to bag just 4 wickets in 11 clashes. However the KKR team management showed enough faith by retaining Prasidh for the next season. With Kamlesh Nagarkoti yet to play a match for KKR, Prasidh Krishna might be the preferred choice Indian pacer along with Pat Cummins.