IPL Auction 2019: Team-wise analysis of likely strategies and potential buys

Kolkata Knight Riders

KKR are expected to bid aggressively for overseas reinforcements

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

Released: Mitchell Starc, Mitchell Johnson, Tom Curran, Cameron Delport, Ishank Jaggi, Vinay Kumar, Apoorv Wankhade, Javon Searles

Available Auction Purse: INR 15.20 crore

Available Slots: 12 (Indian 7; Overseas 5)

Auction Strategy:

Despite having only 13 players in their squad ahead of the auction, the Knight Riders have a strong first XI almost ready- all they need is an overseas fast bowler. The fragility of Chris Lynn and Andre Russell will prompt KKR to search for decent alternatives and given Robin Uthappa's patchy form, they would also look for dependable backup options in the middle order. The spin department looks settled, though they may want to add one to their reserves.

KKR have a history of scouting and nurturing talent from different parts of the world, and this year's auction dynamics present an ideal opportunity for them to make another Sunil Narine or Andre Russell out of someone.

Potential Acquisitions: Manoj Tiwary, Gurkeerat Singh, Ali Khan, Oshane Thomas, Dale Steyn, Morne Morkel, James Pattinson, Nicholas Pooran, Carlos Brathwaite, Fabian Allen, Khary Piere, Mohammed Shami, Ishan Porel, Varun Chakravarthy.

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