IPL: Kolkata Knight Riders's first ever IPL XI- Where are they now?

#9 Ishant Sharma

Ten years back in 2007-08, an 18 year old Ishant Sharma shot into prominence during the Test series in Australia. Ishant's rhythmic high-arm action at quick pace troubled the legendary Ricky Ponting in the Perth test of that series, in such a manner that it prompted former Australian Captain Steve Waugh to call him the next big thing in Indian cricket.

Sadly, Ishant could not leave up to the lofty standards he created in 2007-08, and lost his pace and place in Indian ODI and T20 team by the end of 2013 due to his tendency to leak runs in death overs on regular basis. Despite his inconsistency in shorter formats, Ishant is an integral part of Indian test team, and recently played an important role in helping India win the 3rd test against South Africa by dismissing dangerous Hashim Amla in 2nd innings.

Ishant did not have a good IPL 2008, and took just 7 wickets in 13 matches at an economy rate of 7.81. But in Kolkata Knight Riders maiden IPL match, Ishant bowled an economical spell of 3-0-7-1. Ishant has so far played for five IPL franchises, and was unsold in the recently concluded 2018 IPL Auctions.

#10 Murali Kartik

Former Indian left arm spinner Murali Kartik played just 6 matches in the inaugural edition of IPL, and picked up just 3 wickets at a higher economy rate of 8.82. In Kolkata Knight Riders maiden IPL match, Kartik did not get a chance to bowl as Kolkata Knight Rider's pacers dismissed RCB for just 82 runs in 15 overs.

Murali Kartik played for India from 2000-2007, but found his international selection blocked majority of times, during his prime years due to the presence of Anil Kumble and Harbhajan Singh, and was only considered for selection if either of Kumble or Harbhajan were out due to injuries.

In IPL apart from Kolkata Knight Riders, Kartik has also played for Pune Warriors India, Royal Challengers Bangalore and Kings XI Punjab, and is currently working as a commentator.