5 Players KKR might release ahead of the next IPL season

3. Nikhil Naik

The ongoing IPL season saw KKR try several of their young, local batsmen across different batting positions. The likes of Rinku Singh, Rahul Tripathi, and Nikhil Naik, all got to feature in the playing XI at some point or another. While none of the three really had a breakthrough season with the bat, the team seems to have identified Tripathi as a long-term option. This potentially endangers the position of the remaining batting options in the squad.

But between the duo of Nikhil and Rinku, Nikhil seems like the more vulnerable candidate who can miss out on representing KKR next year. Rinku, despite not being a regular in the team, happens to be an integral part of it as the first-choice substitute player. His on-field agility and sublime fielding skills make him vital to KKR’s back-up plans.

The 25-year-old Nikhil, meanwhile, clearly falls behind on the fitness aspect. He does provide a handy wicket-keeper option if needed, but with Tim Seifert’s recent induction to the side, even that particular area seems covered. As a result, KKR might opt to trade him to a team like the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) as an extra wicket-keeping option.