IPL: 3 Players Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) will never think of releasing

After facing a slump in the initial editions of the Indian Premier League, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) witnessed new dawn when they clinched their maiden IPL title in 2012. The Gautam Gambhir-led side defeated Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the final to script their name into the record books. The winning saga did not end there. Gambhir and Co replicated their success in 2014 as they defeated Kings XI Punjab in the final to lift their second IPL trophy. However, the side has failed to recreate their success in the last five editions of the tournament.

KKR, whose home ground is the Eden Gardens, also hold the record for the longest winning streak by any Indian team in T20s (14). The franchise is owned by Bollywood actor Shah Rukh Khan, actress Juhi Chawla and her spouse Jay Mehta. The Dinesh Karthik-led side failed to deliver a staunch performance in the last IPL season. Despite having a formidable side, the side could only collect 12 points from 14 fixtures, eventually finishing in the fifth position.

Over the years, Knight Riders have been successful to build a pool of young prospects and match-winning players. The side would count on these players to propel them to their third IPL title in the upcoming IPL 2020.

Here are the three prominent players who will force the franchise to think twice before releasing them:

Dinesh Karthik

Many people would argue that Karthik is in the late stage of his career. However, it could not be denied that KKR would have a hard time to discover another leader like Karthik after his departure. The wicket-keeper batsman has the experience of playing 181 IPL matches for five different franchises. Bought for a sum of Rs 7.4 crore, Karthik’s leadership qualities and experience played a crucial role in the franchise’s success.

Be it wicket-keeping, finishing the match in death overs or anchoring the innings in the middle overs- Karthik has the ability to pull everything off. Karthik reinvented himself as a finisher by his memorable knock against Bangladesh in the Nidahas Trophy in Sri Lanka last year. He was the top-scorer for his team in IPL 2018, where he amassed 498 runs at an impressive average of 49.80, including two half-centuries.

Karthik has amassed 3651 runs in his IPL career at a strike rate of 130.11, including 18 half-centuries. One of the most experienced wicket-keeper batsmen in the IPL, Karthik led KKR into the playoffs in 2018. Despite having an abysmal 2019 season, KKR would be optimistic about him steering the side to their third IPL trophy as the side is in desperate need of silverware for five years.

Andre Russell

Andre Dwayne Russell became a fan favourite due to his match-winning performances in the last IPL season. Known for his robust power and monstrous sixes, KKR will have to think twice before parting ways with the Jamaican. Russell smashed 510 runs in IPL 2019 at an astounding strike rate of 204.81. He also has the potential to scalp crucial wickets at regular intervals. The all-rounder picked up 11 wickets from 14 matches in the previous IPL season.

One of the most sought-after all-rounders in the world, Russell has the ability to shift the match in KKR’s favour at any point. The Jamaican’s innings of 17-ball 48 against Kings XI Punjab will remain one of the best in the history of IPL. His dominance in playing on the on-side was unmatchable as he hit 5 sixes in his innings while smashing Mohammed Shami and Andre Tye.

KKR retained Russell for a sum of Rs 7 crores for 2019 edition of the IPL and their decision was fruitful. It will be an uphill task for the Dinesh Karthik-led side to fill the void of Russell after his departure. The attacking all-rounder has developed himself as an indispensable part of the KKR.

Shubman Gill

After earning his maiden Test call-up, Shubman Gill is tagged as the ‘Next Big Thing’ in the Indian cricket. The youngster has a phenomenal First-class record where he has amassed 1535 runs in 15 matches at an impressive average of 69.8. KKR could not afford to let go of this 20-year-old, who has the potential to pave his way as a regular starter for the national side.

The right-hander gathered 294 runs in 14 matches in the previous edition of IPL at an average of 32.88. Gill shot to fame after his heroics in the 2018 Under-19 World Cup by smashing 418 runs at an average of 104.50. He was snapped up by KKR for a sum of Rs 1.8 crores following his performance in the U-19 World Cup.

Recently, Gill grabbed the headlines by delivering stellar performances including a double century against the West Indies A in the Caribbean in August. He also broke the record of the youngest captain to lead a side in Deodhar Trophy final. KKR would be aiming to flourish Gill as one of their vital players for the years to come. The youngster has the potential to fill in the shoes of Dinesh Karthik and lead the side in the near future.