Kolkata Knight Riders are one of the most successful and consistent sides in the recent editions of the Indian Premier League. The Kolkata based franchise has won two titles defeating Chennai Super Kings in the year 2012 and Kings eleven Punjab in the year 2014. The last edition of this T20 extravaganza saw the Kolkata franchise tripping its way, narrowly missing their Playoff berth.
In the 2021 IPL auction, Kolkata did some smart business and acquired some experienced lads which includes the likes of Shakib Al Hasan, Harbhajan Singh and Ben Cutting.
Their overseas contingents includes the likes of Eoin Morgan, Tim Seifert , Ben Cutting, Andre Russel, Sunil Marine, Shakib Al Hasan, Pat Cummins and Lockie Ferguson.
Here’s a feature predicting the four overseas players who are likely to get their spots in the playing 11.
1. Eoin Morgan
England’s limited-overs captain Eoin Morgan joined the Kolkata franchise in 2020 year. After a sloppy start to the 2020 IPL edition, Morgan was given the captain’s armband from Dinesh Karthik. In the wake, Eoin Morgan was able to fork out the best out of his team and guided them to a better form. Given his rich style of captaincy, and his ability to clear off boundaries should help his side to improvise the batting strength in the upcoming edition.
Being the captain of the team, Morgan would be the first choice pick for KKR. The England skipper had a worthwhile season, that as he scored 418 runs at an average of 41.8. Morgan was their best player last season.
2. Shakib Al Hasan
Without a doubt, Shakib Al Hasan is the best cricketer to have emerged from the Bangladesh Cricket circles. A dynamic all-rounder who has prior experience playing alongside KKR will be once again donning the purple kits after recovering from the suspension.
Shakib had been a vital cog for the Kolkata franchise when they won titles in 2012 and 2014. The Bangladesh allrounder is upfront with both bat and ball and can turn the game, whenever his side needs him. With Narine’s poor form pertaining to be a concern, Kolkata Knight Riders would be happy to get Shakib back to their side.
3. Andre Russell
The beast from the West Indies needs no introduction to this cash-rich T20 cricket extravaganza. Arguably, the West Indian allrounder has been one of the best players in IPL history, but 2020 was quite an underwhelming season for him. He scored just 117 runs and picked up six wickets in 10 games. However, his recent performances in the domestic T20 leagues saw him rise once again.
The 2019 edition’s MVP, has piled up 1500 runs with a riveting strike rate of 180 in his 75 outings in IPL. Given his explosive batting at the death overs and his effective bowling will be vital for the Kolkata franchise to make them qualify for the playoffs.
4. Pat Cummins
Last year’s most expensive player Patrick Cummins just had a squeaky clean outing with KKR in the 2020 IPL edition. The Australian fast- pacer was bought by the Knight Riders in the auction of the previous season for a whopping Rs.15.5 crores, but his performances to the price tag was not considerable. He has scalped up 12 wickets in 14 games, with an economy of 7.36
This time the Kolkata Franchise decided to retain him despite his price-tag, with expectations are high, it will be interesting to watch how this Aussie pacer unleashes his potential in the 2021 edition.
