Getting a chance to play for an IPL team is a formidable task. With cut-throat competition and relentless pressure, some can even consider getting picked at an auction as an accomplishment. And once you do get a hit, if things do not go your route, getting another shot is an altogether firmer assignment.
KKR is a reasonably successful side in IPL. With two trophies in their cabinet despite starting off poorly, it has been a decent ride so far for KKR. In this article, we take a peep at ten players who played just one game for the franchise.
1. Sanjay Bangar
At the start of this century, Sanjay Bangar was one of the best pace-bowling all-rounders in the country. Sanjay played for Deccan Chargers in season one, and then, after that edition, he made the switch to KKR. The former India all-rounder could manage only one game for the Kolkata-based team.
2. Darren Bravo
Dwayne Bravo’s brother Darren Bravo has also played in IPL. However, the journey has not been sweet, with him having mustered only a single cap for KKR so far. Although unlikely, Bravo could still get a chance in IPL.
3. Azhar Mahmood
The Pakistani all-rounder made his way to IPL, courtesy of his English citizenship. While he played a few good games for KXIP, Azhar’s time at KKR was restricted to a single game. He made six runs in that match.
4. Joe Denly
The top-order batsman was hired as a backup for Chris Lynn in one of the seasons. However, the Englishman could squeeze into the XI only on one occasion. Just like Darren, even Denly can get a chance in the future if he works hard.
5. Paras Dogra
A veteran in the domestic circuit, Paras Dogra was a fine middle-order batsman during his time. While he did play a few games for other franchises in Kolkata, the player came on the field only once. He has a 30+ score in IPL, and that happens to be his most memorable outing in the tournament.
6. Chris Green
KKR picked a spin-heavy squad for IPL 2020, and amongst their foreign imports, Chris Green was one of them. The player just played one game in 2020, but with Sunil Narine slowly seeing a dip in his form, Green could yet play more games for KKR in IPL. That said, it needs to be seen if KKR would retain Green in the first place.
7. Brad Haddin
Australian cricketers are rated highly in the Indian Premier League. Although he was a fine servant for his nation, when it came to IPL, Brad Haddin was under-par. It also has to do more with the fact that Haddin’s big-hitting skills did not always mandate a spot in the playing XI in which only four foreigners are allowed.
8. Harpreet Singh
Harpreet Singh is one cricketer who could have been useful for Team India if he was consistent. A fine batsman in the middle-order, Harpreet was good in the domestic circuit. His bowling skills were also adequate for T20 format. For KKR, he played one game, and maybe, if he had more chances, he could have shown his skills.
9. Mashrafe Mortaza
A legend of Bangladeshi cricket, just like his country mates, Mortaza could not make a mark in IPL. He played just one game for KKR and more than for him. That game is remembered for a spectacular last-over in which the Bangla pacer was taken to the cleaners by Rohit Sharma.
10. MB Parmar
Now, anyone would be curious if you have an action similar to that of Muttiah Muralitharan. MB Parmar had that, and hence, in 2009, KKR picked him to play for them. The fact that he played for India U19 added flesh to his case. However, the player could manage just one game for the team.
