Kolkata Knight Riders were very active window in the IPL 2023 pre-auction trading window. The two-time champions had a disappointing season in 2022 as they failed to qualify for the playoffs despite having a strong squad. Kolkata have released a majority of their Indian players from the last squad but retained their core group.
One of the major issues which the Kolkata Knight Riders faced in IPL 2022 was wicket-keeping. They kept changing between Sam Billings and Sheldon Jackson, but nothing worked for the franchise. They have released both Billings and Jackson. In the trade window, they roped in Rahmanullah Gurbaz from the Gujarat Titans.
KKR would like to have a couple of more wicket-keeping options for IPL 2023. They also need to take care of the budget because they do not have too much money remaining in their auction purse. Here is a list of the two wicket-keepers whom Kolkata could target.
1. Kolkata Knight Riders might go for KS Bharat at IPL 2023 Auction
KS Bharat can solve multiple problems for the Kolkata-based franchise. He can keep the wickets for the team and also bat in the top-order of the team. Most importantly, he is an Indian player, which would allow KKR to play with four other overseas players in the playing XI.
Bharat had a breakthrough season with Royal Challengers Bangalore in IPL 2021, but Delhi Capitals did not use him much in IPL 2022. He is back in the auction pool for IPL 2023.
2. Tim Seifert
New Zealand’s wicket-keeper batter Tim Seifert was also with the Delhi Capitals last season. But because of Rishabh Pant’s presence, Seifert did not get enough chances. Seifert was with KKR in the past, but he could not receive consistent opportunities to play.
He has done well in T20I cricket, and if backed in the IPL, he can get going in the league as well. Seifert could be a great option for KKR.
