The Kolkata Knight Riders are one of the few teams to have won multiple IPL championships. The Knight Riders had won the trophy in 2012 and 2014. However, in the last two seasons, the Knight Riders have failed to earn a place in the Top 4. In 2020, the team management elected Eoin Morgan as the team’s new skipper.
They have shown faith in their squad despite a disappointing finish in IPL 2020. The Kolkata Knight Riders have two overseas slots vacant in their squad. Besides, they will also hunt for a few domestic stars to balance their squad well. KKR does not have enough back-up options for every department.
Thus, the Knight Riders would have some players on their wish-list ahead of IPL Auction 2021. Here are the five players KKR might sign in this year’s auction.
5. Ben Cutting
Last year, the Kolkata Knight Riders’ primary all-rounder Andre Russell could not get going with the bat. Also, Russell had a few injury issues which did not allow him to play up to his full potential.
The Knight Riders need to have a back-up foreign all-rounder for Russell. Australian star Ben Cutting could be a decent choice for this role. He has played for multiple IPL franchises before and he is a T20 specialist. His presence could help KKR a lot.
4. Shivam Dube
In case the Kolkata Knight Riders wish to have an Indian option in the finishers’ department, Shivam Dube could be an excellent option. Last year, Rinku Singh and Nikhil Naik could not finish off the innings well.
Shivam will not only bat in the middle-order, but he will also bowl medium pace for the team. Hence, Dube could give some much-needed balance to the KKR side.
3. Mujeeb ur Rahman
Sunil Narine’s bowling action has been under the scanner for quite some time now. The Kolkata Knight Riders signed Chris Green as Narine’s back-up last year. However, even Green’s action came under the scanner.
Green has returned to the auction pool this year. The Kolkata Knight Riders could go after Afghan leg-spinner Mujeeb ur Rahman in the auction. He is one of the top T20 players in the world, and he could form a top-quality partnership with Kuldeep Yadav and Varun Chakravarthy.
2. Krishnappa Gowtham
As mentioned ahead, the Kolkata Knight Riders need more options in their Indian finishers’ department. Krishnappa Gowtham could be a great addition to that unit.
Gowtham is a hard-hitting batsman, who can change the course of the match with his big hits in the final overs. Also, Gowtham can bowl right-arm off-spin for his team.
1. Shakib Al Hasan
The Kolkata Knight Riders do not have a single left-arm orthodox spinner in their retained players’ list. They could bring Shakib Al Hasan back to the franchise because he was very successful, playing for KKR in the IPL.
Shakib returned to the field after his 1-year suspension recently. He performed brilliantly versus the West Indies team at home. Shakib knows the Indian conditions well, and his experience could be quite handy for the Knight Riders.
