Updated: 2 June 2022
IPL 2023: 4 Players Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) Might Retain Ahead Of The Auction. Indian Premier League’s 16th edition talks have already started after the completion of IPL 2022. Prior to the IPL 2023, the world will witness a neck-to-neck fight in the IPL 2023 auction, wherein all the 10 teams will be eager to get the best-balanced squad. Kolkata Knight Riders, under the new leadership of Shreyas Iyer, had a below-average performance in IPL 2022. They failed to reach the playoff stage, as the men in purple finished at the 7th position, winning just 6 matches from the 14 games.
Also Read: IPL 2023 Auction: Predicted Retention Of Chennai Super Kings (CSK)
Kolkata Knight Riders’ biggest reason for their failure to perform in IPL 2022 was the lack of team effort. KKR players performed in patches. Batsmen played better cricket in some matches, while in the same match, the bowlers led them down, and vice-versa. Shreyas Iyer, as a captain was also not as effective, as people expected from him. However, for KKR, a few players performed better. Let us look at 4 players Kolkata Knight Riders can retain ahead of the IPL 2023 auction:
4 Players Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) Might Retain Ahead Of The Auction
SHREYAS IYER
Shreyas Iyer, the captain of KKR was the most successful batsman for the franchise in the IPL 2022. The right-handed middle-order player scored 401 runs in 14 innings, at an average of 31, and a strike rate of close to 136. He was one of the players who looked confident and was able to provide much-needed stability for the team.
Since Shreyas Iyer was appointed as the captain of Kolkata before the IPL 2022 edition, so the franchise will surely give him a few more chances to have an impact and make the team reach better heights in IPL 2023.
ANDRE RUSSELL
Andre Russell was one of the players for KKR who had a good IPL both with the bat and ball. Russell has been a consistent member of the KKR squad over the years and has provided valuable contributions.
In IPL 2022, the West Indies all-rounder scored 335 runs in 12 innings and was also the highest wicket-taker for the franchise, picking 17 wickets. Russell’s performance in the IPL 2022 is sufficient for the team management to retain him ahead of the IPL 2023 auction.
Also Read: IPL 2023 Auction: 5 Indian Players Who Can Earn Up To 10 Crore
NITISH RANA
The left-handed batsman for KKR, Nitish Rana also had a good IPL with the bat. He provided a valuable contribution to the team at the top of the order, scoring 361 runs in 14 innings, at an average of 28, and a strike rate of 143. He had started in almost all the matches. Nitish Rana is an experienced player for KKR and has performed consistently over the years. The Kolkata Knight Riders franchise will like to retain him ahead of the IPL 2023 auction.
UMESH YADAV
Umesh Yadav had a good IPL in the 15th edition. The tall pace-bowler hit the deck hard and bowled with good pace. He was the second-highest wicket-taker for the franchise, picking 16 wickets in 12 innings. The advantage of a good performance by an Indian bowler gives the opportunity for the team to play an extra foreign player. Umesh Yadav’s good show with the ball is a great sign for the KKR franchise, and they will surely like to retain him ahead of the IPL 2023 auction.
