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Nitish Rana, a left-handed batsman from Delhi, has played a crucial role in Kolkata Knight Riders’ middle-order lineup for several seasons. He has consistently provided valuable contributions, especially during situations of top-order collapses, aiding KKR in successful chases or setting imposing targets. In the 2020 IPL edition, Rana impressed with 352 runs from 14 matches at a strike-rate of 138.58. His ability to stabilize the innings and switch gears when needed adds significant value to the team. Consequently, the franchise retained him in the 2022 IPL Auction, recognizing his importance to the squad.
KKR acquired Rinku Singh in 2018 for INR 80 lakh. Despite a less-than-ideal first season, his potential was recognized, leading to his retention for IPL 2019. Singh focused on improving his batting skills under the guidance of KKR Assistant Coach Abhishek Nayar at the KKR Academy during the off-season. This dedication bore fruit during his 2018-19 Ranji Trophy campaign for Uttar Pradesh, where he emerged as the tournament’s third-highest run-scorer with 953 runs in 10 innings, including four centuries. While his IPL numbers may not be exceptional, Singh is determined to capitalize on the opportunities presented to him this year.
Rahmanullah Gurbaz, a wicketkeeper-batsman from Afghanistan, was selected to join the Gujarat Titans squad as a replacement for Jason Roy. He boasts a T20I career with 534 runs, including three half-centuries, and a commendable strike rate nearing 138. Gurbaz joined Gujarat Titans at his base price of INR 50 lakh, becoming the third Afghanistan cricketer, alongside Rashid Khan and Noor Ahmad, to represent the franchise in the IPL.
When Kolkata Knight Riders entered the TATA IPL 2022 Auction, their priority was to find a leader for their team. On the day of the auction, the franchise aggressively pursued India batter Shreyas Iyer and successfully acquired his services for a substantial sum of INR 12.25 Crore, marking their highest bid. Iyer was promptly appointed as the team’s captain, given his track record of success with his previous IPL franchise and the Indian national team. As a young and talented batter and captain, Shreyas Iyer is expected to make a significant impact in guiding the young Kolkata Knight Riders team towards achieving their goal of winning the IPL title, especially after their runner-up finish in the 2021 season.
Anukul Roy rose to prominence with a remarkable performance in the ICC U19 World Cup, where he achieved a five-wicket haul followed by a four-fer, making him one of the joint-leading wicket-takers in the tournament. At just 20 years old, Anukul has already represented Jharkhand in List A and Ranji Trophy matches, claiming 30 first-class wickets. While he has played 10 T20 matches, the IPL presents a significant platform for him to showcase his talents. Despite waiting for his opportunity behind senior left-arm spinner Krunal Pandya, Anukul made his IPL debut in 2019 and took a wicket in the single game he played. In the 13th edition of the tournament, although he didn’t feature in a match, he made notable contributions as a substitute fielder for the Mumbai Indians, taking crucial catches. His potential was recognized by KKR, who acquired him in the 2022 IPL Auction.
Andre Russell, an aggressive all-rounder hailing from the Caribbean, is highly coveted in the Indian Premier League due to his exceptional skills. He has consistently demonstrated his prowess with both bat and ball for KKR, proving to be a match-winner when the team needed it most. Russell’s ability to make significant contributions in run-chases or while setting challenging totals has made him a crucial asset for KKR. His importance to the team is evident as he was among the four players retained by the franchise, showcasing the immense trust they have in his game-changing abilities.
Venkatesh Iyer’s impressive domestic record caught the attention of Kolkata Knight Riders ahead of the 2021 season. The Madhya Pradesh all-rounder is known for his aggressive batting style and effective bowling. With a T20 batting strike rate of 137.64 and an economy rate under seven, he showcases both power hitting and bowling control. Kolkata acquired him in the 2021 IPL Auction, where he made a significant impact by scoring 198 runs in a Vijay Hazare Trophy match against Punjab. During the 2021 IPL season, Iyer amassed 370 runs in 10 matches at an average of 41.11, earning him a spot in the national T20Is & ODIs squads. Being one of KKR’s retained players and a pivotal asset, the franchise anticipates match-winning performances from him.
Suyash Sharma is a talented young cricketer from India known for his skills as a fast bowler. Born on April 12, 2001, Sharma has shown great promise in domestic cricket leagues, impressing with his pace, swing, and ability to generate bounce. He has represented his state team in various age-group tournaments and has been praised for his consistent performances. Sharma’s dedication to improving his game and his natural talent have earned him recognition as a rising star in Indian cricket. With continued hard work and opportunities, he has the potential to make a significant impact in the world of cricket.
Harshit Rana is a budding cricketer from India known for his batting prowess. Born on May 25, 2000, Rana has showcased his skills in domestic cricket, particularly in the middle order. He has a solid technique and can play both spin and pace bowling effectively. Rana has represented his state team in various age-group competitions, where he has consistently scored runs and impressed with his temperament under pressure. With his dedication, talent, and potential, Rana is considered a promising prospect in Indian cricket, and many believe he has the ability to make a mark at higher levels of the game in the future.
Sunil Narine has been a cornerstone of KKR’s bowling lineup for several years, but his recent focus has shifted towards his batting prowess. He faced a setback in his bowling career due to a suspect action, leading to adjustments in his bowling technique. However, Narine showcased his batting skills after being promoted as an opener by KKR, providing explosive starts and posing a threat to opponents early in the innings. The team management has consistently shown confidence in his all-round abilities, evident in his retention by the franchise for the 2022 IPL Auction. Narine aims to make significant contributions in the upcoming season.
Vaibhav Arora is an Indian cricketer known for his skills as a right-arm fast bowler. Born on October 4, 1998, Arora has represented various domestic teams and has been a consistent performer in domestic cricket. He made his first-class debut in 2018 and has since impressed with his ability to generate pace and swing, troubling batsmen with his deliveries. Arora’s dedication to his craft and his knack for taking crucial wickets have earned him recognition as a promising fast bowler in Indian cricket circles, and he continues to strive for success at higher levels of the game.
Varun Chakaravarthy, a leg-spinner from Tamil Nadu, rose to fame when Kings XI Punjab acquired him for a remarkable INR 8.4 crore during the IPL 2019 auctions, making him the most expensive player for KXIP at the time. His stellar performances in the local Tamil Nadu T20 tournament caught the attention of franchise captain R Ashwin, who was highly impressed. With a repertoire of variations, Varun joined Kolkata Knight Riders in 2020 to strengthen their spin bowling department. He delivered with 17 wickets in the 2020 IPL season at an average of 20.94, including a memorable 5-wicket haul against Delhi Capitals. Varun continued his success in 2021, claiming a total of 18 wickets, establishing himself as KKR’s mystery spinner and a pivotal contributor to the team’s success.