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In a significant development for the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR)‘s preparation for the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 season, the franchise have revealed the replacement player for Gus Atkinson.
Following their 7th-place finish in the IPL 2023 points tally, the Knight Riders are diligently gearing up for a compelling and competitive campaign this year. The strategic acquisition of the replacement player underscores the franchise’s commitment to strengthening their squad and addressing any potential gaps in their lineup.
The reason behind Gus Atkinson’s unexpected departure from KKR
Currently a member of England‘s squad in their ongoing Test tour of India, Atkinson generated considerable buzz after being roped in by the KKR for his base price of INR 1 crore in the IPL 2024 auction held in Dubai. However, the specific reasons behind the 26-year-old’s decision to step away from the forthcoming edition of the cash-rich League are yet to be disclosed, adding an air of mystery to his sudden departure.
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Atkinson’s replacement
In response to the unexpected withdrawal of Atkinson, KKR swiftly moved to fill the void by securing the services of Sri Lanka‘s fast bowler Dushmantha Chameera at his reserve price of INR 50 lakh. Renowned for his formidable pace and the ability to trouble batters with both swing and seam movements, the 32-year-old brings a wealth of IPL experience to the franchise.
Having previously been part of Rajasthan Royals (RR) and Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in the 2018 and 2021 seasons, respectively, he showcased his skills with a notable stint with Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in the 2022 season, claiming nine wickets from 12 matches. His performance in Sri Lanka’s recently ended T20I series against Zimbabwe attests to his current form and readiness to contribute to KKR’s campaign in the upcoming IPL season.
