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Two-time champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) made some bold yet logical decisions in the bygone auctions for the IPL 2020. They let go of their experienced campaigner Robin Uthappa and Piyush Chawla and their marquee player for several seasons, Chris Lynn.
Also, their other releases were Joe Denly, Carlos Brathwaite and Anrich Nortje. In place of these gun players, they brought in replacements in the form of Eoin Morgan, Pat Cummins, and Tom Banton.
This time around, KKR have come up with one of the most balanced squads, with like for like replacements of their stars. So, let’s have a look at the best playing XI from the KKR squad in the upcoming edition of the IPL.
Sunil Narine
The Trinidadian guarantees an explosive opening in the Powerplay, which can take the game away from the opposition quickly. Also, Narine’s overs of spin proved to be quite dependable over the years, if not as incisive as it was during the initial years of his career.
Rahul Tripathi
KKR has a solid opener in Rahul Tripathi who was released by the Rajasthan Royals for this edition of IPL. Albeit, his domestic form has been patchy.
Shubman Gill
One of the brightest potentials in the Indian batting circuits, Shubman Gill will be raring to go this season, with form behind his name. KKR should look at Gill with optimism, given his successful India ‘A’ ventures.
Nitish Rana
Yet another glamorous batsman, Nitish Rana is a dynamic top-order batsman for the Knight Riders. The Delhi batsman has also been in decent form in the domestic circuit, as well as in the thereabouts of India ‘A’ side.
Eoin Morgan
England captain Eoin Morgan is yet to fire in the Indian Premier League, after being part of several franchises. He returns back to the KKR squad and will be looking to feel like home this edition.
Dinesh Karthik
After question marks raised in the previous season regarding his captaincy, as well as shown the door by the national selectors, Dinesh Karthik will have a point or two to prove in this edition of IPL.
With backs against the walls, we all know how the Tamil Nadu veteran responds when the chips are down.
Andre Russell
With BPL match practice under his belt, Russell is all geared up for yet another explosive season with the bat. Subjected to fitness, the Jamaican powerhouse will hold the key for the KKR, with his impact runs and wickets.
Pat Cummins
Multi-million dollar man from the recent auctions, Australian pacer Pat Cummins changes his loyalty from Delhi Capitals to KKR, to replace their runaway bride and colleague Mitchell Starc.
Cummins arguably is one of the best bowlers in the longer formats of the game presently. Also, Cummins can be lethal with the bat, during the back end of the innings.
Kuldeep Yadav
The left-arm chinaman has had an indifferent season for India and has struggled for control and deception, through which he rose to international fame. He is yet another Indian star looking to make a statement ahead of the T20 World Cup.
Sandeep Warrier
The Kerala pace bowler has risen through the ranks after consistent impressive domestic performances, which led to his inclusion in the India ‘A’ side. KKR bid for Warrier aggressively and surely is going to feature in the XI for KKR.
Prasidh Krishna
After impressive performances in the previous editions, Prasidh Krishna turned out to be the go-to bowler for captain Dinesh Karthik.
His fitness levels and match practice prior to the tournament is an issue. KKR management would hope Krishna would return into the scheme of things to feature in the XI.
So here’s the best XI from the Kolkata Knight Riders’ squad in the upcoming edition of IPL.
Sunil Narine, Rahul Tripathi, Shubman Gill, Nitish Rana, Eoin Morgan, Dinesh Karthik, Andre Russell, Pat Cummins, Kuldeep Yadav, Sandeep Warrier, Prasidh Krishna.
