3 fast bowlers Kolkata Knight Riders can target in the upcoming IPL Auction
Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) were largely lackluster in the last IPL season. An unconvincing auction and the loss of their captain, Shreyas Iyer, due to injury disrupted their rhythm early and derailed their season.
They traded for key players like Lockie Ferguson and Shardul Thakur, but they underperformed.
The two-time IPL Champions have now released both players and all-rounder David Wiese ahead of the upcoming auction. They have 32.7 crore in their purse, and will be looking to sign a fast bowler.
Here are the three fast-bowlers KKR can target in the upcoming IPL auction:
#3 Kartik Tyagi
Kartik Tyagi is one of the best fast bowling prospects in Indian cricket right now. He is known for his swing, blistering pace, and wicket-taking ability.
Tyagi took 11 wickets in six games at an average of 13.91 in the under-19 World Cup in 2020. He has also performed well in the IPL, having taken 15 wickets in 19 matches so far.
In 2021, Tyagi valiantly defended four runs in the last over against the Punjab Kings and ensured victory for the Rajasthan Royals. He also took a game-winning hatrick for the Meerut Mavericks against the Lucknow Falcons in the recently concluded Uttar Pradesh T20 League.
Tyagi was picked up by the Sunrisers in the last auction, but played just three games for them. Many believe he has the potential to become one of the best fast bowlers in the world, and that his talent needs proper nurturing.
Tyagi could prosper well under the watchful eyes of KKR's new mentor, Gautam Gambhir, who has previously nurtured young players like Ayush Badoni.
#2 Gerald Coetzee
Gerald Coetzee is widely regarded as one of the best young fast bowlers in the world. He has become an integral part of the Proteas team in limited-overs cricket courtesy his impressive performances.
Coetzee played for the Joburg Super Kings in SA 20 and was the league's third-highest wicket-taker with 17 wickets at an impressive strike rate of 10.06. His strike rate in T20 cricket is excellent, and he is capable of making vital breakthroughs on demand.
Coetzee took 20 wickets in eight games at an economy rate of 6.23 in the recently concluded ODI World Cup, and was a part of ICC's team of the tournament. Coetzee has shown the ability to take wickets on flat Indian wickets, which could greatly benefit the KKR team given that they struggled to break partnerships last season.
#1 Pat Cummins
Australian captain Pat Cummins has been on a winning spree in 2023. He first led Australia to their maiden World Test Championship title, and followed that up by leading them to their sixth ODI World Cup.
Pat Cummins last played for KKR in the IPL. He opted out of last season's IPL to focus on international cricket and manage his workload.
Cummins has taken 45 wickets and scored 379 runs in 42 IPL matches. He is not only an aggressive fast bowler but also a good batter.
Cummins batted for 68 balls and ably supported Glen Maxwell's heroics against Afghanistan in the World Cup. Back in 2021, he smashed 66 off 34 balls against the Chennai Super Kings and almost won the game for KKR.
Cummins' leadership was pivotal to Australia's victory in the final of the ODI World Cup. The Kolkata Knight Riders, with their financial might at the auction, could look to re-sign Pat Cummins.
Many believe it would be a shrewd move for KKR, as captain Shreyas Iyer can greatly benefit from Cummins' experience, winning mentality, and leadership skills.