3 KKR players who are a part of Trinbago Knight Riders in CPL 2024 ft. Sunil Narine
The Trinbago Knight Riders (TKR) got back to winning ways in the ongoing Caribbean Premier League (CPL) after beating the St Lucie Kings in the 12th match of the competition on Tuesday, September 10. The most successful franchise in CPL history with four titles to their name, TKR is one of the most well-balanced sides in the tournament.
They started their campaign with a resounding win against the St Kitts and Nevis Patriots where Nicholas Pooran blasted his way to a 43-ball 97 to set up the win. A massive score of 250 proved to be enough in the end, as they registered a 44-run victory. TKR got a reality check in the second game, failing to chase 177 set by the Antigua and Barbuda Falcons.
The victory in their third game has helped them leapfrog the St Lucia Kings to the second position on the points table. Over the years, the Knight Riders have emerged as the best side in the competition with an exceptional all-round balance. They haven't been at their best since their last title win in 2020 but given the quality of their side, TKR again have a serious opportunity of winning their fifth title in 2024.
Trinbago Knight Riders are owned by the Knight Riders group which is the parent company of the Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). In 2015, the Knight Riders Group purchased a stake in the Red Steel which was the previous name of TKR. The name was changed to Trinbago Knight Riders in 2016.
Over the years, the Knight Riders Group have shown an affinity towards players who have performed for KKR in the IPL.
3 KKR players who are a part of Trinbago Knight Riders in CPL 2024
#3. Jason Roy
A beautiful timer of the ball and someone who can massacre any bowling attack on his day, Jason Roy’s CPL career is still in its infancy. He made his CPL debut this season against the St Kitts and Nevis Patriots but couldn't quite make a significant impact. He was dropped for the next game against the Antigua and Barbuda Falcons but made a return to the XI against the St Lucia Kings.
Roy looked in good touch against St Lucia but couldn't convert his start and was dismissed for a 15-ball 16. Roy is also part of the Kolkata Knight Riders squad in the IPL. The England international was snapped up by KKR ahead of the 2023 season.
Shakib Al Hasan and Shreyas Iyer were ruled out which prompted the KKR management to buy an experienced campaigner like Roy. He had a good time during the 2023 IPL, scoring 298 runs in 10 games. Roy withdrew from the 2024 IPL and was replaced by Phil Salt. He would be expecting KKR to buy him back in the mega auction.
#2. Sunil Narine
A bonafide IPL legend, Sunil Narine is among the very few overseas players who have played for only one franchise in the IPL. Narine has been an integral member of the KKR squad since 2012. He is fifth on the list for picking most wickets in IPL history. In 177 matches, Narine has bagged 180 wickets at an incredible economy rate of 6.73.
Over the years, he has evolved his game and has also played some stunning knocks while opening the batting. He had a breakthrough season in 2024, scoring 488 runs at an incredible strike rate of 180.74. In all likelihood, Narine will be retained by KKR. The tweaker has broken several records in the IPL and certainly has a few more years left in his kitty.
Narine’s exploits with the KKR was one of the major reasons why he was snapped up by the Trinbao Knight Riders ahead of the 2016 CPL. In the ongoing edition of the CPL, Narine has shown his class with some splendid spells. Amid the carnage, he has kept things in check which has massively benefited TKR.
#1. Andre Russell
‘Muscle Russell’ is arguably the greatest T20 player of all time. The two West Indians Sunil Narine and Russell form the core of the Kolkata Knight Riders in the IPL. Despite a few off-seasons for Russell where he didn't manage to score as much as he would have liked, the franchise has trusted the all-rounder immensely and has never put him into the auction since roping him in in 2014.
One of the cleanest strikers of the ball, Russell is a terror for any bowling attack. Even his mishits comfortably sail over the fence. His brute force can only be compared to that of Chris Gayle or Kieron Pollard. Russell has an incredible all-round record in the IPL.
He has scored 2484 runs at a staggering strike rate of 174.93 and has been a regular wicket taker as well, with 115 scalps in 127 matches. Russell lends the ideal balance to the TKR franchise in the CPL. He has represented the Jamaica Tallawahs and TKR in the competition and has helped both franchises win the championship.