3 LAKR players KKR can look to sign for IPL 2025 ft. Spencer Johnson
The Knight Riders group were the first to tap into the overseas market when they acquired the Trinidad and Tobago-based franchise in the Caribbean Premier League (CPL). Since then, they have branched to other corners of the world, adding the Abu Dhabi Knight Riders and the Los Angeles Knight Riders (LAKR) to their umbrella.
The Los Angeles Knight Riders finished last in the inaugural edition of the Major League Cricket (MLC) in 2023. The franchise have made an optimistic start to the ongoing season by defeating the Texas Super Kings in their opening match.
The squad boasts a plethora of experience with seasoned T20 players forging the majority. The likes of Andre Russell and Sunil Narine are part of LAKR's sister franchise, the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) that won the 2024 Indian Premier League (IPL).
Furthermore, the likes of Shakib Al Hasan and Jason Roy have represented KKR in the past as well. With the trend of players playing for numerous franchises of the same management, KKR could go after a couple of players from the LAKR setup during the upcoming 2025 mega auction.
On that note, let us take a look at three LAKR players KKR can look to sign for IPL 2025.
#1 Spencer Johnson
The principal issue for the franchises regarding making plans for the auction is the fact that there is still a lot of uncertainty regarding the retention rules. Given that they can only retain a couple of overseas stars at best from their winning squad, KKR may have to part ways with Mitchell Starc.
Considering that the left-arm pacer is open to playing IPL consistently, bringing him back would be a tall ask. As a result, KKR have to at least think of a backup candidate, now that they have seen the perks of having a left-arm seamer.
There might be other options in the auction pool, but Johnson's association with the Knight Riders setup gives KKR an advantage. The left-arm seamer landed a blockbuster contract with the Gujarat Titans (GT) in the previous auction, but his maiden IPL stint did not pan out quite as hoped.
Johnson boasts the ability to move the new ball around and has also got a tall frame to bring the extra bounce into play. Additionally, he also has excellent numbers when it comes to bowling at the back end of the innings. Although he lacks the potency and experience that world-class Starc does, he might just be the next best thing with a similar profile.
#2 Ali Khan
KKR's pace department will require a backup overseas option. Since Russell was bowling four overs consistently, the lack of options in the bowling department was not really noticed.
Now, with the pace bowling attack likely to be revamped, KKR might have to stock up on names, taking Russell's injury history into account. From that perspective, USA's Ali Khan is an excellent prospect. The right-arm pacer certainly brings something different to the table with his sling-arm action.
He had a decent first season in the MLC with five wickets, but his economy was concerning. However, he has improved gradually and had a notable set of outings in the home bilateral series against Bangladesh as well as the 2024 T20 World Cup.
#3 Nitish Kumar
KKR have one of the most explosive lower middle orders in the IPL, and even though they might retain the usual candidates, they still need to figure out the backup for the bench.
Nitish Kumar comes across as an excellent utility player, bordering on a pinch hitter. He showcased his ability to strike big in the USA's historic 2024 T20 World Cup campaign and the ongoing 2024 MLC. Furthermore, he is also quite versatile, since he is adept at taking on any potential role in the middle order.