3 players who should be released by KKR ahead of the IPL 2020 auction
In the 56th and last league match of IPL 2019, Kolkata Knight Riders were looking to create history at the Wankhede by defeating the hosts in their own backyard. This match was crucial for KKR to qualify for the playoffs. But all their hopes were crushed as they faced a humiliating defeat at the hands of Mumbai Indians.
KKR had a disappointing season this year in the IPL. They won four games out of the first five, and stood at the top of the points table at that stage. However, they suddenly collapse after that and lost their next six games.
KKR tried to make a comeback in the last phase of the season, but all their dreams were shattered when their batting collapsed in the last match against Mumbai Indians.
Andre Russell was consistently brutal throughout the season, showcasing his ability to win matches from hopeless or near-impossible situations. He ended up scoring 510 runs at a strike rate of 204.81.
Even Shubman Gill was impressive in the latter part of the season after he was promoted to the top order of the KKR batting.
However, all the other players performed below expectations for KKR. Kuldeep Yadav in particular had a season which he would like to forget as quickly as possible.
The KKR team management would have to figure out a lot of things ahead of the next season. Dinesh Karthik was sub-par with his leadership. His bowling rotation raised lots of eyebrows.
Even Andre Russell showed his anger against the captain in one of the press conferences. There was visible tension between the teammates on the field, which ultimately crushed their playoff chances.
KKR would need to make serious changes ahead of the next season, and release a few players before the 2020 auctions. These players are either not justifying their price tag or are not serving their purpose in the team. KKR could also trade these players to make a more complete and balanced team.
Here are the players who should be released by KKR ahead of the 2020 season:
3. Kamlesh Nagarkoti: 3.2 crore
Kamlesh Nagarkoti grabbed the limelight with his performances in the U19 World Cup. He bowled continuously with a pace of over 140 kph in that tournament.
He impressed KKR's team management so much with his pace at such a young age that they decided to go all out for him in the 2018 auction. They purchased him at 3.2 crore after heavy bidding.
But Nagarkoti has not played a single match for KKR since that auction. He got injured just before the start of the 2018 season, and this year too he couldn't play due to injury concerns.
KKR should release him before the next auction as they have no idea about his form and pace at the moment. They also have the option of purchasing him at a lesser price in the auction.