5 LAKR players in MLC 2024 who have been part of KKR in the IPL ft. Sunil Narine
Major League Cricket (MLC) couldn't have asked for a better lead-in. The T20 World Cup, which featured several matches held in the United States, provided the perfect launchpad for the second season of MLC.
With plenty of IPL franchises owning MLC sides and several international stars signing up for the league, this newest T20 tournament is generating a lot of buzz.
The LA Knight Riders (LAKR), one of the teams owned by an IPL franchise, the Knight Riders, struggled all the way last season. They had a plethora of T20 stars but ended with four losses and just one win. Moreover, the margins of defeat were very disappointing.
Sunil Narine will lead them in the second season and they will want to hit the ground running. They have a win and a loss in the two matches played so far and look a far better outfit.
Here we take a look at 5 LAKR players in MLC 2024 who have played for KKR in the IPL:
#5 Shakib Al Hasan
Shakib Al Hasan is among the key players for LAKR this season and his experience in the middle order will be crucial. The Bangladesh all-rounder has also been an important member of the Kolkata Knight Riders in the IPL and has had varied results with them.
For KKR, Shakib has scored 545 runs and picked up 47 wickets with a respectable economy rate of 7.18. The pitches in the MLC will suit him and he can form a potent combination with captain Sunil Narine.
#4 Jason Roy
Jason Roy was picked up by LAKR last season, and he made a positive impression. In eight innings, he scored 285 runs at an average of 35 and a strike rate of 151.60.
He will have to play a big role for LAKR if they are to make it through to the next stage since he has the experience and the skillset to get the job done as an opener. It has not been an entirely good start for the opener in the first two games, but LAKR would hope he quickly hits his stride.
#3 Ali Khan
One of the bigger names in USA cricket, Ali Khan has been moving around the circuit in different T20 leagues. He has featured in the Caribbean Premier League and was also snapped up by KKR back in the 2020 auction.
However, Ali did not feature in any match for KKR that season but became a regular player for Trinbago Knight Riders in the CPL. He became an American citizen in 2017 and made his USA debut in the 2019 ICC World Cricket League Division Two tournament.
He was also a part of the LA Knight Riders last year and would once again spearhead their bowling attack this season.
#2 Andre Russell
An IPL and KKR star, Andre Russell is the star player for LA Knight Riders. Russell has had a terrific 2024, both with the bat and ball and played a crucial role in KKR going all the way to clinch the title. He is a bonafide KKR legend and has played several match-defining innings. He has also become a trusted bowler in the middle and back end of the innings.
For KKR, Russell has scored 2426 runs with a strike rate of 175. And with the ball, he has picked up 114 wickets. He was one of the sole fighters for LA Knight Riders last season and will be expected to turn up and get the job done even this season.
#1 Sunil Narine
An IPL legend, Sunil Narine was adjudged the Most Valuable Player award of the recently concluded IPL season. He became the first player to get this accolade for a third time.
Narine was instrumental in powering KKR to the title after his stupendous all-round performance right through the season. He picked up 17 wickets at an economy of 6.69. He was an absolute star with the bat as well. Opening the innings, he scored 488 runs with a strike rate of almost 181.
Narine will lead LAKR in MLC 2024 and the captain would want his side to fare much better than last season. The all-rounder is in form and his performances could well define the course of this season for Los Angeles Knight Riders.