5 wicket-keepers KKR can target in the upcoming IPL auction
Two-time Indian Premier League (IPL) winner Kolkata Knight Riders struggled big time in the last edition of the tournament. Their lack of consistency was a worrying sign for the management; despite having plenty of talent, they failed to deliver on a regular basis.
Of the several departments in the team, one big area of concern was the wicket-keeping position. The two chosen players - Sam Billings and Sheldon Jackson - were unable to prove their worth, and both players have been released ahead of the next edition.
There is a mini-auction ahead, where KKR will be keen to add a solid wicket-keeper to their ranks. As of now, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, formerly of Gujarat Titans, is the only wicket-keeper in the squad.
On that note, here is a look at five keepers KKR can target in the auction.
1) Ben McDermott
Australian wicket-keeper Ben McDermott plays for the Hobart Hurricanes in the Big Bash League. He is an incredibly hard hitter, having notched up 577 runs in the BBL from 13 games at a strike rate of 153.87.
McDermott has been a top keeper in BBL over the last two seasons, and could be a smart buy for KKR.
2) Phil Salt
The Englishman got his chance at the World Cup after an injury to Dawid Malan. Salt is a courageous stroke-maker who bats at the top of the order and can also keep wickets.
He has notched up 245 runs in 13 T20 internationals at an incredible strike rate of 161.2. He has also registered 671 runs in 30 games in the Big Bash League for the Adelaide Strikers, at a strike rate of 146.51.
Salt can bat at one down or two down as well, and could add good impetus early in the innings for KKR.
3) Srikar Bharat
Bharat broke through in the IPL with a brilliant stint for the Royal Challengers Bangalore. But when picked by the Delhi Daredevils, he was unable to replicate his form.
Bharat scored 184 runs in four Vijay Hazare Trophy matches, including a century. He could prove to be a shrewd signing, as he would fill in as an Indian quota player - thus leaving KKR with the opportunity to buy foreign players in other departments.
As of now, KKR has ₹7.05 crore in their purse and three foreign slots to fill in their team.
4) Narayan Jagadeesan
Jagadeesan is having an incredible run in the current Vijay Hazare Trophy. He has amassed 799 runs in six matches, including a double hundred.
Jagadeesan was a part of the Chennai Super Kings setup for several years. But with opportunities proving hard to come by, the two parties have parted ways ahead of the new edition of the Indian Premier League.
Jagadeesan could certainly be a smart buy for KKR.
5) Arun Karthik
A veteran in the game, Arun Karthik has played for RCB and CSK in the past. He also had a successful outing in the Tamil Nadu Premier League (TNPL), where he registered 293 runs in eight games at a strike rate of 127.39.
Karthik has done well in the ongoing Vijay Hazare trophy too, notching up 251 runs in four games for Puducherry. His experience could come in handy to develop the young Rahmanullah Gurbaz.
KKR's limited purse strength might stop them from spending lavish amounts on players. They will have to be smart with their buys, and new coach Chandrakanth Pandit will be eager to add some fresh faces to the squad.
The auction is set to be held on December 23.