IPL 2018: 5 players who will be important for Kolkata Knight Riders this season
As we gear up for another exciting season in the Indian Premier League, teams have already completed their pre-season formalities and are looking set to compete in arguably the most popular league in world cricket.
While almost every IPL team has been impressive in constructing their teams for the 11th edition of the coveted tournament, two times champions Kolkata Knight Riders, have somehow lagged behind, as it seems.
The Bengal giants have been earmarked as the weakest team in the league going into the competition next week. The recent injury of Mitchell Starc, which ruled him out of the IPL this season, coupled with the frequent injury issues of star players Chris Lynn, Mitchell Johnson has led to a series of pessimism ahead of their campaign, this season.
Therefore, KKR definitely need to work as a unit this year if they are to get their hands on the coveted IPL trophy yet again this season.
In this article, we will talk about five players who will be vital for KKR in this edition of the IPL.
#5 Kamlesh Nagarkoti
Arguably the best Under-19 bowler for India, at this point in time, Kamlesh Nagarkoti's incredible performance in the recent Under-19 World Cup, forced KKR to splash 3.2 crores on this Indian speedster.
Although the Knights have also bagged his teammate Shivam Mavi for 3 crores, Nagarkoti is highly expected to be given starting berth into the lineup right from the get-go. He will remain Kolkata's main Indian pacer, with experienced Vinay Kumar being more of a utility bowler.
One of the things which make him a unique component is his remarkable bowling speed. While Indian fans would fancy any bowler who can bowl at 140-kmph, they were stunned when the duo of Shivam Mavi and Kamlesh Nagarkoti started clocking up the 145-kmph mark at Bay Oval, New Zealand.
Nagarkoti's sheer bowling speed coupled with his ability to deliver great out-swingers will definitely revamp KKR's bowling unit and despite his age, he will instantly become a vital cog for the Knights this season.