IPL Auction Strategy for KKR, 5 Players Kolkata Knight Riders can Target

Just couple of days left to much awaited IPL Auction 2021 and all teams would be busy giving final shape to their preparations. In the build-up to this mini-auction, we will study Kolkata Knight Riders today. Just like SRH, KKR are left with lowest budget from all eight teams with only INR 10.75 Cr left in their kitty. They would be looking at the certain gaps in their current squad with 8 spots remaining to be filled. They have released a total of 6 players from last year’s squad. Openers, all-rounders and spinners would be their primary requirements but remaining purse is their biggest concern for the upcoming auction.

Dawid Malan

It was only last year that the experiment with Sunil Narine came to an end after he was exposed to short balls issue. After he was found out, KKR team management tried multiple combinations at the top with Shubman Gill but they would be hoping for a permanent solution from this year’s IPL 2021 Auction. English International Dawid Malan emerges as a premier top-order option from this auction. He has been mighty impressive in last year or so at the top circuit of T20 cricket. He has made the place of his own in competitive white-ball XI of England.

Aaron Finch

Australian limited overs captain Aaron Finch comes across as a decent pick if Kolkata Knight Riders are searching for their overseas opener. Dawid Malan is likely to go out of KKR’s budget as he is currently top-ranked T20I batsman in the world. While Aaron Finch brings his tones of experience, he hasn’t been at his best in IPL cricket over the years. Just like Glenn Maxwell, his T20I record for Australia has been from the top drawer. On a pitch like Eden where ball comes onto the bat nicely, Aaron Finch is worth a bet for this year.

Read: 5 players that MI can target

Jason Roy

Another world-class option at top of the order for Kolkata Knight Riders is Jason Roy. Although his game against spin-bowling needs some work but he can be an asset when things go his way. Having played plenty of cricket with current KKR skipper Eoin Morgan, there are chances of English captain having high regards of him. With a career SR of 143 over a span of 230 games, Jason Roy presents a case for himself at this IPL as well. Apart from this, he has played most of the recent BBL season for Perth Scorchers which comes across as a plus these days of cricket.

Mujeeb Ur Rahman

Sunil Narine had a challenging season last year not only with the bat but with ball in hand as well. His bowling action was reported and he failed to get any consistency due to that throughout the whole season. It must be in KKR’s plans to have some backups to the West Indian. Mujeeb Ur Rahman was released by KXIP earlier and his name will go under the hammer in this auction. He presents an ideal pick for KKR if Sunil Narine again carries any issues with his bowling. With his variations, this Afghan off-spinner still has some foreign ingredients that can bamboozle best of them on circuit currently.

Read: 5 players that CSK can target

Avi Barot

Might be an unknown name to many but this Saurashtra batsman has impressed with his aggressive approach in last couple of SMAT seasons. In 20 matches so far, he has slammed 717 runs with a SR of 146.6 at an average of 37.7. In recently concluded SMAT season, he played a couple of crucial knocks for his team including a century against Goa. With most of the bigger domestic names are likely to go for plenty, Kolkata Knight Riders should aim for this whirlwind Saurashtra opener for IPL 2021.

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