Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) didn’t live up to the expectations of their fans in the last two seasons of the Indian Premier League (IPL). This year, Shreyas Iyer will make a comeback in the league and lead the side after missing the 2022 instalment of the tournament due to a back injury. The franchise has also appointed their trophy-winning skipper Gautam Gambhir the mentor of the team.
At the 2024 IPL auction in Dubai, they focused on strengthening their bowling unit. The franchise acquired Australia speedster Mitchell Starc for a whopping amount of INR 24.75 crore. The Aussie veteran will be seen spearheading KKR’s fast-bowling unit in the upcoming competition.
Along with Starc, Kolkata also bought England speedster Gus Atkinson, Afghanistan off-spinner Mujeeb Ur Rahman, and uncapped India left-handed pacer Chetan Sakariya. Following the business event in Dubai, KKR have formed a 23-member squad for the 2024 IPL, and witnessing it, let’s know their three bowlers who can light up the competition for them.
Here are three KKR bowlers to watch out ahead of IPL 2024:
3. Mujeeb Ur Rahman
KKR have young Afghanistan spinner Mujeeb Ur Rahman in their squad as the franchise got the 22-year-old for his base amount of INR 2 crore at the auction. Mujeeb can be effective with the ball at Kolkata’s Eden Gardens, which is known for favouring spinners.
With the presence of veteran Sunil Narine, it’s unlikely for Mujeeb to get a spot in KKR’s playing XI. However, Narine has been out of rhythm with the ball in the last two seasons and if he continues his poor run with the ball in the upcoming season, the KKR team management may give chances to Mujeeb.
Also Check: 3 Mumbai Indians bowlers to watch out for in IPL 2024
2. Varun Chakravarthy
Varun Chakravarthy has proven his skills in KKR with his extraordinary leg-break bowling. In 2023, he scalped 20 wickets in 14 matches at an economy of 8.15 and ended up as the leading wicket-taker for Knight Riders in the season. Eyes will be set on the 32-year-old again as his form might decide the fate of the two-time IPL champions.
Ahead of the 2024 IPL, Chakravarthy exuded confidence with the ball for Tamil Nadu in the 2023-24 Vijay Hazare Trophy. The leggie grabbed 19 wickets in eight matches at an economy of 4.27. Noting his scintillating performance, the KKR team management will want to see his attacking approach in the upcoming IPL.
1. Mitchell Starc
Starc became the costliest player in the history of the league, bagging a lucrative deal of INR 24.75 crore. After bagging the enormous amount, Starc will strive to justify his role in the team. The 34-year-old will be given the responsibility to spearhead the team's pace attack.
The Australia quick will return to the cash-rich league after nine years. Previously, he was a part of Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) for two seasons (2014 and 2015). Talking about the legend’s bowling numbers in IPL, he has taken 34 wickets in 27 matches at an economy of 7.17.
Before the 2024 IPL auction, the veteran played an instrumental role with the ball in Australia’s 2023 World Cup triumph. He chipped in with 16 wickets in 10 matches at a thrifty economy of 6.06.
Also Check: SWOT Analysis of Kolkata Knight Riders ahead of IPL 2024
from IPL Live Score | IPL News, IPL 2024 Updates, Squads & Results - CricTracker