5 players Kolkata Knight Riders might target in IPL auctions 2024

Kolkata Knight Riders is one of the most successful franchises in the history of the IPL. The Knight Riders have two titles to their name and recently took part in a final in the 2021 season of the league. The success of the franchise is usually underestimated. The Kolkata-based franchise was one of the best teams in the last decade. In recent times, they have taken some bad decisions without a doubt. It has probably made the impression for new viewers that they are not as good as other teams.

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But when KKR get the things done properly, they are one of the topmost contenders to win the title in any given season. In the first three seasons, KKR was not a sound decision making team. Under the leadership of Gautam Gambhir, KKR became a formidable side. The former Indian cricketer has returned to KKR as the mentor for the 17th edition of the league. It might be the best thing to happen for KKR. There will be some crucial decisions made under the guidance of the new mentor. 

Here are some of the players who might be picked by KKR in the auctions of the IPL 2024 -

5. Azmatullah Omarzai

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Azmatullah Omarzai was one of the rising stars of the ODI World Cup 2023. The Afghanistani All-rounder was not just a find for the tournament, but was one of the best All-rounders in the tournament. At the highest stage, the talented All-rounder showed his skills in different facets of the game. As a batter, Omarzai showed that he could finish the games well and anchor the innings as well. As a bowler, Omarzai was more than handy and could swing the ball into the left handers. 

Against some of the best teams like South Africa, Australia, India, England, Sri Lanka, and others, the emereging talent shined and made a name for himself. For KKR, there is a need to get a backup for Andre Russell. The star All-rounder is prone to injuries and not at his fittest best in the last few seasons. If KKR get to play with Omarzai, then it could reduce the burden on Russell and enable him to concentrate on his primary skills. Hence, KKR might look to buy Omarzai. 

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4. Mitchell Starc

Mitchell Starc is one of the best left-arm pacers in world cricket. In the recently concluded ODI World Cup 2023, Starc seemed to be not at his best. Yet, it was Starc, who picked 3-wicket hauls in both the semifinal and the final of the tournament against South Africa and India respectively. Starc is a proven performer at the international level. Even in the IPL, Starc showed a remarkable performance for whichever team he played. If Starc declares himself available, he might be one of the players with huge demand. 

In the biggest cricket league, Starc was a part of the Royal Challengers Bangalore till 2015. For a side like RCB, Starc proved to be a lethal weapon with the ball. With the new ball, Starc could swing the ball at a high pace. With the old ball, Starc had a deadly yorker. In 2015, Starc had a terrific season with the ball, where he close to being unplayable. Starc is no more the same version of himself he was about 8 years back. But he would still be very useful, particularly for KKR. 

3. Harshal Patel

Harshal Patel was one of the best pacers in the IPL after the pandemic. In 2021 and 2022 seasons, Harshal was at his best form with the ball. In 2021, Harshal was the leading wicket taker in the tournament, who broke several records in the tournament, including the most wickets in a single edition of the tournament. Harshal picked wickets for fun when the consitions suited him. In 2021 and 2022, his cutters, change of pace, and slower ones worked well for him.

Come the 2023 edition, Harshal was expensive for RCB. It was more so due to the nature of the wicket in Bengaluru, which is obviously a nightmare for the bowlers. RCB realized that Harshal might not be much useful for them given their home conditions. In the same regard, he might actually be better suited with KKR, who play mostly at Eden Gardens, where the conditions suit him with bigger boundaries. A player like Harshal who has experience of bowling at the death would be handy for KKR.

2. Shivam Mavi

Shivam Mavi was one of the best bowlers for KKR in 2021. The uncapped bowler back then operated in serious pace and showed his abilities with the bat as well. Following his success, Gujarat Titans got him for the 2022 season. Unfortunately, Mavi could not get a game in the season due to a lot of quality players in the side. Before the start of the 2023 season of the IPL, Mavi got his maiden cap for India and performed well in the T20Is against Sri Lanka.

Both as a batter and a bowler, Mavi performed well. But in the IPL 2023 as well, GT did not give Mavi enough chances. Hence, Mavi was released ahead of the IPL 2024 by the Gujarat-based franchise. Come the auctions later in December, KKR might be again interested to get back Mavi, given how he has evolved as a bowler over the years. With his pace and slower ones, Mavi might be useful for KKR, particularly at the eden Gardens, where his bowling is a lot suitable. 

1. Pat Cummins

Pat Cummins has been with KKR since 2020. The Australian cricketer has evolved into a genuine All-rounder since then. Although Cummins has not been able to replicate success as a bowler for the franchise, he has been able to fire with the bat. After a successful season with Australia in the ODI World Cup 2023, Cummins would be full of confidence. It might help whoever picks him. Cummins would surely be in high demand, with an added cap of captaincy to his name. 

With the bat, Cummins can play terrific cameos. With the ball, Cummins can bowl well disguised slower ones. The change of pace seems to be the key for the success of the Australian pacer. At Eden Gardens, Cummins might be more than handy with the ball. If necessary, Cummins can lead the side as well. Any team that could get Cummins would have a gem of a cricketer besides them. KKR would be trying to get back their player, who opted himself out of the 2023 IPL.