5 Players KKR should bid for in IPL 2021 Auction

by Abhishek Chakraborty

After having finished in 5th position from their alloted 14 games in the last season, it could be envisaged that KKR embodied some glaring problems in their playing eleven lineup.

Opening Slot :

Firstly the problem lied in a proper out & out opening combination with established budding youngster, Shubman Gill.

Sunil Narine featured in the first four games of the season, and he looked totally out of sorts like a fish out of water with no clue whatsoever. His much anticipated cameos had become a part of the KKR folklore now and seemed that the glory days have ended sooner than KKR management’s liking.

Thereafter, the thinktank entrusted ex-Rising Pune Supergiants opener, Rahul Tripathi with the job for five games with a solitary game in between versus RCB to Tom Banton as opener. Rahul Tripathi fetched a single notable knock of 81 versus CSK and that was it. Then they shifted focus onto Nitish Rana for a left hand-right hand combination for the last four games with him getting two single ball ducks while two solid 80+ scores to deem that choice, a relatively better one among all that got tried out throughout the season.

The options that lay infront of KKR ahead of the auction are :

1. Aaron Finch (Released by RCB)
2. Alex Hales (Top rungetter of BBL 2020-21)
3. Jason Roy
4. Martin Guptill

KKR might do away with this option as they already have NZ’s wicket keeper batsman Tim Seifert contracted for this season. His exploits in TKR has ensured his inclusion in the parent franchise.

Middle muddle :

With the likes of former skipper, Dinesh Karthik getting out cheaply, swashbuckler Andre Russell misfiring, on & off Nitish Rana and his role changes in the side and Narine being used as a floating middle order batsman, KKR have a huge void of dependability on a batsman in the middle order after a bad start upfront. In ideal scenarios, KKR skipper, Eoin Morgan is more than dependable for that role but the thinktank has entrusted finishing responsibilities upon him instead of the experienced DK and they seemed to have turned a blind eye to that false thought.

The options available for them are –

1. Glenn Maxwell (Released by KXIP)
2. Sam Billings (If he opts to put his name up in auction)
3. Steve Smith (Released by RR)
4. Dawid Malan (ICC No.1 T20I Batsman)

Allrounder Backup (Overseas/Indian) :

We all know by now, how injury prone has the beast, Andre Russell been, KKR often has had to compromise with the bowling option of his, to safeguard him from further injuries, at times even in the field too, he has to be hidden to prevent him from succumbing to grave injuries via diving. The domestic Indian contingent in this option too isn’t too great in the squad, hence an allrounder of sorts is utmost necessary for this franchise.

The options that lay in front are –

1. Shakib Al Hasan (Ex-KKR title holder)
2. Chris Morris (Released by RCB)
3. Jimmy Neesham (Released by KXIP)
4. Nathan Coulter-Nile (Released by MI, ex-KKR player) (Can be considered as allrounder)
5. Shivam Dube (Released by RCB)
6. Krishnappa Gowtham (Released by KXIP)

Overseas Spinner :

With Sunil Narine almost getting to the fag end of his career, Kuldeep not featuring in most games due to lack of form, KKR could well eye for an overseas leg spinning or mystery spinning option to partner willy spinner, Varun Chakravarthy who paid dividends last season for the faith shown upon him across all the games.

The options that lay in front are –

1. Mujeeb Ur Rahman (Released by KXIP)
2. Sandeep Lamicchane (Released by DC)

Well, if I had to suggest five players among them for whom KKR must go allout for, they would be –

1.Glenn Maxwell (Overseas)

Maxwell could well be the perfect foil for KKR, brings that X-factor in any side by executing all the 3 facets of the game, be it hard hitting, quality fielding, or a few handy overs with the ball. A change of franchise for him could well bring a change of fortune for him in the IPL after two stints with KXIP, the latter last year din’t yield much returns from him though he always seems to turn up with quality knocks for his national side in this shorter format.

2.Shakib Al Hasan (Overseas)

Well, Shakib Al Hasan needs no new introduction, he is a great asset to any side, brings in the right balance, a wise head while batting or bowling, someone upon whom you can rely on with closed eyes. He’ll give you handy 20-30s everyday, can strangle the opposition in crunch moments with the ball. An allrounder of the highest order in any side. Who but KKR would know this better than any side, Shakib was very much instrumental in lending the franchise its 2nd IPL title in 2014.

3.Shivam Dube/Krishnappa Gowtham

Either of these two Indians can prove to be utility players if slotted in the playing XI. With their limited yet good all round abilities – they can provide useful contributions to the side and someone to resort to first up if plans don’t fall into place, be it while batting or bowling.

4.Mohammed Azharuddeen (uncapped) (Could be a good Indian backup option)

This domestic Indian newbie’s exploits in the SMAT has brought him to notice, he seems to have the game to be relied upon for quick fiery knocks in this format. Seems to have most shots in the book, looks determined to shine at the highest level. Could be an uncapped player to watch out for after the likes of Paddikal, Gaikwad from the last season if picked.

5.Mujeeb Ur Rahman (Overseas)

Mujeeb brings in a box of tricks with his bowling, partnering Varun, KKR’s spin combo can turn out to be something lethal as this franchise has always been known for. Last year, he din’t get much of a chance in KXIP. He too is in good form, coming from a successful BBL stint. He could prove to be a handy addition to the squad if considered.

But with that little purse and knowing KKR thinktank’s ever baffling outings in the much anticipated auctions, I highly doubt they would address all their gaps and pick these recommended players who won’t be available at cheap rates as there are other franchises who would be vying for them to address similar troublesome issues in their respective squads.

So keep all your eyes glued on to the TV sets on 18th of FEB for an exciting IPL 2021 mini-auction at Chennai..!!

Also don’t forget to mention your five picks in the comment section for KKR to meet their squad shortcomings..