IPL 2021: Kolkata Knight Riders Best XI

2-time IPL champions Kolkata Knight Riders failed to enter the playoffs stage in the last 2 consecutive seasons. Out of the 13 seasons – the team managed to enter playoffs 6 times.

Last season there was a change in leadership role mid-way in to the tournament and that did no good to the team. This season the team will have a steady leadership under Eoin Morgan who has an exceptional record as a captain in limited overs cricket.

The team also faced issues with opening partner for Shubman Gill. Sunil Narine, Rahul Tripathi and Nitish Rana were tried and tested.

The franchise would be hoping to see Andre Russell excel as he is KKR’s golden key that can open any door. Sunil Narine’s form is quite crucial but they have a quality all-rounder in Shakib Al Hasan who can take in the reigns.

Top buck bowler Pat Cummins struck form as the tourney progressed last season and the KKR fans would hope he continues delivering with both bat and ball.

X-factor Varun Chakravarthy adds an oomph factor to KKR trophy ambitions with his mystery spin cut above the rest for the team.

KKR Best XI:

Shubman Gill, Nitish Rana, Shakib Al Hasan, Eoin Morgan (c), Dinesh Karthik (wk), Andre Russell, Rahul Tripathi, Pat Cummins, Varun Chakravarthy, Kamlesh Nagarkoti, Prasidh Krishna

*Overseas Players in Bold*

KKR Alternate XI:

Shubman Gill, Sunil Narine, Nitish Rana, Eoin Morgan, Dinesh Karthik (wk), Andre Russell, Rahul Tripathi, Pat Cummins/Lockie Ferguson, Varun Chakravarthy, Prasidh Krishna, Shivam Mavi/Kamlesh Nagarkoti.

Kolkata Knight Riders Squad:

Squad: 25

Batsmen
Nitish Rana, Rinku Singh, Shubman Gill, Eoin Morgan (c), Rahul Tripathi, Karun Nair

Wicket Keepers
Dinesh Karthik, Tim Seifert, Sheldon Jackson

All Rounders
Andre Russell, Sunil Narine, Shakib Al Hasan, Ben Cutting, Venkatesh Iyer, Pawan Negi

Bowlers
Kamlesh Nagarkoti, Kuldeep Yadav, Lockie Ferguson, Prasidh Krishna, Sandeep Warrier, Shivam Mavi, Pat Cummins, Varun Chakravarthy, Vaibhav Arora, Harbhajan Singh