KKR Overview
Under new management, the Kolkata Knight Riders ( KKR )were expected to win the IPL title for the third time under Shreyas Iyer in 2022. After six wins in 14 games, they finished at seventh place with six victories.
The Kolkata franchise has appointed Chandrakant Pandit as its new head coach following Brendon McCullum’s departure. In the next season, one might see tactical changes in the team with a different coach at the helm. In November or December, the 2023 IPL trading window will open, and the two-time champions may decide to release certain players who don’t fit into their plans.
KKR stats of IPL 2022
Kolkata Knight Riders Most Run in IPL 2022: Tata Indian Premier League T20 Stats
| SR | Player | Match | Inn | Runs | Average | 100 | 50 |
| 1 | Shreyas Iyer | 14 | 14 | 401 | 30.84 | 0 | 3 |
| 2 | Nitish Rana | 14 | 14 | 361 | 27.76 | 0 | 2 |
| 3 | Andre Russell | 14 | 12 | 335 | 37.22 | 0 | 1 |
| 4 | Venkatesh Iyer | 12 | 12 | 182 | 16.54 | 0 | 1 |
| 5 | Rinku Singh | 7 | 7 | 174 | 34.80 | 0 | 0 |
| 6 | Sam Billings | 8 | 8 | 169 | 24.14 | 0 | 0 |
| 7 | Ajinkya Rahane | 7 | 7 | 133 | 19.00 | 0 | 0 |
| 8 | Aaron Finch | 5 | 5 | 86 | 17.20 | 0 | 1 |
| 9 | Sunil Narine | 14 | 10 | 71 | 8.87 | 0 | 0 |
| 10 | Pat Cummins | 5 | 5 | 63 | 15.75 | 0 | 1 |
| 11 | Umesh Yadav | 12 | 7 | 55 | 13.75 | 0 | 0 |
| 12 | Sheldon Jackson | 5 | 5 | 63 | 5.75 | 0 | 0 |
| 13 | Baba Indrajith | 3 | 3 | 21 | 7.00 | 0 | 0 |
| 14 | Varun Chakravarthy | 11 | 4 | 12 | – | 0 | 0 |
| 15 | Rasikh Salam | 2 | 1 | 7 | 7.00 | 0 | 0 |
| 16 | Aman Hakim Khan | 1 | 1 | 5 | 5.00 | 0 | 0 |
| 17 | Abhijeet Tomar | 1 | 1 | 4 | 4.00 | 0 | 0 |
| 18 | Shivam Mavi | 6 | 3 | 3 | 1.50 | 0 | 0 |
| 19 | Harshit Rana | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2.00 | 0 | 0 |
| 20 | Tim Southe | 9 | 5 | 2 | 0.50 | 0 | 0 |
5 Players KKr might trade in the trading window
1. Abhijeet Tomar
Vijay Hazare Trophy 2021-22 opener Abhijeet Tomar made headlines with a blistering 104 run knock against Punjab. Over six games, he scored 333 runs for Rajasthan in the 50-over tournament.
At the Mega Auction 2022, the Kolkata franchise purchased Tomar to strengthen their batting lineup after he provided solidity with the bat for his domestic side. In the end, Tomar score just four runs in KKR’s final match of the season. But, after being bench for most of the season.
So, in search of the perfect opening combination. Even, KKR best practice is to score seven batters at the top, with Tomar the last selective. And, in the trading window, the Rajasthan batter could be released. Because he was very low on the pecking order.
2. Aman Khan
The Mumbai circuit is home to a number of promising prospects, including Aman Khan. Known for his ferocious strike of the cricket ball, the 24-year-old can bowl medium pace. For the 2022 season, Kolkata Knight Riders decided to invest in a seam bowling all-rounder.
Although, the lucrative T20 tournament offered many opportunities for Mumbai’s player. Even, he was unable to showcase his skills. So, in the only game he played for Shreyas Iyer & Co., he had little impact. Although, the number nine slotted in Aman only managed to score five runs. Furthermore, he conceded 13 runs in his one over.
Even, In just one game, the young all-rounder failed to impress enough to lead the team to victory. So, there is a possibility that KKR might decide to part ways with Aman in the upcoming trading window. Since, he has not been able to fit into its scheme of things.
3. Shivam Mavi
Shivam Mavi was picked by KKR at the IPL Auction 2022 for a huge sum of INR 7.25 crore. In his two seasons with KKR, the 23-year-old has taken 20 wickets in 17 matches, proving to be a very promising player. KKR will be hoping he delivers in the 15th edition as well.
Although, Mavi had a decent campaign, she wasn’t able to repay the faith. So, with only five wickets to his name in six games, he conceded runs at a rate of 10.32. As a result, he was sidelined by the Kolkata franchise.
In the upcoming trading window, KKR may look to trade the speedster and free up a considerable amount for filling squad gaps. Other franchises can look to add Mavi to their arsenal because of his ability to swing the ball at an express pace.
4. Aaron Finch
A bio-bubble fatigue-related withdrawal by Alex Hales forced KKR to bring in Aaron Finch to bolster their batting lineup. Kolkata franchise entrusted the 35-year-old veteran player to provide brisk starts to their white-ball cricket team.
While struggling against the swinging new ball, Finch managed only 86 runs in five matches. His scratchy outings led to him being dropped and not given another chance. Moreover, the Australian opener has had a lean patch of international cricket, but he put up some solid innings against India in T20Is.
In the middle of the horror show with the bat, the Victoria-born batsman hung up his boots in the ODI format. It does not appear that KKR will retain Finch for the next season, since Alex Hales will be readily available.
5. Mohammad Nabi
In the T20 circuit, Mohammad Nabi is a highly sought-after player. Throughout the world, he has shown his class in T20 leagues and he has been a game-changer both with the bat and bowl. With 5186 runs at 137.74 at the end of 352 T20 matches and 321 wickets to his name, the 37-year-old has amassed a staggering 476 runs.
Afghanistan cricketer has been acquired by KKR for the 2022 season. Because of the composition of the team, Nabi was not included in the playing XI even for one game.
Pat Cummins, Sunil Narine, and Andre Russell were all-rounders for KKR. Nabi’s chance was not possible with the trio, a regular feature in most games. The Afghanistan legend might not be valuable to KKR going forward since the team will likely stick with the same structure. This could free up an overseas slot for KKR if he is released during the upcoming window.
FAQ
1. What is KKR mock auction?
KKR has launched the ‘KKR Mock Auction’ in order to give their fans a closer look at the auction process, offering an exclusive opportunity to experience a real IPL auction.
2. What is KKR strategy?
In order to maintain a low downside risk, KKR seeks to invest in infrastructure. By sourcing innovatively, engaging operationally, and engaging stakeholders actively, they hope to create value. The strategy also leads to value-added returns for our investors.
