KKR is one of the most successful franchises in the IPL. In 2012, the franchise won its maiden title in the Indian Premier League. They replicated the success yet again when they won the league just 2 years later in 2014. Back in time, till 2016, KKR had as many IPL titles as Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings. Till 2021, KKR had good results as a franchise. From 2008 to 2010, KKR had a poor period.
From 2012 to 2021, KKR had a good period. But in their last 2 seasons, the Kolkata-based franchise has not been able to qualify for the playoffs. In 2022, KKR could not compete among the top teams. In 2023, KKR lost their captain, Shreyas Iyer, even before the tournament. Before the auctions of the IPL 2024, the 2-time champions would be looking at some potential players who could make their squad better.
Here are 3 players Kolkata Knight Riders could release before the auctions of IPL 2024:
3. Shakib Al Hasan
Shakib Al Hasan (Source: Twitter)
Shakib Al Hasan was an integral part of KKR for a long time. During their peak in the period 2011 to 2017, Shakib was a part of KKR. Later from 2021 to 2023, Shakib has been a part of the franchise. The left arm has been a good performer for KKR over the years. But with age going against the Bangladeshi captain and with better options at the disposal thinking about the future, KKR might be looking at different players.
2. Lockie Ferguson
Lockie Ferguson (Source: Twitter)
Lockie Ferguson has been a mainstay in KKR since 2020 and 2021. The right-arm express pacer played a key role in KKR’s campaign to the final of the tournament in 2021. But in 2022, KKR traded Ferguson to Gujarat Titans, where he won the title. In 2023, KKR got Ferguson back, but could not use him effectively. Ahead of the IPL 2024, Ferguson might be released again by KKR to buy better players.
1. Andre Russell
Andre Russell (Source: Twitter)
Andre Russell has been the biggest star of the franchise along with Sunil Narine. But the fitness and form of Russell have been a big concern for KKR. In the last few seasons, Russell has not been fit to bowl a lot. Russell is ageing quickly as well. To build the team for the future, KKR might be looking at better options, which might ask them to leave Russell. If it indeed happens, fans of KKR might be hugely disappointed.
