IPL 2022 – What is the best team for KKR?
Follow Us
Sunil Narine has rediscovered his magic with yet another remodeled action
If there is one franchise in the IPL that encapsulates drama, theatre, emotion and sport all at once, it is the Kolkata Knight Riders. This is one franchise that seems to do well immediately after mega auctions and they will hope status quo is maintained in IPL 2022.
KKR are among the most decorated IPL franchises and last season, almost scripted the most epic fairytale comeback before falling short to CSK in the final. Despite their success, one would assume the shake up will be a welcome change. And KKR did change a few things around securing a new skipper. In fact, former captain Eoin Morgan went unsold in the auction.
That move was slightly surprising given KKR are one of the most welcoming franchises in IPL, backing their players for the long term and creating a genuine family like feeling in the group. Some of their auction picks also smack strongly of loyalty – a rare trait in the fast moving, high stakes global world of elite sport.
A quick look at their retained players will also paint the same picture. Sunil Narine and Andre Russell, despite their constant injuries, were retained and a strong case can be made that the pair feel a stronger sense of loyalty towards KKR than any other team they have played for.
IPL 2022 – KKR team analysis
Venkatesh Iyer and Varun Chakravarthy were the other two retained players. Both are relatively new additions to the Knights family. While Venky Iyer has only played for the franchise for half a season, Varun CV’s exploits with KKR has seen him make it to the India squad.
Both players are interesting case studies and a perfect representation of the impact that a tournament the IPL can have on the lives of players. When the IPL got postponed midway last season, nobody had heard of Venky Iyer. And before IPL 2020, Varun CV was an architect turned movie actor, after having already given up on cricket a few years prior.
Today, Venky Iyer plays for India and Varun CV has represented India in an ICC T20 World Cup.
Someone who did not make it to the final squad of the World Cup Varun CV played was Shreyas Iyer. The former Delhi Capitals skipper will now lead KKR and is the best India batter going around. He has hit such form that in the T20 series against Sri Lanka, he scored three half centuries without being dismissed. Iyer carried that form in the Test series and with Venky, will bat in the top 3 for Kolkata Knight Riders.
Nitish Rana, a loyalty buy, is likely to bat at 4 and on some days, bowls part time off spin. The number 5 spot for KKR is the one which is causing debate. It is a toss up between Sam Billings and Sheldon Jackson with the final call depending on Venky Iyer’s opening partner – Ajinkya Rahane and Aaron Finch.
KKR may yet spring a surprise by recalling an old trump card and sending Sunil Narine to open which would clear path for both Sheldon Jackson and Sam Billings, given Narine would anyway start as a floater in the batting order. Andre Russell will most certainly bat at 6 and KKR will hope he can replicate that 2019 magic season. Russell will also be one of KKR’s death bowlers along with the spin duo of Narine and Varun CV.
The Knight Riders also bought back Pat Cummins and Shivam Mavi, both of whom are likely to start, making this outfit one that can bat deep. In Cummins, Russell, Narine and Venky Iyer, KKR possess multiple multi faceted players – options captain Shreyas Iyer will enjoy having.
These options will allow the Kolkata management to play Umesh Yadav solely as a powerplay bowler – a phase he excels in. Umesh can use his raw pace to intimidate batters and not have to bowl at the death. In case the pitch is conducive for spin, Anukul Roy may replace Umesh.
In terms of backup, the Knight Riders have Baba Indrajith who is in good domestic form. Tim Southee, Chamika Karunaratne and Mohammed Nabi are overseas options. They also possess some obscure names and knowing KKR;s history, there could be a future star in their midst.
IPL 2022 – KKR predicted 11
Venkatesh Iyer, Ajinkya Rahane, Shreyas Iyer (C), Nitish Rana, Sam Billings (WK), Andre Russell, Sunil Narine, Pat Cummins, Shivam Mavi, Umesh Yadav, Varun Chakravarthy.
Stay Updated!
Arinjay Ghosh
(77 Articles Published)