IPL Auction 2020: 3 overseas players who could be released by KKR

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) are only the third team to have won the Indian Premier League (IPL) title at least twice since its inception in 2008. KKR had won its first-ever IPL title in the year 2012 under the captaincy of Gautam Gambhir and followed it once again in the year 2014 as they claimed their 2nd title. They have not been able to replicate their heroics in the next five editions.

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The Dinesh Karthik-led side did not perform to their potential last year as they finished in the 5th position on the points table with just 12 points from 14 fixtures. KKR managed to win mere 6 games in IPL 2019 despite having a star-studded squad. There were a few players who did not live up to their names which ultimately led to the team’s exit from the tournament. KKR will look to make some changes in their team ahead of the IPL auction. 

Let us have a look at three overseas players who could be released by KKR:

3. Harrey Gurney:

Matches: 8, Wickets: 7, Economy Rate: 8.81

Kolkata Knight Riders bought the English left-arm pacer Harry Gurney for a reported 75 Lakhs INR. However, the Englishman could not solve the woes of the Kolkata pace bowling attack as he finished the season with just seven wickets to his name. The Nottingham-based bowler conceded 238 runs in the season and had an expensive economy rate of 8.81 RPO. With Gurney blocking a crucial overseas spot in the squad, KKR may to release him and buy an experienced left-arm pacer in the auction. They can buy Mitchell Starc once again or even put their money on the West Indian pacer Sheldon Cottrell to replace Harry Gurney in the team who have what it takes to bowl on Indian tracks.

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2. Lockie Ferguson:

Matches: 5, Wickets: 2, Economy Rate: 10.76

The tall speedster from New Zealand was bought by the KKR primarily because of his ability to consistently bowl over 145 km/h. However, in the five matches he played for them this season, he bowled poorly at a whopping average of over 91 and a much poorer economy of 10.76 RPO. Ferguson leaked runs against oppositions with the new ball and has also struggled in the death overs, leaking runs aplenty. All in all, with only four overseas players allowed in a team, it would be too high a risk to keep him in the side for another season.

1. Carlos Brathwaite:

Matches: 8, Runs: 11, Batting Average: 5.50, Wickets: 0, Economy Rate: 8.81

A lot was expected from the West Indies all-rounder after his exploits in the ICC T20 World Cup final. He has been with KKR for four years now but has not managed to produce the kind of innings he is known for. In IPL 2019, he played only two matches and failed to make a mark as he could only score 11 runs at a dismal average of 5.50. His bowling was under par as well as he could not pick up a wicket and gave runs at 9.66 RPO. KKR will look to rope in a batting all-rounder like Corey Anderson or James Neesham who could be handy both with the bat and ball.

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