KKR Probable Playing11 for IPL 2023: Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) had a non-linear and underwhelming IPL season last year. The franchise once touted to be one of the impressive sides, couldn’t even produce performances that could take them to the playoffs of the IPL 2022. It was a complete mess for KKR in the last edition of the IPL, however, the franchise would love to see their players perform highly in the upcoming IPL 2023.
Talking about a few hits for KKR in the IPL 2022, the franchise started beautifully in the tournament with three wins from four matches. It was an absolute dream run for the franchise in purple in the opening few games. Their senior cogs in the lineup proved valuable as they rose to shine despite the adverse situation.
Pacer Umesh Yadav was in sublime touch throughout the IPL 2022. Sunil Narine and Andre Russell were brilliant in their gameplay last year and somehow the fans were able to fitness vintage havoc from the two Caribbeans.
However, what didn’t work in KKR’s favour was the pulling performances of their X-factor players – Varun Chakravarthy and Venkatesh Iyer. Notably, both players were on the retention list of the franchise ahead of the IPL 2022.
The IPL 2023 is just around the corner and the fans can not wait any longer to see their favourite sides in action. KKR will open its campaign in the sixteenth season of IPL against Punjab Kings (PBKS) in Mohali on 1st April, a day after the IPL 2023 opener.
Meanwhile, ahead of the IPL 2023, KKR managed to bolster their squad with the services of David Weise, Shakib Al Hasan and Liton Das among others during the IPL 2023 auction.
It will be interesting to see how KKR unleashes itself in the IPL 2023, but before that, here is KKR Probable Playing11 For IPL 2023 & Kolkata Knight Riders Squad.
Kolkata Knight Riders Squad for IPL 2023
Wicketkeepers: N. Jagadeesan, Rahmanullah Gurbaz (AFG), Litton Das (BAN).
Batters: Shreyas Iyer, Rinku Singh, Nitish Rana, Mandeep Singh.
All-rounders: Venkatesh Iyer, Andre Russel (WI), Anukul Roy, Shakib Al Hasan (BAN), Shardul Thakur, David Wiese (NAM).
Bowlers: Lockie Ferguson (NZ), Varun Chakravarthy, Sunil Narine (WI), Tim Southee (NZ), Harshit Rana, Suyash Sharma, Vaibhav Arora, Umesh Yadav, Kulwant Khejroliya.
KKR Probable Playing11 for IPL 2023
Top-order: N Jagadeesan, Venkatesh Iyer, Shreyas Iyer (c)
KKR will persist with Venkatesh Iyer as the opener, who is likely to be paired with N Jagadeesan to form a solid opening partnership. While the last season was disastrous for Venkatesh Iyer, this year he would love to have his bat do the talking. Meanwhile, N Jagadeesan has been one of the consistent performers in the domestic circuits.
Shreyas Iyer, at number three, would be the ideal choice for KKR as they look to make amends to their fouling campaign. The skipper, although hasn’t been in his best forms of late in the T20Is, his white-ball ratings are quite high. He can play the aggressor’s role when there is a need. Also, he wouldn’t shy away from freeing his arms at times.
Middle-Order: Nitish Rana, Rinku Singh, Andre Russell, Sunil Narine
Southpaw Nitish Rana is known to anchor the innings and more often than not he succeeds in doing so for his franchise. He has been around the KKR setup for a very long time and knows his roles and responsibilities perfectly which makes him one of the key players on the side. He will be supported by Rinku Singh, who unleashed his best in the last edition of the IPL. Notably, Rinku Singh was one of the players who smacked a 15-ball 40 runs knock in one of the IPL 2022 games.
The numbers six and seven will be with the Caribbean pair of Andre Russell and Sunil Narine, who don’t need any introduction. Both the players are proven customers of the game and can snatch victories in just a matter of a few deliveries.
Bowlers – Shardul Thakur, Lockie Ferguson, Umesh Yadav & Varun Chakravarthy
The bowling reins will be handled by Kiwi pacer Lokie Ferguson along with veteran bowler Umesh Yadav. Both the aforementioned will be complemented by Shardul Thakur and Varun Chakravarthy.
KKR traded in Lokie Ferguson from Gujarat Titans (GT) ahead of the IPL 2023 auction, while Sharduk Thakur was traded by KKR from Delhi Capitals (DC) ahead of the auctions.
KKR Probable Playing11: N Jagadeesan, Venkatesh Iyer, Shreyas Iyer (c), Nitish Rana, Rinku Singh, Andre Russell, Sunil Narine, Shardul Thakur, Lockie Ferguson, Umesh Yadav, Varun Chakravarthy.
ALSO READ: Mumbai Indians Probable Playing11 for IPL 2023 & MI Squad