Three players that Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) may release before IPL 2023

KKR finished IPL 2022 on 7th spot in points table with 6 wins from 14 matches and 12 points.

The finalists of the IPL 2021, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) had an absolute reversal of fortunes in IPL 2022, despite having a new captain at the helm and a fresh look to their squad. KKR failed to make it into the IPL 2022 playoffs and ended up with 6 wins in 14 matches and 12 points to their name, finishing in the 7^th spot on the points table.

KKR had made quite a bit of change to their lineup, the major one was letting go of their captain from IPL 2021, Eoin Morgan, and picking Shreyas Iyer in the IPL 2022 auction and naming him captain. They also brought in some reinforcements like Tim Southee, Sam Billings, Mohammad Nabi, Pat Cummins, and Umesh Yadav.

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Before the auction, KKR had retained Venkatesh Iyer, Varun Chakravarthy, and the Caribbean duo of Andre Russell and Sunil Narine.

However, KKR failed to get an established batting lineup going especially at the top order, which hampered their tournament. Also, their retained Indian players failed to perform at all, heightening their issues.

The constant chopping and changing of players in the XI led to them going on a 5-match losing streak at the most important juncture of the IPL 2022, hurting their chances of making it into the playoffs.

Considering these performances of players and the whole team, Team COC presents to you the three players that KKR might release before the IPL 2023 auction.

VARUN CHAKRAVARTHY

Varun Chakravarthy was a revelation for the KKR side in the last two IPL tournaments in 2020 and 2021. The mystery bowler picked 17 wickets in IPL 2020 and took the only fifer that season. He continued his good form in IPL 2021 after he was retained by the franchise and picked 18 wickets with a terrific economy of 6.58.

However, injuries hampered his progress and form deserted him, despite Varun making his India debut in 2021. But he constantly struggled with fitness the whole year, though KKR showed faith in him and retained him for IPL 2022.

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But his performance was well below par as he managed just 6 wickets in 11 matches throughout the tournament which came at an economy of 8.51. He failed to perform his job of keeping things tight in middle overs.

Given his form and fitness, KKR might free up some much-needed funds by releasing him ahead of IPL 2023 auction and maybe go for someone younger or experienced spinner.

AARON FINCH

Aaron Finch joined KKR as a replacement player after Alex Hales pulled out of IPL 2022 citing bubble fatigue. KKR was the 9^th franchise for which Finch played in the Indian Premier League and he was excited to play in the tournament, as he was not picked in the IPL 2022 auction initially.

He opened the innings for KKR in 5 matches, but only managed to make 86 runs. 58 of those runs came in one innings as he averaged 17.20 and had a strike rate of 140.98. His poor run for form meant that KKR had to fall back on other options for opening combinations, which changed frequently for them throughout the IPL 2022.

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In fact, seeing Finch in such poor form in IPL 2022, questions have been raised about whether he should lead the Australian team as they prepare for their T20 World Cup title defense, later in their own backyard.  

AJINKYA RAHANE

Ajinkya Rahane was picked up by KKR in IPL 2022 for his base price after he was released by Delhi Capitals ahead of the mega auction. His performances in the previous two IPL editions had been poor as he made 113 runs in 9 matches in IPL 2020 and then played only 2 matches in IPL 2021, making 8 runs.

Much was expected from Rahane, who had been slotted as a Test only player for the Indian team, however, it was not to be for the opener from Mumbai. He played 7 matches, making 144 runs with an average of 19.00 and a strike rate of 109.91. His highest score was 44 runs and his tournament came to end due to a hamstring tear.

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Rahane, despite having a decent record in the IPL, where he has 4074 runs in 158 matches with 2 centuries and 28 fifties to his name at an average of 30.86. But his strike rate of 120.68 has been his main problem, which cost him his job as RR captain and later his spot in the franchise.

With him failing to score runs and that too quickly, it is highly possible that KKR won't be retaining Rahane for IPL 2023.