As the countdown to IPL 2024 begins, anticipation has managed to scale a new high. Among the franchises, One of the teams to watch out for is Kolkata Knight Rides, the two-time trophy winners, from whom, a lot will be expected once again.
The squad is brimming with talent, featuring renowned players whose performances speak volumes. Led by seasoned veterans and backed by relentless fan support, KKR is one team to watch out for.
Mitchell Starc’s record-breaking signing for INR 24.75 crore highlights their ambition, while Gautam Gambhir’s return as a mentor adds experience. Yet, the replacement of English bowler Gus Atkinson remains a concern for Kolkata.
Kolkata Knight Riders Injury Concerns:
Gus Atkinson/ Dushmantha Chameera- In an official statement, Gus Atkinson’s exclusion from Kolkata Knight Riders was announced. Bought for Rs 1 crore, the player opted out, citing workload management. Dushmantha Chameera was named as his replacement.
However, KKR faced further setbacks as Chameera left the field with a left quadriceps injury after his eighth over in Sri Lanka’s first ODI victory, having claimed two wickets.
This leaves KKR with a pressing concern: the absence of a world-class pace attack to complement Mitchell Starc. While Starc excels with the new ball, KKR’s reliance on him for pace bowling leaves them vulnerable, especially on flat pitches or in high-scoring matches where pace variations are crucial.
