5 players on whom KKR could use the Right To Match(RTM) card

While the likes of Suryakumar Yadav and Yusuf Pathan have been an integral part of the KKR set-up, they are unlikely to get back using the RTM card. While others like Ishank Jaggi and Ankit Rajpoot are players who they can just get back outright. So who are the players that KKR should look to use their RTM on, considering the amount they have left in the purse?

Here are 5 players on whom KKR could use the Right To Match (RTM) card:

#5 Umesh Yadav

Umesh Yadav can be the spearhead of their pace attack

He might not have got an opportunity to impress in the Test series against South Africa but Umesh Yadav has been an integral part of the KKR side for a while now. Although he isn't always amongst the wickets, the nature of the Eden Gardens track has changed recently and quality Indian fast bowlers are hard to come by.

While they could opt to go with Robin Uthappa, given the dearth of proven pacers in the domestic circuit, the value of an experienced Indian pacer cannot be undermined. And given Uthappa's relative lack of runs in the domestic circuit, demand may not be as high for one of most consistent batsmen in the IPL.

However, the same cannot be said for Umesh and that is why KKR should look to use their RTM card on getting back the right-arm pacer.

#4 Piyush Chawla

Piyush Chawla may not be the first name many think of when you look at players that KKR could use their RTM on. While he has two World Cups to his name, he has never been able to establish himself in the Indian side but in the IPL, it is a completely different story.

Only three bowlers have taken more wickets than the 29-year-old leg spinner in the history of the IPL. A tally of 126 wickets in 128 matches speaks volumes about his consistency and ability to always be amongst the wickets. For KKR, he averages a wicket per game with an economy rate of under 8. While they aren't numbers that will astound many, he has become a vital cog in the KKR machine.

With a base price of just 1 crore and a proven track record in the IPL, many teams will look to sign him but KKR should consider getting him back if the cost isn't too high.

#3 Kuldeep Yadav

Kuldeep Yadav could prove to be a shrewd investment

Since his last game for KKR, Kuldeep Yadav has established himself as India's white ball specialist and became an integral part of India's switch from using finger spinners to wrist spinners. He also has an ODI hat-trick to his name and has made a name for himself in the international arena by being amongst the wickets on a consistent basis.

Even with a base price of 1.5 crore, Kuldeep Yadav is expected to be amongst the hottest buys, especially as wrist spinners are in vogue. The 23-year-old has a bag of tricks that still confounds plenty of international batsmen, which make him an invaluable asset to any T20 side.

Considering his incredible potential it would make a lot of sense for KKR to use their RTM and get back their star spinner. While plenty of teams will be vying for his signature, KKR have the advantage of an RTM and they should make the most of it.

#2 Manish Pandey

Pandey has been a consistent performer for KKR

Although he isn't a regular in the Indian limited-overs set-up, Manish Pandey has consistently delivered ever since his move to Kolkata Knight Riders. Even with a base price of 1 crore, Pandey is still expected be amongst the big winners in the IPL Auction as teams scramble to find a top-order Indian batsman who can deliver on a consistent basis.

Although his career T20 average of 27 and strike rate of almost 120 is good enough for a No.3 batsman, his numbers for KKR are even better. He has an average of almost 33 and a strike rate of over 125 and has scored 1,442 runs from 60 matches for the side.

His consistency and ability to make an impact should make him one of the top priorities for KKR as they look at players that they can use their RTM on.

#1 Gautam Gambhir

Gambhir has led KKR to two IPL titles

One of the biggest surprises of the player retention was KKR's decision to opt against retaining their two-time IPL-winning captain whose signing turned things around for the franchise. However, by opting to retain two foreign all-rounders, who are likely to go for a lot of money, KKR still have the option of retaining Gambhir.

Despite a base price of 2 crore, the southpaw is likely to be one of the most sought-after players in the Auction. Not only has he proven himself as a batsman who can score consistently in the IPL but also as a proven leader who can get the best out of the options afforded to him and leading a title-winning side.

While there is a chance that KKR opt to enter a new era without Gambhir, considering his wealth of experience, it could come back and bite them if they choose against using the RTM on the Indian opener.