Colin Munro would fit in perfectly at Kolkata Knight Riders

What's the story?

KKR's decision to not retain Gautam Gambhir or Robin Uthappa means that they have an opening at the top of the order. Considering his incredible recent and his record as the No.1 ranked T20I batsman in the world, Colin Munro would be the ideal addition to the Kolkata Knight Riders set-up ahead of IPL 2018.

Capable of taking the game away from the opposition in the blink of an eye, the world record holder for most centuries in T20Is is a frightening prospect for any new ball bowler. The fact that he strikes at almost 150 despite playing over 150 T20s speaks of the impact that he has on each game. The fact that the 30-year-old can also contribute with the ball shows just how invaluable he can be as KKR look to claim their third IPL title.

In case you didn't know...

Despite his impressive T20 track record, the southpaw has played just four matches in the IPL. Those games came for the Kolkata Knight Riders but he failed to impress in his short stint as he averaged just 10 and scored at a strike rate of 100. But a career T20I average of over 32 and strike rate in excess of 160 with three centuries from 38 matches show that is just an aberration.

The heart of the matter

Although KKR decided to go with Sunil Narine and Andre Russell, they will still be looking for an explosive top-order batsman. While Chris Lynn seems like the ideal fit, his injury worries and Munro's electric form with the bat might just propel him to the top of the wishlist for KKR as they look set to write a new chapter in the franchise's history.

Eden Gardens' recent tendency to reward pace and bounce makes Munro the ideal candidate to make the most of it. His teammate Colin de Grandhomme has already made an impact with the side and the 30-year-old will be hoping to do the same if KKR go out and splash the cash and secure his signature.

What’s next?

Munro will be looking to rack up the runs in the T20I series against Pakistan and ensure that he is one of the biggest buys of the IPL Auction that will take place in Bengaluru on January 27.

Author’s take

The No.1 ranked T20I batsman in the world is certainly going to high on many teams' wishlist when the IPL Auction comes around. But the fact that Munro has already played for KKR and the franchise has recently become a safe haven for Kiwi cricketers might just make his chances of making a return to Eden Gardens very likely.

While he might be one of the most expensive players in the auction, his potential upside will make him well worth the risk as KKR look to lift their third IPL title.