IPL 2019: 5 players who could be released by KKR

The 2019 edition of the IPL is simply one of the most-awaited ones after the World Cup. The IPL has undergone several changes and the most notable one being the trading window. The IPL franchises have started working out their strategies with the last date for retentions and release being 15 November 2018.

Kolkata Knight Riders are one of the most consistent sides in the IPL. Having won two IPL seasons in 2012 and 2014, they were considered as the clear favourites to win the 2018 edition owing to the stalwarts in their squad and their possession of rich bench strength.

However, it was not to be as several of their players did not come on terms with form and looked completely out of sorts. Kolkata should look to release their under-performing cricketers and invest in consistent performers to stand a chance to win the IPL 2019.

Here, we take a look at the players who could be released by KKR ahead of the auction for IPL 2019.

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#5 Javon Searles

Javon Searles

Javon Searles, the bowling all-rounder from West Indies was roped in by Kolkata Knight Riders at the auction for 30 lakhs. The 31-year-old is a prominent figure in the Caribbean Premier League where he plays for Trinbago Knight Riders.

Known for his fast bowling and explosive hitting abilities, he was acquired by KKR as a back-up for Andre Russell. He was given a few chances to prove his worth during the latter end of the season.

However, he couldn't make much of an impact and failed miserably with the ball.

In the 4 matches he played, he managed only 2 wickets while conceding 89 runs at a very expensive economy of 12.71. With such poor returns, he might most probably be let go by Kolkata Knight Riders.

#4 Ishank Jaggi

Ishank Jaggi

Ishank Jaggi, the middle-order batsman has been in the domestic circuit since 2007 and has plenty of experience. He has scored plenty of runs and has also broken several records in the domestic circuit.

But in the IPL, it has been a completely different story as Ishank Jaggi has vastly been under-used due to his lack of big-hitting.

In-spite of being a part of Royal Challengers Bangalore in 2008, now-defunct Deccan Chargers in 2011, and Kolkata Knight Riders in 2017 and 2018, he has only played 7 matches where he has scored 76 runs at a paltry average of 15.20.

Though he can take quick singles and rotate the strike consistently, he cannot play the big shots often and lacks exposure in IPL. As the likes of Nitish Rana, Robin Uthappa, Dinesh Karthik and Shubman Gill have already cemented the middle-order positions, Ishank Jaggi may be considered as surplus to the needs and get released from the squad.

#3 Rinku Singh

Rinku Singh

Rinku Singh, the 21-year-old cricketer from Aligarh, rose to prominence when he was roped in by KKR for 80 lakhs after an intense bidding war with Mumbai Indians. He was widely spoken of for his aggressive batting and stupendous fielding.

Rinku Singh was preferred over Shubman Gill in the initial matches. But, Rinku Singh failed to justify the faith of the KKR team and did not do any justice to his massive price tag. Rinku Singh never managed to settle himself at the crease. He scored a meagre 29 runs from 4 matches at a very poor average of 7.25.

Rinku Singh has not been in the best of forms lately as he managed only 133 runs from 6 matches for Uttar Pradesh in this year's Vijay Hazare Trophy. Kolkata Knight Riders might release Rinku Singh before the auction and also look for an able replacement in the domestic circuit.

#2 Mitchell Johnson

Mitchell Johnson

Mitchell Johnson, the pace spearhead from Australia has not been able to regain his golden touch since his retirement from international cricket. Johnson was one of the most feared bowlers during his time and possessed abilities to bowl accurate line and lengths.

With the passage of time, he has been hammered away for runs and has struggled to show consistency in his bowling. He played a total of six games last season and scalped only two wickets at a very expensive economy of 10.28. He was also one of the most expensive bowlers for Kolkata Knight Riders in the 2018 edition of the IPL.

The return of Mitchell Starc to the KKR setup would shut the doors on Mitchell Johnson. Also with Kolkata Knight Riders adopting a squad with young talents, Johnson might not fit into the plans and might well be released from the side ahead of the auction.

#1 Vinay Kumar

Vinay Kumar

Vinay Kumar, the seasoned campaigner from Karnataka, was acquired by Kolkata Knight at his base price of 1 crore. Having played for several teams in the IPL, he was roped in vastly for his experience and bowling skills.

Known to bowl leg-cutters, yorkers, bouncers and deceptive slower balls at will, Vinay Kumar was expected to lead KKR's bowling and partner Mitchell Starc as their go-to bowler. To his dismay, Vinay Kumar was excluded from the starting XI after the first two matches due to his poor run of form.

He gave away 65 runs from just 2 matches at an economy rate of 16.95. He was also heavily criticized by the cricket fraternity after he failed to defend 16 runs in the final over against Chennai Super Kings.

With neither age nor form on his side, Vinay Kumar might surely be released from the KKR squad.