IPL 2019: Three under performers KKR who could be released in the next season

The 2019 IPL season is nearing its climax. Kolkata Knight Riders, one of the most anticipated teams, had a roller coaster ride this season. The Kolkata based franchise had a great start with the help of T20 superstar Andre Russell. They won 4 out of 5 opening matches with a good Net Run Rate. But, soon the situation changed and KKR lost six games in a row. All was not right within the KKR camp as reports emerged of falling out of Andre Russell with Captain Dinesh Karthik. Nobody expected that the Knights will put up such a poor team performance.

Though their batting was satisfying this season, the bowling unit was not that good. In defending huge totals, the bowlers were expensive. Very few players lived up to their expectations, resulting in the team not being able to make the playoffs.

Here are the players who might be released by KKR in the next season.

#3. Rinku Singh

Rinku Singh - Image Courtesy (BCCI/IPLT20.com)

The left-handed batsman made his IPL debut in the IPL 2017. Rinku is a special fielder, quick across the turf and has a good arm as well. He had represented KKR in the 2018 IPL edition but could not produce any match-winning performances. In 2019, he was included in the side for just five games. He got a chance to prove himself but failed to deliver what was expected of him. Rinku Singh managed to score only 37 runs with a paltry average of 18.50. He batted at number 6/7 and didn’t have many balls up by his side to make any impact.

KKR should release him and should focus on buying an experienced bowler who could add strength to the team. The current crop of fast bowlers in Kolkata is way too young to handle pressure situations. An experienced hand like Chris Jordan may be the solution to their woes.

#2. Lockie Ferguson

Lockie Ferguson - Image Courtesy (BCCI/IPLT20.com)

The New Zealand fast bowler has impressed all with his mustache rather than his bowling skills this season. Ferguson was expected to add pace to the team's bowling unit. The Kiwi pacer was given a chance in five games in which he was able to scalp only 2 wickets with an overwhelmed economy of 10.76. His tendency to bowl way too many short balls ensured that the opposition batsmen had him lined up. He went for plenty in the death overs. In the last few games, he was replaced by English left-arm bowler Harry Gurney whose changes of pace worked in some of the games.

KKR should be looking to relieve Lockie before the commencement of the next season. The team management should go for an experienced T20 bowler or a quality all-rounder. Jason Holder might be an interesting option for KKR. He wasn’t picked this year but his game has improved by leaps and bounds recently and he may be the X-factor that they were missing this year.

#1. Robin Uthappa

Robin Uthappa - Image Courtesy (BCCI/IPLT20.com)

The Karnataka batsman who was once responsible for KKR's triumph has become a liability these days. Robin Uthappa has lost his touch with the bat in recent times. In a much-needed situation, while building a healthy score against Mumbai Indians, he was able to score only 40 off 47*. It was a slow knock for which he received a lot of flak on social media.

The walking assassin was once a vital force in the batting line up. He had scored above 400 runs in both 2012 and 2014 IPL (title triumph) and remained a great asset for KKR. Uthappa was retained for Rs. 6.4 crores this season but he couldn't justify the price paid for him. He was able to pile up 282 runs in 12 games with an average of 31.33 with a high score of 67*.

The Kolkata based franchise might release him and look out for an all-rounder who can score well in pressure situations and might help the team.

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