IPL History: 3 players whose IPL careers blossomed after leaving the Kolkata Knight Riders

The Kolkata Knight Riders have been one of the most successful franchises in the history of the IPL. KKR have lifted the IPL trophy on two occasions which makes them the third most successful team in the history of the competition after the Chennai Super Kings and the Mumbai Indians, who have won the IPL thrice each. To win a tournament like IPL, a franchise need world-class players and KKR have never had a dearth of superstars.

The two-time IPL champions have been represented by some of the best players in the history of the game. While a lot of those superstars have contributed to the success of the franchise, there are few players who couldn't do well at KKR.

The KKR team management was not patient with those players and ended up not retaining them. Some of them became big hits at other franchises and KKR were left to regret their decisions. So, let us look at a few incredible players who were not retained by KKR.

#1. Chris Gayle

Chris Gayle - Source: BCCI/IPLT20.com

Chris Gayle is one of the greatest players in the history of the T20s. The West Indian batsman is an IPL legend as he holds the record for most centuries in IPL history - six. The legendary batsman has scored five of those centuries for RCB, while one came in KXIP colours.

In his glittering IPL career, it is easy to forget that he also played for KKR. His spell at the Kolkata-based franchise was not very successful though. So, KKR management made a decision they would want to forget themselves.

They decided against retaining the legendary left-handed batsman. After the failure in the first three seasons of the league, KKR management decided to go for a fresh start so they did not retain anyone. He was then signed by Royal Challengers Bangalore and rest is history. He currently plays for KXIP and is showing no signs of stopping.

Stats by Team:

KKR: 863 Runs ( Batting average: 30.87 )

RCB: 3163 Runs ( Batting average: 43:33)

KXIP: 720 Runs ( Batting average: 45:00)

#2 Brendon McCullum

Brendon McCullum ( Image Courtesy: BCCI/IPLT20.com )

Brendon McCullum was one of the most feared batsmen in the history of the T20 format. The Kiwi legend represented KKR in two different spells and even captained them in his first stint at the franchise. While he was part of the KKR team which won the IPL in 2012, but his best seasons in IPL were away from the franchise.

KKR decided against retaining him. Then he was signed by Kochi Tuskers Kerala before joining the Chennai Super Kings where he scored 400+ runs in two consecutive seasons. The right-hander then had a good stint at Gujrat Lions as KKR were left to wonder what could have been if they had kept him.

There is a reason that some say form is temporary but class is permanent. One should never doubt the ability of a superstar like McCullum.

McCullum, whose last stint in IPL came in Royal Challengers Bangalore colours, is now retired.

Stats by Team:

KKR: 882 Runs ( Batting average: 27.56 )

CSK: 841 Runs ( Batting average: 32.35)

#3 Suryakumar Yadav

Suryakumar Yadav - Source:BCCI/IPLT20.com

Suryakumar Yadav played a bit-part role for KKR when he was a part of their set-up. The youngster caught the attention of the fans when he played some brilliant knocks down the order. Sadly, the right-handed batsman never got a proper chance to show his talents.

He impressed in whatever opportunities he got, but there were not enough balls left for him to construct an innings. The franchise decided against retaining him ahead of the 11th season of the cricket's most popular league. Mumbai Indians snapped him up in the auction and promoted him to the top of the order.

The decision to promote him in the batting order has done wonders to his career. In 2018, the Mumbai batsman scored more than 500 runs as he made full use of the opportunity he got.

Stats by Team:

KKR: 608 Runs ( Batting average: 22:52 )

RCB: 695 Runs ( Batting average: 30.22)