IPL 2019: 4 players that the Kolkata Knight Riders could target in the auction

The Kolkata Knight Riders are one of the powerhouses in the Indian Premier League. Their performances, especially on their home ground Eden Gardens, have entertained a lot of cricket fans in this country.

In the last couple of seasons, KKR have built a squad around a core group of players who have performed consistently for them in the tournament. These players include Sunil Narine, Robin Uthappa, Piyush Chawla and Andre Russell.

Having finished third in the league table last season, the Kolkata Knight Riders need to buy some proven performers after having released eight players including the likes of Mitchell Starc, Mitchell Johnson, Tom Curran and Vinay Kumar. With ₹15.14cr remaining in the budget, they need to spend big as well as wisely in the auction to strengthen their squad and make themselves title contenders.

Let us have a look at the top 4 players the Kolkata Knight Riders could target in the auction.

#4 Mohammed Shami

Mohammed Shami

Mohammed Shami might prove to be one of the most sought after Indian bowlers in the 2019 IPL auction. And being a Bengal pacer, it will be like a homecoming for him if the Kolkata Knight Riders buy him.

Despite not being regarded as a T20 specialist, Shami's experience and hard-working nature could inspire the young and talented domestic bowlers in the KKR camp.

Having been picked by the Kolkata Knight Riders in 2011, Shami was a part of the team which won their first IPL trophy in 2012.

A bowler who can easily touch 140kph, Shami's deadly pace can trouble even the best in the business. He can also be a handy lower order batsman due to his ability to swing the bat and hit sixes for his team, which is quite essential in this format.

Shami can also be a good mentor for young domestic bowlers like Prasidh Krishna, Shivam Mavi and Kamlesh Nagarkoti.

#3 Manish Pandey

Manish Pandey

Manish Pandey is probably the best find for Indian cricket from the IPL so far. He has been a consistent performer in the tournament for several seasons, albeit with different teams.

Having been bought by the Sunrisers Hyderabad last season for 11 crore, he has been released for not performing as per his price tag.

In 118 matches, Pandey has scored 2,499 runs at an average of 28.07 and strike rate of 119.56. The stats show that he is a seasoned campaigner and a run-scoring machine who can add value to any team in which he plays.

He is currently vying for a place in the national team too, and can strengthen the Kolkata Knight Riders middle order which often faltered in crucial situations last season.

It is quite evident that Manish Pandey will be one of the hottest properties in the 2019 IPL auction.

#2 Chris Woakes

Chris Woakes (R)

Chris Woakes has established himself as one of the top all-rounders in the game. An excellent seam bowler, Woakes is also a good at the death due to his ability to deliver accurate yorkers in crucial situations for his team. With his disciplined line and length, he can also bowl some quiet overs in the powerplay.

With the bat, Woakes can contribute some vital runs for his team in the lower order. He is a technically sound batsman who has the strength to clear the fence when the situation demands it.

Having made his debut in the IPL for the Kolkata Knight Riders in 2017, Woakes is familiar with the conditions at the Eden Gardens and hence could settle down pretty quickly. With KKR releasing most of their premier fast bowlers, Woakes will be a suitable candidate for a spot in that vacant department.

#1 Gautam Gambhir

Gautam Gambhir

Gautam Gambhir has been one of the many successful captains in the Indian Premier League, having won the prestigious title twice with Kolkata Knight Riders - in 2012 and 2014. His contribution with the bat too has been phenomenal as he has scored a whopping 4217 runs in 154 matches at an average of 31.23.

Having played for the Kolkata Knight Riders for seven years since joining them in 2011, Gambhir decided to play for his home team Delhi Daredevils last season. But he had a terrible last season for Delhi, and has been released by them - making him available in the auction now.

Being one of their top performers over the years and due to his long experience in this format, the Kolkata Knight Riders might look to buy again at the 2019 IPL auction.