It’s IPL season yet again as players and fans are eagerly waiting for the action to begin. The most prominent T20 league in the world will take centre stage on September 19 in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Two-time IPL champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) will be looking to make the playoffs spot after narrowly missing out last year. KKR has made some interesting changes in their side in the IPL auction.
The franchise has focused on making their bowling attack stronger that can stand up in pressure situations. The team is studded with youth and experience that makes them a dangerous side in the upcoming IPL.
New coach Brendon McCullum would be hoping to inject the same fearless brand of cricket that he did in his New Zealand side during the 2015 Cricket World Cup.
We take a look at the Kolkata Knight Riders side and pick those 3 new picks to watch out for:
3. Eoin Morgan
When you are the world cup winning captain playing in IPL all eyes will be set on you for obvious reasons. Eoin Morgan is currently at the peak of his powers. The England captain has been unstoppable as a batsman in the last few years and is currently one of the feared strikers in the game.
His ability to hit 360 degrees on the Cricket field makes him a match-winner in T20 cricket. Morgan represented KKR from 2011-2013 in the league and is now all set to join his first IPL side again. KKR bought the services of Morgan for a hefty Rs. 5.25 crores in the IPL auction.
Not just as a batsman Morgan will bring that much-needed leadership quality in the KKR setup which will be gold for skipper Dinesh Karthik. In his 52 IPL games so far Morgan has scored 854 runs at a strike rate of 121. Morgan will be hoping to improves his record in the league and set the stage on fire in the IPL this year.
2. Rahul Tripathi
Another new addition to the KKR set up this year that can make a difference in stylish batsman Rahul Tripathi. After Rajasthan Royals had released Tripathi the KKR bought him in the IPL auction for Rs. 60 lakh bid. The 29-year-old is a quality player of spin and will certainly be a major asset for KKR on those turning pitches in the UAE.
Tripathi in bits and pieces has shown glimpses of his talent in the IPL but has been unable to continue his rich vein of form throughout the season. The batsman is now more experienced and understands his strengths better than before and we might see the best of him in the UAE.
Tripathi has amassed a total of 758 runs at an impressive average of 138 and will be playing of KKR for the first time in his career.
3. Pat Cummins
KKR spent 1/3rd of their wallet in the IPL auction on star Aussie pacer Pat Cummins. Cummins was sold to KKR at a winning bid of 15.50 which has now made him the most expensive international player to feature in the IPL.
The KKR management wanted quality and dependable international speedster in their bowling attack after IPL 2019. The franchise went all out for Cummins and finally acquired his service for an incredible amount.
The 27-year-old is a match-winner in all formats of the game that can quickly adjust and bowling accordingly to the surfaces. The Aussie will be the leader of KKR’s bowling attack in the IPL in UAE and will be looking to stamp his authority in the most anticipated season of the league.
All eyes will be glued on the television when Cummins takes the ball in his hand from next month. Cummins has so far only played 16 IPL fixtures and has picked 17 wickets at an economy rate of 8.29.