Cricket analyst Aakash Chopra has shed light on Kolkata Knight Riders’ (KKR) potential strategy for the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 auction.
Kolkata Knight Riders’ bid to end the drought
The Knight Riders will look to break their ten-year title drought in the upcoming edition of the cash-rich league. As the third-most successful franchise in IPL history after Mumbai Indians (MI) and Chennai Super Kings (CSK), with titles in 2012 and 2014, KKR are gearing up for the 17th edition, scheduled to take place in Dubai on Tuesday, December 19. Heading into the auction with a remaining purse of ₹32.70 crore, KKR, with a 13-member squad, have the opportunity to acquire a maximum of 12 players, including four from overseas.
Aakash Chopra unveils a fast bowler KKR might set their sights on
Speaking on his Youtube channel Chopra believed that the Kolkata-based franchise is lacking in the seam-bowling department and may be eager to invest significantly in someone like Sri Lanka‘s Dilshan Madushanka. Chopra suggested that other franchises might also be interested in securing Madushanka’s services.
“They have not given themselves too many options. They have two Indian fast bowlers in the form of Harshit Rana and Vaibhav Arora but they won’t be able to do the job alone. Andre Russell’s bowling ability remains a huge doubt in any case,” Chopra said.
“I feel they will go shopping for fast bowlers. Very few franchises will be able to outbid them because they have a lot of money. If I know Gautam Gambhir well, his sights will be set on Madushanka. So Madushanka might actually have a field day. He might get sold for six to eight crores,” the 46-year-old concluded.
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Dilshan Madushanka’s impressive CWC 2023 performance
The left-arm seamer is known for swinging the ball and taking crucial wickets. Madushanka’s standout performance in the CWC 2023, where he emerged as a revelation for Sri Lanka, showcased his strength and determination despite a history of injuries. Madushanka claimed an impressive 21 wickets at an average of 25.00, making him a sought-after player in the upcoming IPL auction.