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The IPL retention ahead of the fifteenth edition of the cash-rich league is one of the most spoken about topics within the world of cricket. Two-time champions, Kolkata Knight Riders have endured a terrific second half in IPL 2021 and with their spirits on a seventh high after blazing their way into the finals, it is time for them to start the next IPL cycle from a fresh page altogether.
Knowing that each team could retain a maximum of four players, there are some obvious choices for KKR ahead of the mega auction in January. So without any further ado let us look upon the possible 4 retentions Kolkata Knight Riders could do ahead of the fifteenth edition of the Indian Premier League.
Top 4 Players Kolkata Knight Riders Could Retain
- Varun Chakravarthy
One of the best finds of IPL 2021 was Varun Chakravarthy, who has taken a total of 35 wickets over two editions of the tournament. In addition, Varun’s economy rate has been well below 7 runs per over. This mystery right-handed spinner has over-shadowed the likes of Sunil Narine in the side and has hoaxed top batsman in the middle-overs.
With IPL 2022 to take place in India, Varun Chakravarthy’s retention has to be a no-brainer for Kolkata Knight Riders as he can surely cause havoc for the opposition with the unprecedented turn and bounce. Also, there would be teams who would be setting their sights for the particular player as well, so it would be best for KKR to retain him with two more teams coming in.
- Shubman Gill
Shubman Gill was acquired by KKR in the 2018 IPL auction with a mindset of making him the future talisman of the franchise. So, it would make no sense for the two-time IPL Champions to let go of him after only three editions. Not only that, but apart from inconsistency, Gill seems to have all the right attributes to be one of the leading batsmen in the shortest format.
Gill is only 22-year-old with an abundance of talent at his disposal, if released, other franchises could spend huge sums in order to secure Gill’s talent for the fifteenth edition of the IPL.
- Andre Russell
Although injuries have hampered his recent stint with Kolkata Knight Riders, Andre Russell still is one of the best finishers in the T20 format. A religious hard-hitter of the ball, a perfectly fit and fine Andre Russell could be an ideal all-rounder for any team.
Furthermore, on Indian pitches, Andre Russell’s variation at the death could be a real handful. Knowing that Sunil Narine and Shakib-Al-Hasan are most likely to not be retained, Kolkata Knight Riders should not let go of all of their all-rounders.
- Venkatesh Iyer
Arguably the best player in the second half of IPL 2021 was Venkatesh Iyer, who was also the difference-maker for the franchise. Contributing with the bat and bowl, Iyer’s abilities got the perfect balance within the KKR playing XI. Moreover, his consistent form against the top bowlers of the world has already impressed many cricketing fanatics. As a result of which, he was deemed as the perfect replacement for Hardik Pandya before the start of the T20 World Cup 2021.
KKR seems to be a team that has gambled with all-rounder and if the experiment with Venkatesh Iyer pays off, there are no doubt that the dividends will be much higher.
