5 Former Players Kolkata Knight Riders Should Target In IPL 2022 Auction

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) haven’t performed up to their expectations this year and they will be looking to rebuild the team again in the mega auction around the core. Andre Russell got back to his original form again while Pat Cummins stepped up to the party this time.

The Indian contingent looks unsecured and Shubman Gill had a forgettable 2021 IPL. Eoin Morgans’ captaincy has been questionable and the management might be tempted to bring in a new skipper in the mega auction. Here are 5 former players Kolkata Knight Riders should target in IPL 2022 auction.

5 Former Players Kolkata Knight Riders Should Target:

Suryakumar Yadav:

With Mumbai Indians boasting of a lot of Indian stars, it is going to be hard for them to retain  Suryakumar Yadav and Kolkata Knight Riders should have an eye on the batsman. Suryakumar Yadav is one of the versatile batsmen who can bat anywhere in the batting order and still be effective.

Suryakumar Yadav played for the Kolkata Knight Riders from 2014 to the 2017 edition and he was one of the rising stars of the tournament. His excellent performances in the last IPL earned him a maiden call up to the Indian limited-overs squad and he can play a big role for the Kolkata Knight Riders at the top of the order.

Jaydev Unadkat:

Kolkata Knight Riders do not have many experienced Indian bowlers in the lineup and they can look forward to Unadkat who is the highest wicket-taker in the previous Ranji season. Unadkat is a far better bowler now and he was well utilized by Royals in the few games he played.

He is a wicket-taking bowler and his variations will come into effect at the back end of the innings too. He bowled a brilliant spell against the Delhi Capitals this year and the left-arm seamer is knocking the doors to be back in the Indian test squad. He started his IPL career with the KKR franchise in 2010 and played till 2012 for them.

Trent Boult:

Trent Boult has been an integral part of the Mumbai Indians franchise in the last two years and if the mega auction takes place, Boult might not be given the nod. KKR has struggled to have fast bowlers who can be really good at the death overs and Boult can certainly do the job for them.

Boult is one of the best in the business when it comes to swing bowling in powerplay and nails the yorkers at the back end of the innings. He has played for the franchise in the 2017 edition and was released ahead of the mega auction. KKR can be assured with the four overs he provides and he will certainly be a good prospect for KKR.

Umesh Yadav:

Umesh Yadav did not play a single game in this IPL edition and Delhi Capitals used their young Indian pacers who took the opportunity to perform at the highest level with both hands. However, Umesh is one of the quickest bowlers going around in India and has improved his skill set to be successful.

Umesh played for the Kolkata Knight Riders from 2014 to the 2017 edition and found a fair bit of success there. He was very good with the new ball in the powerplay and does take a lot of wickets when he swings it around. He is an integral part of the Indian bowling setup at present and can offer a lot for the franchise.

Chris Lynn:

Chris Lynn played just one game for the Mumbai Indians this year and had to be benched most part of the season as a backup opener for Quinton de Kock. He scored 49 in the only game he played and looked to be in good touch still despite not having success off late.

He had a good Big Bash season and there were high hopes that he might make the playing XI in the Mumbai Indians. But the batting order has been too strong for him to get in and Kolkata does know that he is a match-winner with the bat. Lynn played for the franchise from 2014 to the 2019 edition.