IPL 2021: Best Predicted XI Of Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR)

Kolkata Knight Riders had the least budget of 10.75 crores during IPL 2021 auction (along with Sunrisers Hyderabad), but the franchisee made intelligent decisions to buy 8 players into their squad with the amount. Shakib-al-Hasan (Rs. 3.2 crores) and Harbhajan Singh (Rs. 2 crores) were KKR’s top two buys in IPL 2021 auction.

Kolkata Knight Riders have been a strong team in the IPL tournament. The Shahrukh Khan-owned franchisee won the title in 2012 and 2014. In IPL 2020 last year, Kolkata Knight Riders equalled Royal Challengers Bangalore with 14 points in the points table but failed to qualify for playoffs due to poor net run rate. The team will look to display a better show in IPL 2021 with the addition of these new members. Here we take a glance at the best-predicted XI of Kolkata Knight Riders for the first match in IPL 2021.

IPL 2021: Best Predicted XI Of Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR)

Shubman Gill

Shubman Gill was spectacular in IPL 2020 being the highest run-scorer for Kolkata Knight Riders. He smashed 440 runs in 14 matches at a strike rate of 117+. He has grown himself as an opener since the start of this year. He will be the perfect man to start the innings.

Nitish Rana

With the ability to hit long shots, Nitish Rana has come out as a strong batsman for Kolkata Knight Riders. In IPL 2020, he scored 352 runs in 14 matches at a strike rate of 138+. He also smashed three fifties in the tournament. He will be a great support to Shubman Gill as an opener.

Rahul Tripathi

Rahul Tripathi will be good at the third spot, which he handled in the last edition. He scored 230 runs in 11 innings in IPL 2020 which included a fifty. He will be a good option at the one-down position.

Rinku Singh

With many top-class overseas players in the team, Rinku Singh will be a good choice among the domestic batsmen. He has been a part of the team for a while and a good option for the batsman in KKR. KKR should give him an opportunity in the first game.

Eoin Morgan

Eoin Morgan will be the best person to lead the team. He took over captainship from Dinesh Karthik midway the last season and lead the team more efficiently in the tournament. KKR just missed out on playoffs due to a lesser net-run rate than Royal Challengers Bangalore. The England cricketer is the best option as skipper for KKR at the moment.

Dinesh Karthik

Dinesh Karthik will be a good option behind the wicket. He has great ability in the lower-middle order position. His quick-hitting skills will be an added advantage for KKR. He also has great experience as a wicket-keeper.

Shakib-al-Hasan

Shakib-al-Hasan has joined Kolkata Knight Riders in IPL 2021 and he is a superb all-rounder to look upon. His inclusion will help the batting as well as the bowling department. He has been great in Bangladesh Premier League 2019-20 and will be a great pick for the first match in IPL 2021.

Sunil Narine

Sunil Narine will be the best option to lead the spin attack. With the addition of Shakib-al-Hasan as a secondary bowler, Sunil Narine can try his tactics to dominate the opposition while bowling. Sunil Narine is a crucial bowler for KKR, as he has the ability to grab breakthroughs during the match.

Pat Cummins

Pat Cummins will the best bowler to kickstart the pace attack for Kolkata Knight Riders in the first game. He has come out as a dominating bowler in recent times. He should be part of the playing 11, which will enable KKR to disturb the opposition batsmen.

Kamlesh Nagarkoti

Kamlesh Nagarkoti is a good fast bowler which KKR comprises. KKR doesn’t have big domestic pace bowler in the team, so Kamlesh Nagarkoti should be given preference.

Prasidh Krishna

Prasidh Krishna played 4 matches in the last edition and took 4 wickets. As already mentioned, KKR doesn’t have many bowling options in the team and will have to go with the best available options. Prasidh Krishna has good experience in IPL tournaments for KKR. So inducting Krishna into the playing 11 will be a good decision.