Dushmantha Chameera joins Kolkata Knight Riders ahead of team's first IPL 2024 match

Sri Lankan pacer Dushmantha Chameera has joined the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) ahead of their first match in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024. Kolkata Knight Riders shared an update on Dushmantha Chameera joining the squad on their social media account.

The Knight Riders signed Dushmantha Chameera as a replacement for English pacer Gus Atkinson for the IPL 2024. Atkinson, who was bought at a price of Rs 1 crore, opted out of the season. The KKR team secured Chameera’s signing for a base price of Rs 50 lakh.

Dushmantha Chameera Joins KKR Squad On Saturday

Chameera arrived in Kolkata on Saturday, March 23, ahead of KKR’s first match against Sunrisers Hyderabad at Eden Gardens. The team officially announced Chameera’s inclusion via their social media platform, X (formerly Twitter).

“Speed delivery, straight from Sri Lanka! Welcome home, Chameera,” wrote the caption.

Speed delivery, straight from Sri Lanka! 🇱🇰

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— KolkataKnightRiders (@KKRiders) M<!---->a<!---->r<!---->c<!---->h<!----> <!---->2<!---->3<!---->,<!----> <!---->2<!---->0<!---->2<!---->4

Dushmantha Chameera Represented Lucknow Super Giants In IPL 2022

Chameera brings prior IPL experience to the two-time IPL champions. Mentor Gautam Gambhir holds the Sri Lankan pacer in high regard. He has previously played for teams like the Rajasthan Royals, the Royal Challengers Bengaluru, and the Lucknow Super Giants.

The 32-year-old caught Gautam Gambhir’s attention during his stint with LSG in IPL 2022, where Gambhir was part of the think tank. The right-arm pacer delivered a standout performance with LSG, which marked his breakthrough season in the marquee tournament.

He showcased his potential in the previous season, with nine wickets in 12 matches and an economy rate of 8.73. His raw pace and effectiveness with the new ball position him as a promising choice. Chameera has the potential to make a significant impact.

As a mentor, Gambhir aims to guide the Knight Riders back to their championship form. He led them to titles in 2012 and 2014 as a captain. Despite finishing seventh in the IPL 2023 season with six wins, KKR aims for a playoff berth and beyond in the ongoing season.

Someone I Can Trust For Life – Gautam Gambhir

During the KKR jersey launch for IPL 2024, Gautam Gambhir shared a moment from 2011 involving Ryan ten Doeschate’s selflessness despite not being in the XI. Gambhir emphasized Ten Doeschate’s unwavering commitment and his impact on his leadership.

“When I talk about selflessness, the greatest team man I have ever played with, the most selfless human being, someone I can take a bullet for, someone I can trust for life… In 2011, my first game as a KKR captain, we only had four overseas players available. This man had a fabulous 50-over World Cup,” Gambhir said.

“We went into that game with only three overseas players. He was carrying drinks in that game with no disappointment on his face. He taught me selflessness – Ryan ten Doeschate. These are people who taught me to be a leader,” he added.

KKR’s probable playing XI: Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Venkatesh Iyer, Shreyas Iyer (c), Nitish Rana, Rinku Singh, Andre Russell, Ramandeep Singh, Sunil Narine, Mitchell Starc, Harshit Rana, Suyash Sharma, Varun Chakaravarthy

Also read: Favouritism heavy in KKR!! Aakash Chopra claims KKR picked Dushmantha Chameera because Gautam Gambhir likes him