Kolkata Knight Riders did not have their best IPL season in 2022. Despite making some big purchases at the mega auction, the Knight Riders failed to qualify for the playoffs this season. Playing under the captaincy of Shreyas Iyer, the team started well and won three of their first four matches, but as the season progressed, KKR’s position on the points table went down. KKR will now look forward to IPL 2023.
The team management will have to make some big decisions after the inconsistent show from the squad in IPL 2022. The backroom staff of KKR might release the following five players from the team ahead of the IPL 2023 Auction.
1. KKR may not retain Aaron Finch ahead of IPL 2023
One of the biggest problems for Kolkata Knight Riders in IPL 2022 was an unsettled opening pair. They tried out many combinations but could not stick with one due to injuries and lack of form. Aaron Finch played five games, scoring 86 runs at an average of 17.20. If Alex Hales is available next season, Kolkata might release Finch.
2. KKR may release Baba Indrajith ahead of IPL 2023
Baba Indrajith made his IPL debut in 2022. He played three matches, aggregating 21 runs at an average of seven. His strike rate was 70, which is why KKR might think about releasing him.
3. KKR may release Sheldon Jackson before IPL 2023
Another wicket-keeper that Kolkata may release is Sheldon Jackson. While his wicket-keeping was top-notch, his numbers with the bat were disappointing. He scored 23 runs in five innings, with his highest score being eight.
4. Harshit Rana
Like Aaron Finch, Harshit Rana joined the Kolkata squad as a replacement. Rana bowled five overs for the team, conceding 51 runs at an economy rate of 10.20. It will be interesting to see if KKR retains him.
5. Shivam Mavi
KKR signed Shivam Mavi for a massive 7.25 crore at the mega auction. He picked up five wickets in six matches at an economy rate of 10.31. KKR might think about releasing him and then buying him at a cheaper price at the next auction.
