Kolkata Knight Riders is one franchise that has struggled this season. Although they started well, they then went into a rut with a long losing streak. All of it comes down to the planning that went in at the IPL 2022 Auctions. The team assembled a squad with many gaps and the same is affecting them now. Hence, the franchise will have to make amends at the next bidding event. They will also have an opportunity to plug a few holes in the trade window. In this article, we take a look at three players KKR should target to trade before IPL 2023 Auctions.
1) KS Bharat (Delhi Capitals)
One of the key loopholes in the KKR XI is the lack of a reliable wicket-keeper. The franchise came into the season with the likes of Sam Billings, Sheldon Jackson and Baba Indrajith as the options. However, all have failed so far.
KS Bharat impressed many with his show for Royal Challengers Bangalore in the UAE phase of IPL 2021. Bharat can open the innings and also play at No.3. He has the ability to hold an innings. KKR already has players like Shreyas Iyer who can do the role. But if Bharat changes his approach, it will suit KKR and the franchise will have a wicket-keeper for the long term.
2) Rassie van der Dussen (Rajasthan Royals)
Rassie van der Dussen is one of the players KKR should target to trade before IPL 2023 Auctions. One of the weak aspects of the KKR batting attack is the lack of pace bashers. While players like Nitish Rana and Shreyas Iyer are good against spin, they struggle against the pacers at times.
South Africa’s Rassie van der Dussen is not being used much at RR. He might be released but if RR has no such plans, KKR should target the player in the trade window. He is a good player of pace and can bat at multiple slots. The player will be a value addition to the line-up.
3) Chetan Sakariya (Delhi Capitals)
The pace attack of KKR lacks variety. There is no left-arm seam option and having one could help the franchise. Sakariya is not proven at death but he has the variations to pull it off.
Since he is not being given a lot of chances at Delhi, KKR could try to target him in the trade window. Based on their current form, he would certainly be an upgrade on Shivam Mavi.
