5 Players KKR can target in IPL 2024 auction

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) are one of the most successful sides in the history of the Indian Premier League (IPL). The two-time IPL champions have been out of form since their former skipper Gautam Gambhir left the side. They have qualified for once in the final in 2021 and lost against Chennai Super Kings (CSK). But they have brought back Gambhir as their mentor the fans can expect that they can produce better results this season. 

In the last two seasons, they finished in the 7th spot in the points table. KKR regular skipper Shreyas Iyer has come back to the side and had a brilliant ODI World Cup 2023. Iyer's return to the side has made their middle order look formidable. Gambhir's comeback is the best thing that happened to them ahead of the mini-auction. The franchise has released the most number of players in the retention window, they have released 12 players with majority of the fast bowlers have been released. 

The IPL auction is set to be held in Dubai on December 19. The team would love to add some good fast bowlers and backup openers. With their Rs. 32.70 crore amount left in their purse, KKR is expected to pick the most number of players during the auction. In the article, we would, be looking at the players that KKR might target in the mini-auction. 

Here are the 5 players that KKR might target

5. Kartik Tyagi

KKR has released majority of their Indian pacers and they require a couple of good seamers in their lineup. He is a young Indian who can provide the Knights with long-term investment. Knights currently has Harshit Rana and Vaibhav Arora in that position, both of whom impressed last season. If they obtain Tyagi, it will perfectly round out their pace attack. KKR also has the financial means to pursue him and secure his services.

4. Azmatullah Omarzai

Azmatullah Omarzai was one of the ODI World Cup 2023's rising stars. The brilliant all-rounder demonstrated his abilities in several aspects of the game at the highest level. As a batter, Omarzai demonstrated his ability to finish games and anchor innings. Omarzai was an excellent bowler who could swing the ball into the left handers. There is a need for a backup for Andre Russell at KKR. He can be a good pick for the francise. 

3. Gerald Coetzee

In the IPL 2024 auction, Gerald Coetzee might be another good choice for KKR in the pace department. During the ODI World Cup 2023, the Proteas pacer took the most wickets for South Africa. His quick bowling in the middle and late innings will result in wickets for the franchise.  Because they lack an overseas fast bowler, a pacer like Coetzee will be a valuable addition to the pace department.

2. Mitchell Starc

Mitchell Starc is another bowler KKR might pursue in the IPL 2024. There's no doubt that when he returns to the Indian Premier League next season, he'll be one of the most sought-after players. Starc is no longer the same person he was roughly 8 years ago. But he will be incredibly beneficial, especially for KKR as they need a bowler who can bowl at 140 plus speed and is good at the death as well. 

1. Pat Cummins 

The Australia World Cup winning captain will be the first choice in the auction for KKR. The Knights will go big for the bowling all-rounder. Australia won all three tournaments this season, so Cummins would definitely prefer to go with some valuable T20 experience and he also has the prior experience with the franchise and he will give a good batting option lower in the order.