Kolkata Knight Riders have been dealt a massive blow before IPL 2023. Shreyas Iyer is mostly set for the majority of the tournament and could even miss the entire campaign. The Mumbai batter was the team’s best bet in the batter and was also the skipper. Hence, KKR will find it tough to operate in his absence. They would hope that their overseas combination will click. On that note, here, we predict the four overseas players for KKR in the playing 11 for IPL 2023.
1) Sunil Narine
Sunil Narine was the captain of the Abu Dhabi Knight Riders. The franchise did not have a great ILT20 but in the squad, Narine is the most experienced KKR cricketer and is also sure to play all fourteen games.
It would be interesting to see how Narine would do if he is given the task of also captaining the side. The returns with the bat have reduced in recent times but that is also down to how KKR has made use of him. Overall, it will be a key campaign for the West Indian man.
2) Andre Russell
Andre Russell is one of the overseas players for KKR in the playing 11 for IPL 2023. Just like Narine, Russell is also one of the pillars of KKR. He has to be at his best for KKR to win a few games this edition.
The West Indian all-rounder has had injury issues. He has also been inconsistent with the bat in recent seasons. However, with the squad playing seven games at the Eden Gardens, Russell would hope that the experience would give him good form. KKR also has a good replacement for Russell. David Wiese could do a like-to-like job while Shakib Al Hasan is also an option.
3) Lockie Ferguson (Subject to Fitness)
Lockie Ferguson will play for KKR again in IPL 2023. He has been traded from Gujarat Titans for his bid price of INR 10 Crores. However, he recently suffered a hamstring and there are doubts regarding his fitness.
Lockie would have a vital role to play for KKR. He is the only pacer who is close to being an all-phase bowler for KKR. Hence, it is extremely important for Lockie to do well, especially in the death overs. Tim Southee would be the option for KKR if Lockie is not fit.
4) Rahmanullah Gurbaz
Rahmanullah Gurbaz is one of the overseas players for KKR in the playing 11 for IPL 2023. Just like Lockie, Gurbaz was also a trade deal executed from Gujarat Titans. The wicket-keeper batter is set to play in the first few games but the youngster has very little margin for error.
Litton Das is a good option for the franchise at the top of the order. He is more experienced than Gurbaz and is also in good recent form. This also depends on who will be the other opener for the franchise. Amongst the options are N Jagadeesan, Sunil Narine and Venkatesh Iyer. In the recent seasons, KKR tried too much with their opening combination. They must avoid this in IPL 2023.
