The Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) have been without an Indian Premier League (IPL) championship title since 2014, and in the past 8 years, the team from Kolkata has not been able to win the coveted trophy. The team is likely eager to alter this situation and regain the trophy.
KKR has been dealt a significant blow, as their captain Shreyas Iyer has sustained a back injury. However, the team does have some underrated players who may be able to step up and deliver strong performances during IPL 2023.
1. David Wiese
David Wiese is a seasoned player who has featured in nearly all of the franchise leagues, making valuable contributions to every team he has played for. He has previously represented the Royal Challengers Bangalore, featuring in 15 league matches. In addition, he has participated in the Abu Dhabi T10 League and the Lanka Premier League. During the IPL 2023 auction, the Kolkata Knight Riders acquired Wiese for INR 1 crore, and he is expected to play a crucial part in their campaign this season.
2. Narayan Jagadeesan
Narayan Jagadeesan did not have an impressive IPL 2022 season as he received only a few chances to play. Then he was released by Chennai Super Kings before the IPL 2023 auctions. However, the 26-year-old batsman from Tamil Nadu displayed brilliant form in the 2022 domestic cricket season, particularly his impressive 277 off 147 deliveries against Arunachal Pradesh in the 2022-23 Vijay Hazare Trophy. Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) acquired him for Rs 90 lakhs, and he is regarded as a significant asset to their lineup.
3. Vaibhav Arora
During IPL 2022, Vaibhav Arora played five games for the Punjab Kings (PBKS) and took three wickets. He is considered one of the critical players to keep an eye on in the KKR team, and he hopes to have a remarkable IPL 2023 season, attracting the attention of national team selectors. The Ambala-born cricketer has participated in 16 first-class matches thus far, amassing 55 wickets, including three five-wicket hauls.
4. Mandeep Singh
Although he went unsold in the initial round of the auction, the veteran Indian batsman Mandeep Singh was given a second opportunity to be sold, and it turned out to be a stroke of luck for him as the Kolkata Knight Riders purchased him for INR 50 lakhs. With his extensive experience, he has the potential to be a crucial player for KKR during IPL 2023.
