The Kolkata Knight Riders are one such team that has been trying to get back on track. The KKR team has always had a line-up of star players. They were once home to Brendon McCullum, Chris Gayle, Dada Ganguly, and Ricky Ponting. In the prime of their performances, they had the likes of Yusuf Pathan and Sunil Narine. Similarly, they have three other key players in the TATA IPL 2023. These key players are the ones who have a lot of responsibility, but they also have the potential to deliver. Here is a look: 

Shardul Thakur will be a Key Player for the Kolkata Knight Riders in TATA IPL 2023: 

Shardul Thakur will be the spearhead of this pace attack. He will also have Lockie Ferguson to his aid. But this will be a season where Shardul will be expected to play as a bowling all-rounder. He will have a well-defined role with the bat as well. And considering his skill, he can easily bat at number 7 or number 8. He can be used as a pinch hitter too because he has a good range-hitting ability.  

Kolkata Knight Riders
Shardul will have to deliver when it matters the most. IMG SRC: Delhi Capitals

He might be given the role of death bowling. In that case, Thakur will have to bring up many of his tools from the arsenal. He will have to use the slower one and the cutters. His cutters are difficult to pick. And most importantly, Thakur has a knack for picking wickets. He may concede 40 runs in his 10 overs but he will also give you 3 wickets. 

Andre Russell will be a Key Player for the Kolkata Knight Riders in TATA IPL 2023: 

Andre Russell sustained shoulder injury during KKR vs RCB match, last night
Image: BCCI/IPL

Its big shoulders of Andre need to cater to the requirements of the Kolkata Knight Riders. He is the best finisher cum all-rounder in business and KKR will be looking to make the optimum use of him. He is injured prone so his workload also needs to be managed. But on the days that Dre Russ starts middling the ball, the opposition can only pray. His strong zone is to hit the ball straight down the ground. The wide yorker is one way to deal with him. Another effective way is to bowl yorkers between his legs, something that KG Rabada and Mohammed Shami used in the season of 2019. Here is a look at the stats of Andre Russell: 

Nitish Rana will be a Key Player: 

Kolkata Knight Riders
IMG SRC: BCCI

Nitish Rana’s name was supposed to be on the list. He will have to do most of the scoring. The top-order batting consists of Iyer, Rana, and the two openers. Nitish Rana may have to open in the absence of a strong opener. The KKR management does have Gurbaz and Venkatesh Iyer but does Gurbaz give you the required assurance?  

He is coming out after a good domestic season. He was too good in the Vijay Hazare Trophy and was even expected to get a national call-up. But he got snubbed. This has a lot to do with luck but one good season of the TATA IPL can flip things in his favor. Also, he will be playing in the top order as the KKR management will be looking to utilize him to the fullest. 

To know more go to Mumbai Indians: Top 3 Best Key Players to Play for Mumbai Indians in TATA IPL 2023.

Read more such articles at Delhi Capitals: Top 3 Best Key Players to Play for Delhi Capitals in TATA IPL 2023.

To know more interesting stories, go to the official website of the Kolkata Knight Riders.