Although the 2021 IPL season did not end with success for Kolkata Knight Riders, as they lost to the Chennai Super Kings in the final, there were a lot of positives to take from the campaign, particularly in the second half of the year.
When the IPL resumed following its break in 2021, Kolkata were second from the bottom in the table. They were on course for one of their worst ever campaigns in the history of the franchise competition. Fortunately for their supporters, their form improved and they were able to finish fourth and qualify for the playoffs.
The Knight Riders won five of their final seven games in the regular last season. They then defeated Royal Challengers Bangalore and Rajasthan Royals in the play-offs. In the final against Chennai, the damage was done when their opponents made 192. It gave them a big total to chase down and they fell short by 27 runs.
Chance To Strengthen Ahead Of 2022 Season
The player auction is the chance for all the franchises in the IPL to strengthen their rosters for 2022. It is also likely to be a year where there are some huge names available to be purchased. KKR owners will be planning now where they feel it is best to spend their budget.
Shreyas Iyer has announced he will be leaving Delhi Capitals following the 2021 campaign. The India international has expressed his desire to captain a team. If they do decide to acquire the top order batsman, a decision will have to be made on Morgan’s future with the franchise.
David Warner is another player who could be snapped up. The Australian was not in great form in 2021, however, his credentials are clear. He has performed well recently at the T20 World Cup 2021 for his national team. When firing, he is able to take full advantage of the power overs early into an innings.
Given last season’s appearance in the final was Kolkata’s first since 2014, expectations will be high next year, and some of the top online betting sites in Pakistan are likely to make the 2021 runners-up as one of the favourites for the title next season.
If KKR can add one or two quality players from the auction to what is already a strong roster, they may have what it takes to go one place better.
Venkatesh Iyer Is Player Who Will Keep Improving
One of Kolkata’s best players in 2021 was Venkatesh Iyer. He broke into the team as the season progressed and was able to score 370 runs from just 10 matches. That left him with an average of 41 and his strike rate was an impressive 128.
If Iyer had played all 17 games, he would have most likely finished as the team’s leading scorer, beating Shubman Gill’s total of 478 runs. The 26-year-old also picked up three wickets during the 2021 campaign, so he can be handy with the ball too.
Next April won’t be able to come quick enough for Knight Rider fans. They have an exciting team and one which may be set to have a lot of success over the next few years.