Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) are the third-most successful team in the Indian Premier League (IPL), having won two titles. After a rough start, they improved under Gautam Gambhir’s captaincy, focusing on building a solid bowling attack. KKR’s mantra was ‘spin-to-win,’ but their bowling unit always had balance and versatility. Despite underperforming last season, KKR has been blessed with some talented bowlers over the years. Here are the five greatest bowlers in KKR’s history.
1. Sunil Narine
Sunil Narine is the greatest bowler in KKR’s history, having played a crucial role in their IPL title wins in 2012 and 2014. He has been with the franchise for ten years and is widely regarded as one of the best T20 spinners in the world. Narine has taken 170 wickets for KKR at an average of 23.4 and an economy of 6.55. While he remains an important player, his future with the team is uncertain.
2. Andre Russell
Andre Russell is KKR’s most valuable player, with explosive batting and potent bowling. He is the second-highest wicket-taker for KKR, with 90 wickets at an average of just above 22 and an economy of 8.96. Russell has developed into a death-over specialist and holds the record for the best individual bowling spell in an inning by a KKR bowler with 5/15 against MI in 2021.
3. Umesh Yadav
Umesh Yadav is a successful IPL pacer with 135 wickets, 64 for KKR. He has also played for Delhi and Bangalore. Umesh joined KKR in 2014 and took 48 wickets in 45 matches. After four years away, KKR acquired him at a base price, and he picked up 16 wickets in the last season. The 35-year-old is expected to continue his excellent form this year.
4. Piyush Chawla
Piyush Chawla was a crucial player for KKR from 2014 to 2019 and is now part of MI. He is KKR’s third-highest wicket-taker, with 71 wickets in 76 matches at an average of 28.4 and an economy of 8.31. Under Gambhir’s captaincy, Chawla took 42 wickets in 39 games.
5. Shakib Al Hasan
Shakib Al Hasan, a Bangladesh cricket legend, has been a valuable member of the Kolkata-based franchise for a long time. He joined the team in 2011 and was part of their two IPL victories, and even after a stint with Sunrisers Hyderabad, he returned to KKR in 2021.
