Aakash Chopra suggested that Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), with limited bowling options in Indian pacers are likely to heavily invest in fast bowlers at the IPL 2024 auction, particularly targeting Dilshan Madushanka.
Aakash Chopra anticipates Kolkata Knight Riders’ interest in acquiring Dilshan Madushanka during the IPL 2024 auction due to their deficiency in seam-bowling options, with only two Indian fast bowlers available and uncertainties around Andre Russell’s bowling capabilities.
In a video on his YouTube channel, Chopra highlighted KKR’s need for additional fast bowlers and suggested their willingness to invest significantly in someone like Madushanka. With a substantial remaining budget of ₹32.70 crore and Gambhir’s probable interest, Chopra speculated that KKR might outbid other franchises for Madushanka, estimating a sale price between six to eight crores, indicating a potential lucrative opportunity for the talented seamer at the auction.
“They have not given themselves too many options. They have two Indian fast bowlers in the form of Harshit Rana and Vaibhav Arora but they won’t be able to do the job alone. Andre Russell’s bowling ability remains a huge doubt in any case,” said Chopra.
“I feel they will go shopping for fast bowlers. Very few franchises will be able to outbid them because they have a lot of money. If I know Gautam Gambhir well, his sights will be set on Madushanka. So Madushanka might actually have a field day. He might get sold for six to eight crores,” he added.
Chopra also outlined potential overseas seamers Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) might target for IPL 2024, excluding Mitchell Starc but eyeing Gerald Coetzee and Josh Hazlewood. Additionally, he mentioned Harshal Patel as a plausible choice, especially if the pitch favors slower bowling, noting Patel’s availability after being released by RCB. Chopra also suggested Azmatullah Omarzai as an all-round option and hinted at Travis Head or Rachindra Ravindra as backup choices for Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Jason Roy.
Speculating KKR’s interest in an Indian wicketkeeper, he anticipated their strategic maneuvers in building a well-rounded squad for the upcoming season.
Last Updated on December 8, 2023
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