The Kolkata Knight Riders is one of the most successful teams in the history of the Indian Premier League. The team has won the IPL title twice, in 2012 and 2014 under Gautam Gambhir’s captaincy. They have also been the runner-ups of IPL 2021.
The team is currently owned by Shahrukh Khan’s Red Chillies Entertainment and Juhi Chawla’s Mehta Group. The team is currently coached by Brendon McCullum.
The Kolkata Knight Riders have a rich history of success in the IPL. In this article, we will take a look at the top 7 retained players of the Kolkata Knight Riders in IPL 2023.
1. Andre Russell
Andre Russell is one of the most explosive all-rounders in world cricket at the moment. The West Indian was in splendid form in the recently concluded edition of the IPL, scoring 335 runs and picking up 17 wickets.
Russell is a match-winner on his own and is capable of single-handedly changing the course of a game. The all-rounder will once again be the key player for the Knight Riders in the upcoming season.
Also read: IPL 2023 Auction: Top 7 Retained Players of Delhi Capitals
2. Shreyas Iyer
Shreyas Iyer is one of the most experienced players in the Knight Riders squad. The right-handed batsman led the team in the last year’s IPL edition and is a crucial member of the side.
He was the leading run-scorer of KKR in IPL 2022, he scored 401 runs in the last edition of the IPL and will once again be expected to lead from the front with the bat.
3. Sunil Narine
Sunil Narine is one of the leading spinners in world cricket. The West Indian has been a key player for the Knight Riders over the years and helps them get early wickets regularly.
Though Narine was not at his best in the previous edition of the IPL, taking only 9 wickets and scoring only 71 runs.
Nonetheless, the KKR team management has backed this all-rounder and expects him to have a strong season in the IPL 2023 edition.
4. Tim Southee
Tim Southee is one of the world’s best fast bowlers. The New Zealand pacer was in good form for the Knight Riders in last year’s IPL and will be expected to do the same for his team in this year’s IPL.
Southee is the Knight Riders’ third leading wicket-taker in the IPL 2022 and is an important bowler, particularly in power-play overs.
5. Umesh Yadav
Umesh Yadav made his IPL debut in the year 2010 and has not looked back since then. Yadav is a quick learner and a traditional Indian pacer who can bowl fast and consistently. He was the second leading wicket-taker for KKR in the IPL 2022.
The experienced pacer has a lot of potential and is likely to be one of the more effective bowlers for the Knight Riders in the upcoming season.
Also read: IPL 2023 Auction: Top 7 Retained Players of Royal Challengers Bangalore
6. Venkatesh Iyer
Venkatesh Iyer is one of the better domestic batsmen in the Indian circuit. He has made a name for himself as a dashing left-handed batsman in the domestic circuit. Iyer was retained by the Knight Riders ahead of this season and will be looking to score heavily in the upcoming meet.
7. Nitish Rana
Nitish Rana is one of the most promising players in the Indian team. The young left-handed batsman has grown in confidence and stature as an IPL player. He has been one of the key players for KKR in this year’s IPL edition.