As the excitement builds for the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 season, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) have made a significant change in their squad by signing Sri Lankan pacer Dushmantha Chameera as a replacement for the English speedster Gus Atkinson. The decision was officially confirmed by the IPL website in a press release on February 19.
Gus Atkinson, a promising talent from England, had been picked up by KKR at his base price of INR 1 crore during the IPL Auction in December 2023. However, he will not feature in the IPL 2024 season, likely due to the England and Wales Cricket Board’s (ECB) decision to prioritize his preparation for the upcoming T20 World Cup.
In his place, KKR has opted for Dushmantha Chameera, a seasoned campaigner in T20 cricket with prior IPL experience. Chameera made his IPL debut in 2022 playing for Lucknow Super Giants and had also represented Royal Challengers Bangalore in the 2021 season. Known for his raw pace and ability to trouble batsmen with swing and seam movement, Chameera brings valuable experience to the KKR bowling lineup.
The IPL statement announcing Chameera’s signing highlighted his prowess, stating, “Chameera will join KKR at a reserve price of INR 50 Lakh. The Sri Lankan speedster, who is known for his pace, and can trouble the batters with his swing and seam movements, was a part of Rajasthan Royals and Royal Challengers Bangalore in the 2018 and 2021 IPL seasons, respectively.”
Chameera’s recent return from a shoulder injury, which sidelined him for a significant period, is a testament to his resilience and determination. He showcased his skills in the recent ILT20 tournament in UAE and represented Sri Lanka against Afghanistan, proving his fitness and readiness for the IPL.
Joining a star-studded KKR bowling lineup, which includes the likes of Mitchell Starc, Andre Russell, Sunil Narine, Varun Chakravarthy, and Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Chameera adds depth and variety to the team’s arsenal. With his ability to generate pace and trouble batsmen, Chameera is expected to make a significant impact for KKR in the upcoming season.
While Chameera may not feature in the starting XI immediately, his presence provides KKR with a valuable option and adds to the team’s versatility. As KKR prepares for IPL 2024 under the mentorship of Gautam Gambhir and the captaincy of Shreyas Iyer, the inclusion of Chameera adds further intrigue to the team’s prospects and sets the stage for an exciting season ahead.