Kolkata Knight Riders: The sixteenth season of IPL i.e. IPL 2023 is about to begin. The first match of this season will be played between Gujarat Titans and Chennai Super Kings on 31 March. In this IPL season, many new rules will be seen while the format will be old. The team of Kolkata Knight Riders, who won the IPL title twice, has also prepared fiercely this time. Kolkata Knight Riders have also made some changes to their team. Let us tell you what could be the best playing XI of Kolkata Knight Riders in IPL 2023.
Kekar's possible playing XI
Liton Das: The first number in this list is Bangladesh wicket-keeper batsman Liton Das, who can handle the wicketkeeping and opening batting for Kolkata Knight Riders.
Venkatesh Iyer: Left-handed all-rounder Venkatesh Iyer is likely to be at number two. Venkatesh Iyer made his IPL debut a few years ago from KKR's team and batted brilliantly. Venkatesh can also do opening and part-time medium fast bowling for KKR this season.
Nitish Rana: Nitish Rana can be sent to bat at number three, as Shreyas Iyer is not playing IPL due to injury. Nitish Rana has been associated with KKR for the last several years and scored 361 runs at what type rate over 143 last season.
Rinku Singh: Rinku Singh can be given the responsibility of middle order at number four. Rinku Singh has also been associated with KKR for a long time and last season he performed very well.
Mandeep Singh: Mandeep Singh may get a chance to play at number 5. In Mandeep Singh, KKR will get a right-handed Indian batsman in the middle order who can run the team and hit the big shots when needed.
Andre Russell can get the responsibility of captaincy
Andre Russell: At number 6 we have placed Andre Russell. The Kolkata team can also make Andre Russell its captain this time. Everyone knows how dangerous Andre Russell can prove to be at number 6.
Sunil Narine: Another West Indies cricketer Sunil Narine can be named number 7. Sunil Narine can show his skills in batting as well and in bowling, he did wonders in the last season as well. In IPL 2022, Sunil Narine gave runs at an excellent economy rate of 5.57 and also took a total of 9 wickets.
Shardul Thakur: Shardul Thakur can be named number eight. Shardul Thakur used to play for Delhi Capitals last season but will be seen in a KKR jersey this season. Shardul can do wonders with the ball as well as he is capable of helping his team a lot in batting as well.
Umesh Yadav: Umesh Yadav is likely to be there at No.9. Umesh Yadav bowled brilliantly for KKR last season. In Umesh, KKR will get an Indian pacer who can also lead their pace attack.
Tim Saudi: New Zealand fast bowler Tim Saudi can be named number 10. Right-arm fast bowler Tim Southee can help KKR a lot with his bowling.
Varun Chakravarthy: At number 11 is expected to be Varun Chakravarthy who has been playing the role of a mystery spinner for KKR for the past several seasons.