3 Reasons why Dushmantha Chameera is the best pick for KKR in IPL 2024

The Kolkata Knight Riders have acquired the services of Sri Lanka pace bowler Dushmantha Chameera, who joins the squad as a replacement for Gus Atkinson. Chameera was unsold at the IPL auction but will play for KKR at his base price of INR 50 lakh.

Chameera was sidelined by a shoulder injury that saw him miss out from the Sri Lankan team for a significant period last year. He made a comeback with the ILT20 in UAE and also represented Sri Lanka against Afghanistan.

Here we take a look at 3 reasons why Chameera is the best pick for KKR in IPL 2024:

3. Previous IPL experience

Dushmantha Chameera is an experienced bowler and has had IPL experience in the past after being associated with Rajasthan Royals, Royal Challengers Bangalore, and Lucknow Super Giants.

This should come in handy for Kolkata Knight Riders as they need a quick who can be a good accomplice to Mitchell Starc, their only other overseas fast bowler in the squad. KKR were not too good with the ball in the powerplay in the previous season and relied heavily on their spinners, something that did not quite work out for them. This could change with Chameera in the ranks.

2. Wicket-taker with the new ball

Chameera has pace and can get the ball to bounce quite regularly - these traits make him a good pick for KKR. With their new fast bowlers, the side can really attack in the first six overs.

For the Lucknow Super Giants, he was very impressive in the first powerplay and ended the season with nine wickets from 12 matches. There will be plenty of pace on offer since Mitchell Starc will be raring in from the other end. This can potentially give KKR the start they need with the ball. He also enjoys a good equation with Gautam Gambhir, who worked closely with him for the Lucknow Super Giants and this too can come in handy this season.

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1. Good recent form

Chameera plays for the Dubai Capitals in the ILT20 League and was quite good across different phases of the innings. This could have been one of the reasons why he has been picked up by KKR. He has pace, and good variations and can also get the ball to jag around if the pitch offers assistance.

The right-arm Sri Lankan pacer picked up ten wickets at a very good economy rate of 7.19 in seven matches for the Dubai Capitals in the ILT20 league this year.