IPL 2023: Rating teams based on their retentions and releases
IPL franchises submitted their list of retained players for the upcoming edition on November 15.
8. Kolkata Knight Riders - 7/10
Kolkata Knight Riders have released a total of 16 players from their squad. This list includes the trio of Pat Cummins, Sam Billings, and Alex Hales, who have opted out of the next edition of the tournament. KKR have let go of the non-performing stars of the previous edition - Aaron Finch, Ajinkya Rahane, and Shivam Mavi.
Shreyas Iyer & co. have made some smart signings in the trading window. They have roped in Lockie Ferguson and Rahmanullah Gurbaz from Gujarat Titans, and Shardul Thakur from Delhi Capitals. However, these trades have cost KKR over INR 21 CR and it has reduced their purse to INR 7.05 CR.
Kolkata have a total of 14 players at their disposal and have a well-rounded first XI assembled already. However, with a thin purse, the two-time IPL champions will have a hard time filling the remaining 11 slots with good reinforcements. Therefore, one can witness KKR struggle with good backup options going forward.
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