IPL 2023: Three players who can replace Shakib Al Hasan in Kolkata Knight Riders

The Indian Premier League season 16 has got underway and the fans are already loving the riveting action the first few matches of the tournament have offered. While most of the teams have their lineups finalised coming into the tournament, some are still struggling to fill the gaps in their teams due to the unavailability of certain players because of injuries or personal reasons.

Kolkata Knight Riders did not get off to a good start in IPL 2023 as they lost their opening match against Punjab Kings by 7 runs (DLS Method) and to make matters worse for the two-time champions, star Bangladesh all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan has made himself unavailable for the ongoing season due to personal reasons. 

Shakib has represented KKR in 8 seasons of IPL and replacing him could prove to be a big headache for the franchise. As KKR march on in the IPL 2023, let’s take a look at the possible replacements of the star all-rounder from Bangladesh.

Here are three players who could replace Shakib al Hasan in the ongoing season:

1. Mohammad Nabi

The former Afghanistan captain has played an integral part in his side’s rise in world cricket in recent times. He represented Sunrisers Hyderabad for five years in the IPL from 2017-2021, scoring 180 runs at a strike rate of 151.26. 

Nabi has also been handy with the ball as he’s picked up 13 wickets in 17 matches of his IPL career.

The 38-year-old can be an ideal replacement for Shakib as he can contribute with both bat and ball for the side.