IPL 2023: Lockie Ferguson, Rahmanullah Gurbaz traded from Gujarat Titans to Kolkata Knight Riders

The upcoming edition of the IPL is still a fair distance away but with the impending mini-auction next month, teams have amped up their preparation for the next season. Two-time IPL winnerS Kolkata Knight Riders have made their move after trading in Kiwi pacer Lockie Ferguson and Afghanistan opener Rahmanullah Gurbaz from IPL champions Gujarat Titans on Sunday.

The Kolkata-based franchise becomes the second IPL team to trade in players in this window after Mumbai Indians traded Australian pacer Jason Behrendorff from Royal Challengers Bangalore on Saturday.

“New Zealand fast bowler Lockie Ferguson has been traded from Gujarat Titans to Kolkata Knight Riders for the upcoming TATA IPL 2023. He played 13 matches for Gujarat Titans and picked 12 wickets that included a 4-wicket haul,” the BCCI announced in a statement on Sunday.

“Kolkata Knight Riders have also traded Afghanistan wicketkeeper-batter Rahmanullah Gurbaz from Gujarat Titans. He was included in the Gujarat Titans squad in the 2022 TATA IPL edition as a replacement for England batter Jason Roy but did not play any game last season,” the statement added.

Following the arrival of two new players from the IPL champions, KKR suffered two setbacks in the form of Sam Billings and Pat Cummins, both pulling out from next year's IPL. English wicketkeeper-batter Sam Billings decided to opt out of the tournament to focus on his red ball carrier with Kent. Meanwhile, Australia's ODI and Test skipper Pat Cummins pulled out of the tournament to prepare for the Ashes and the 50-over World Cup next year.

However, The Kolkata-based franchise roped in Shardul Thakur from the Delhi Capitals on the deadline day ahead of the IPL auction next month. The Indian all-rounder has been a key figure in the limited overs format and will form the spine of Shreyas Iyer's side along with the incoming Lockie Ferguson in the bowling department. KKR has been one of the busier sides in the transfer window so far and will hope to make some more signings.