IPL 2018: Kolkata Knight Riders hit hard as uncertainty surrounding foreign recruits rises

Kolkata Knight Riders find themselves in a situation of uncertainty, given their key foreign recruits are likely to miss the preparations leading to the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2018. The cash-rich league kicks off on April 7 as KKR have been served one blow after the other. The recent jolt to the management has come in the form of Sunil Narine.

The premier spinner was reported for illegal bowling action in the ongoing Pakistan Super League (PSL) and thus will have to once again remodel his action or face a ban. With only 18 players in their squad, the Knights are sweating over the incidents surrounding their players. The likes of Chris Lynn, Andre Russell and Mitchell Johnson are already nursing injuries with Lynn and Russell’s participation in the first part of the season in doubt.

KKR cannot afford any of these players missing IPL 11 with their hopes hanging heavily on their experience. With a limited bench strength, the Dinesh Karthik-led side will have to eye replacements in case anybody misses the bus at the last moment.

With most franchises in a better situation with regards to the availability of their signed players, the preparation camp for KKR has taken a hit. The ‘Eastern Giants’ will be monitoring the players’ progress closely. Narine’s possible ban could add another deafening blow to KKR. So what’s the current situation the Knight Riders are in and how did they get to this?

Lynn’s precarious situation

They went heavy on Lynn after purchasing the Australian power hitter for a whopping Rs 9.6 crore. The swashbuckling opener is their only star player atop, who can give them the desired start. For Lynn to have a crucial role in the side, he needs to feature in the tourney. That, isn’t assured as of now.

Although the player learned last month that his dislocated shoulder will not need a surgery. He is undergoing rehabilitation and doctors will decide on his availability once they see some improvement. The batsman was forced to forfeit the PSL plans and his hopes hang in the balance. He is set to miss the practice games and even if he does make a return, his form after a big injury will be in question.

Russell pulls his hamstring at the wrong time

The West Indian all-rounder was suspended for a year for doping violations and returned to competitive cricket last month for Islamabad United in the PSL. After starting to get into the groove, he injured his hamstring and was ruled out for the remainder of the PSL. The player has gone back to West Indies and is recuperating from the calf injury.

His participation in the IPL is in doubt with just three weeks left for the mega event to start. KKR had retained Russell this season with the hope that he will be their go-to player and have a big impact with both bat and ball. If he does make a return, he will quickly need to settle in.

Johnson gets the stitches

If you don’t like blood & cuts then don’t look through these pics! Not the best thing I’ve ever done to myself but I’m am fine ?? #toohardtoexplain #dontfightchinupbar #stilldontknowhowitspossible #18.3grrrrr #baldspot?

A post shared by Mitchell Johnson (@mitchjohnson398) on Mar 11, 2018 at 10:04pm PDT

Injuries come in all shapes and sizes and KKR have learnt that. The legendary Australian pacer Mitchell Johnson suffered a head injury in a chin-up accident during a gym session. Thankfully the grinning cricketer said he is set to make a full recovery after his skull was stitched up. This, in turn, could at least see him regain match fitness in time for the IPL. Johnson was roped in to help the youngsters besides providing the impetus with the ball alongside Mitchell Starc.

What next for Narine?

Narine’s issues with suspected bowling action has been a major disappointment. This is the third instance when he has been reported for illegal action. He had earlier faced similar problems in 2014 and 2015 respectively. He has been placed in the warning list and as per rules he can be selected for Lahore Qalandars in the PSL. One more report and he is bound to be suspended.

Narine was retained by KKR this season given the impact he creates both with bat and ball and the star entity is in a line of fire. He will have to undergo a process that is followed by the WIC for illegal bowling action with the match officials’ report to be sent to the board.

How will KKR cope up?

KKR will need to be ready with replacements if either of Narine, Russell, and Lynn miss the action. There are some interesting options in the market and funds would then open up. KKR at the moment do not have any penny in their account, after the auction in January 2018. But will the new players have the same effect that the trio possess? Let’s wait and watch!

Here is how the KKR squad initially looked like:

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