IPL 2019: 3 Players Kolkata Knight Riders are expected to release ahead of the auction

When it comes to T20 leagues, the first name that hits our mind is the Indian Premier League (IPL). With an‘n’ number of watchers across the world, the pre-eminent league made its debut in 2008 and took over the corporate cricket ever since. The league keeps improving with each new appearance and so is the excitement of people towards it.

The BCCI owned tournament has turned out to be a festival in India and is equally sensational outside the subcontinent as well. Past eleven seasons have been a treat to watch and the twelfth edition is currently in the talks as the first trade window has already started taking shape.

Teams are in a race to eliminate and pick the best options before the IPL 2018 takes place. Meanwhile, the two-time winners, Kolkata Knight Riders would be looking to make the most of the first trade phase that expires in mid-November.

They are expected to release a few players ahead of the auctions and look to lift the trophy for the third time. Here are the players they are probably going to set free:

Mitchell Johnson

The fearsome left-arm pacer, Mitchell Johson retired from international cricket in 2015 after quite a successful career. He though continued to play competitive cricket till August this year. He finished with over 300 Test and 239 ODI wickets and is still considered as one of the quickest bowlers produced by Australia. Apart from his fiery bowling skills, he contributed a good amount of runs for Australia down the order.

Johnson was bought by Kolkata Knight Riders during last season at his base price of 2 crores. However, he failed to make an impression as he scalped just two wickets in the six matches. As he also retired from all forms of cricket, it’s quite sure that Kolkata will release him ahead of the upcoming season.