So far, the 15th edition of the <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/t20/ipl-indian-premier-league/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Indian Premier League</a> (IPL) has not disappointed us at all. It has been a thrilling season till now and is surely going to be more exhilarating as it moves ahead to the significant part of the league. But for the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), it has been a lackluster ride as of yet. They started their campaign on a positive note defeating the defending champions Chennai Super Kings in the inaugural match of this edition. Since then, their batting department has completely underperformed as the likes of Venkatesh Iyer, Nitish Rana and Sheldon Jackson have let them down at crucial stages repeatedly. Apart from Umesh Yadav in the initial games and Sunil Narine, bowling has not worked either. Pat Cummins has been handy with the bat but has been pretty expensive with the bowl.

With nothing working in their favour KKR might look at some alternatives. They have quality in the bench and could end KKR’s ongoing four-match losing streak. The Kolkata franchise are currently at the 7th position in the points table with just three wins from eight games. They will surely need some chopping and changing if they have to keep them in the fray for the playoff race. On that note, we take a look at 3 players, who can come out of the bench and change Kolkata&#8217;s fortune.

3 benched KKR players who deserve a chance in the playing XI

<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-633313" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Baba-Indrajith.jpg" alt="Baba Indrajith" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-633313" class="wp-caption-text">Baba Indrajith. (Photo Source: Baba Indrajith/Instagram)</figcaption>

This steady Tamil Nadu middle-order batsman has the most impressive first-class average since the start of 2016. Internationally speaking, Afghanistan’s Bashir Shah, New Zealand’s Devon Conway, and South Africa’s Obus Pienaar are the only three batters with better averages than Baba Indrajith. He averages over 50 in 56 first-class matches, including 12 centuries and 19 fifties. He has that ability to steer the innings as the situation demands. Doubling up with his wicket-keeping abilities, he can be an asset for the Kolkata Knight Riders.

He has worked on his white-ball game in recent years and made exceptional contributions for his domestic side i.e. Tamil Nadu in the Vijay Hazare Trophy and the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. Indrajith has got all the shots in the book and can embolden the KKR middle order as it seems a bit out of place at the moment. He is certainly someone who can give that much-needed steadiness in the middle phase of the innings.

After <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/he-has-got-ms-dhoni-sort-of-a-feel-kkr-coach-brendon-mccullum-impressed-with-sheldon-jacksons-wicketkeeping-skills/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Sheldon Jackson</a>’s average performance with the bat, he is the next Indian wicket-keeping option for Kolkata Knight Riders with much more reliable batting abilities. KKR’s game plan has always been to attack throughout the innings but they need the dependability in the middle order to hold the unwanted downfall from one end. With the likes of Andre Rusell, Nitish Rana, and Shreyas Iyer dominating the opposition from the get-go, Baba Indrajith can certainly be an anchor for KKR in their upcoming ventures.

<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-504422" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Mohammad-Nabi.jpg" alt="Mohammad Nabi" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-504422" class="wp-caption-text">Mohammad Nabi. (Photo Source: IPL/BCCI)</figcaption>

A T20 freelancer Mohammad Nabi is a well-known name in the T20 league circuit. His orthodox off-spin and power-hitting talent have helped him make a name in the shortest format of the game. The Afghan veteran can play the long handle and is very handy with his off-spin. Besides, he is also a gun fielder at the boundary.

After a successful stint with <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/sunrisers-hyderabad-have-got-quality-bowling-attack-nikhil-chopra/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Sunrisers Hyderabad</a> (SRH), the Kolkata franchise roped in Nabi at the auction to provide them with the three-dimensional aspect that every team aspires for. He will be beneficial in the latter part of the tournament as wickets get slightly worn out. He has been crucial to Hyderabad&#8217;s success in the past editions of the IPL with bat as well as with the ball.

Kolkata needs someone who can contain runs in the middle overs with his economical bowling skill and he could turn out to be the partnership breaker on spin-friendly surfaces. He has a cool mind that can help their batting when it gets to the crunch moments and has a knack for clearing the ropes while facing spin. In the upcoming phase of the IPL 2022, Nabi can be a true game-changer for his side.

<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-633314" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Anukul-Roy.jpg" alt="Anukul Roy" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-633314" class="wp-caption-text">Anukul Roy. (Photo Source: Anukul Roy/Instagram)</figcaption>

Anukul Roy is a talented 23-year-old all-rounder from Jharkhand who has represented India in the 2018 U19 Cricket World Cup and made the headlines for becoming the joint highest wicket-taker in that U19 World Cup. He is nicknamed, “Samastipir’s Ravindra Jadeja” as he resembles his batting style and bowls slow left-arm orthodox. Anukul has performed decently in his short T20 career, amassing 304 runs in 24 innings.

He has been exceptional with the ball, picking up 19 wickets in 31 games at an economy of 7.09 runs per over. He was picked by <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/who-is-hrithik-shokeen-all-you-need-to-know-about-mumbai-indians-spin-sensation/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Mumbai Indians</a> ahead of IPL 2018 and was with them for four seasons. During his time, Anukul played only a single game taking one wicket. However, he is an economical bowler and can fill the long-awaited void that was created by Shakib-al-Hasan’s exclusion. He can play an important role lower down the batting line-up.

If he plays, he can be utilized as a bowling asset alongside Sunil Narine and keep the opposition quieter in the middle phase of the innings. The all-around abilities of Venkatesh Iyer are not helping KKR to fruition. There is a strong possibility of pitches helping the spinners in the latter half of the tournament and this situation might be the best to induct Anukul Roy into the playing 11 for the upcoming matches.

So far, the 15th edition of the <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/t20/ipl-indian-premier-league/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Indian Premier League</a> (IPL) has not disappointed us at all. It has been a thrilling season till now and is surely going to be more exhilarating as it moves ahead to the significant part of the league. But for the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), it has been a lackluster ride as of yet. They started their campaign on a positive note defeating the defending champions Chennai Super Kings in the inaugural match of this edition. Since then, their batting department has completely underperformed as the likes of Venkatesh Iyer, Nitish Rana and Sheldon Jackson have let them down at crucial stages repeatedly. Apart from Umesh Yadav in the initial games and Sunil Narine, bowling has not worked either. Pat Cummins has been handy with the bat but has been pretty expensive with the bowl.
With nothing working in their favour KKR might look at some alternatives. They have quality in the bench and could end KKR’s ongoing four-match losing streak. The Kolkata franchise are currently at the 7th position in the points table with just three wins from eight games. They will surely need some chopping and changing if they have to keep them in the fray for the playoff race. On that note, we take a look at 3 players, who can come out of the bench and change Kolkata’s fortune.&nbsp;
<h3>3 benched KKR players who deserve a chance in the playing XI</h3>
<h3>1. Baba Indrajith&nbsp;</h3>
<figure id="attachment_633313" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-633313" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><amp-img class="size-full wp-image-633313" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Baba-Indrajith.jpg" alt="Baba Indrajith" width="640" height="400" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img><figcaption id="caption-attachment-633313" class="wp-caption-text">Baba Indrajith. (Photo Source: Baba Indrajith/Instagram)</figcaption></figure>
This steady Tamil Nadu middle-order batsman has the most impressive first-class average since the start of 2016. Internationally speaking, Afghanistan’s Bashir Shah, New Zealand’s Devon Conway, and South Africa’s Obus Pienaar are the only three batters with better averages than Baba Indrajith. He averages over 50 in 56 first-class matches, including 12 centuries and 19 fifties.&nbsp;He has that ability to steer the innings as the situation demands. Doubling up with his wicket-keeping abilities, he can be an asset for the Kolkata Knight Riders.
He has worked on his white-ball game in recent years and made exceptional contributions for his domestic side i.e. Tamil Nadu in the Vijay Hazare Trophy and the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. Indrajith has got all the shots in the book and can embolden the KKR middle order as it seems a bit out of place at the moment. He is certainly someone who can give that much-needed steadiness in the middle phase of the innings.
After <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/he-has-got-ms-dhoni-sort-of-a-feel-kkr-coach-brendon-mccullum-impressed-with-sheldon-jacksons-wicketkeeping-skills/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Sheldon Jackson</a>’s average performance with the bat, he is the next Indian wicket-keeping option for Kolkata Knight Riders with much more reliable batting abilities. KKR’s game plan has always been to attack throughout the innings but they need the dependability in the middle order to hold the unwanted downfall from one end. With the likes of Andre Rusell, Nitish Rana, and Shreyas Iyer dominating the opposition from the get-go, Baba Indrajith can certainly be an anchor for KKR in their upcoming ventures.

<h3>2. Mohammad Nabi</h3>
<figure id="attachment_504422" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-504422" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><amp-img class="size-full wp-image-504422" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Mohammad-Nabi.jpg" alt="Mohammad Nabi" width="640" height="400" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img><figcaption id="caption-attachment-504422" class="wp-caption-text">Mohammad Nabi. (Photo Source: IPL/BCCI)</figcaption></figure>
A T20 freelancer Mohammad Nabi is a well-known name in the T20 league circuit. His orthodox off-spin and power-hitting talent have helped him make a name in the shortest format of the game. The Afghan veteran can play the long handle and is very handy with his off-spin. Besides, he is also a gun fielder at the boundary.&nbsp;
After a successful stint with <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/sunrisers-hyderabad-have-got-quality-bowling-attack-nikhil-chopra/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Sunrisers Hyderabad</a> (SRH), the Kolkata franchise roped in Nabi at the auction to provide them with the three-dimensional aspect that every team aspires for. He will be beneficial in the latter part of the tournament as wickets get slightly worn out. He has been crucial to Hyderabad’s success in the past editions of the IPL with bat as well as with the ball.&nbsp;
Kolkata needs someone who can contain runs in the middle overs with his economical bowling skill and he could turn out to be the partnership breaker on spin-friendly surfaces. He has a cool mind that can help their batting when it gets to the crunch moments and has a knack for clearing the ropes while facing spin. In the upcoming phase of the IPL 2022, Nabi can be a true game-changer for his side.

<h3>&nbsp;3. Anukul Roy</h3>
<figure id="attachment_633314" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-633314" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><amp-img class="size-full wp-image-633314" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Anukul-Roy.jpg" alt="Anukul Roy" width="640" height="400" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img><figcaption id="caption-attachment-633314" class="wp-caption-text">Anukul Roy. (Photo Source: Anukul Roy/Instagram)</figcaption></figure>
Anukul Roy is a talented 23-year-old all-rounder from Jharkhand who has represented India in the 2018 U19 Cricket World Cup and made the headlines for becoming the joint highest wicket-taker in that U19 World Cup. He is nicknamed, “Samastipir’s Ravindra Jadeja” as he resembles his batting style and bowls slow left-arm orthodox. Anukul has performed decently in his short T20 career, amassing 304 runs in 24 innings.
He has been exceptional with the ball, picking up 19 wickets in 31 games at an economy of 7.09 runs per over. He was picked by <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/who-is-hrithik-shokeen-all-you-need-to-know-about-mumbai-indians-spin-sensation/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Mumbai Indians</a> ahead of IPL 2018 and was with them for four seasons. During his time, Anukul played only a single game taking one wicket. However, he is an economical bowler and can fill the long-awaited void that was created by Shakib-al-Hasan’s exclusion. He can play an important role lower down the batting line-up.
If he plays, he can be utilized as a bowling asset alongside Sunil Narine and keep the opposition quieter in the middle phase of the innings. The all-around abilities of Venkatesh Iyer are not helping KKR to fruition. There is a strong possibility of pitches helping the spinners in the latter half of the tournament and this situation might be the best to induct Anukul Roy into the playing 11 for the upcoming matches.

So far, the 15th edition of the <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/t20/ipl-indian-premier-league/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Indian Premier League</a> (IPL) has not disappointed us at all. It has been a thrilling season till now and is surely going to be more exhilarating as it moves ahead to the significant part of the league. But for the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), it has been a lackluster ride as of yet. They started their campaign on a positive note defeating the defending champions Chennai Super Kings in the inaugural match of this edition. Since then, their batting department has completely underperformed as the likes of Venkatesh Iyer, Nitish Rana and Sheldon Jackson have let them down at crucial stages repeatedly. Apart from Umesh Yadav in the initial games and Sunil Narine, bowling has not worked either. Pat Cummins has been handy with the bat but has been pretty expensive with the bowl.
With nothing working in their favour KKR might look at some alternatives. They have quality in the bench and could end KKR’s ongoing four-match losing streak. The Kolkata franchise are currently at the 7th position in the points table with just three wins from eight games. They will surely need some chopping and changing if they have to keep them in the fray for the playoff race. On that note, we take a look at 3 players, who can come out of the bench and change Kolkata&#8217;s fortune. 
<h3>3 benched KKR players who deserve a chance in the playing XI</h3>
<h3>1. Baba Indrajith </h3>
<figure id="attachment_633313" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-633313" style="width: 640px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-633313" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Baba-Indrajith.jpg" alt="Baba Indrajith" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-633313" class="wp-caption-text">Baba Indrajith. (Photo Source: Baba Indrajith/Instagram)</figcaption></figure>
This steady Tamil Nadu middle-order batsman has the most impressive first-class average since the start of 2016. Internationally speaking, Afghanistan’s Bashir Shah, New Zealand’s Devon Conway, and South Africa’s Obus Pienaar are the only three batters with better averages than Baba Indrajith. He averages over 50 in 56 first-class matches, including 12 centuries and 19 fifties. He has that ability to steer the innings as the situation demands. Doubling up with his wicket-keeping abilities, he can be an asset for the Kolkata Knight Riders.
He has worked on his white-ball game in recent years and made exceptional contributions for his domestic side i.e. Tamil Nadu in the Vijay Hazare Trophy and the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. Indrajith has got all the shots in the book and can embolden the KKR middle order as it seems a bit out of place at the moment. He is certainly someone who can give that much-needed steadiness in the middle phase of the innings.
After <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/he-has-got-ms-dhoni-sort-of-a-feel-kkr-coach-brendon-mccullum-impressed-with-sheldon-jacksons-wicketkeeping-skills/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Sheldon Jackson</a>’s average performance with the bat, he is the next Indian wicket-keeping option for Kolkata Knight Riders with much more reliable batting abilities. KKR’s game plan has always been to attack throughout the innings but they need the dependability in the middle order to hold the unwanted downfall from one end. With the likes of Andre Rusell, Nitish Rana, and Shreyas Iyer dominating the opposition from the get-go, Baba Indrajith can certainly be an anchor for KKR in their upcoming ventures.

<h3>2. Mohammad Nabi</h3>
<figure id="attachment_504422" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-504422" style="width: 640px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-504422" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Mohammad-Nabi.jpg" alt="Mohammad Nabi" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-504422" class="wp-caption-text">Mohammad Nabi. (Photo Source: IPL/BCCI)</figcaption></figure>
A T20 freelancer Mohammad Nabi is a well-known name in the T20 league circuit. His orthodox off-spin and power-hitting talent have helped him make a name in the shortest format of the game. The Afghan veteran can play the long handle and is very handy with his off-spin. Besides, he is also a gun fielder at the boundary. 
After a successful stint with <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/sunrisers-hyderabad-have-got-quality-bowling-attack-nikhil-chopra/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Sunrisers Hyderabad</a> (SRH), the Kolkata franchise roped in Nabi at the auction to provide them with the three-dimensional aspect that every team aspires for. He will be beneficial in the latter part of the tournament as wickets get slightly worn out. He has been crucial to Hyderabad&#8217;s success in the past editions of the IPL with bat as well as with the ball. 
Kolkata needs someone who can contain runs in the middle overs with his economical bowling skill and he could turn out to be the partnership breaker on spin-friendly surfaces. He has a cool mind that can help their batting when it gets to the crunch moments and has a knack for clearing the ropes while facing spin. In the upcoming phase of the IPL 2022, Nabi can be a true game-changer for his side.

<h3> 3. Anukul Roy</h3>
<figure id="attachment_633314" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-633314" style="width: 640px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-633314" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Anukul-Roy.jpg" alt="Anukul Roy" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-633314" class="wp-caption-text">Anukul Roy. (Photo Source: Anukul Roy/Instagram)</figcaption></figure>
Anukul Roy is a talented 23-year-old all-rounder from Jharkhand who has represented India in the 2018 U19 Cricket World Cup and made the headlines for becoming the joint highest wicket-taker in that U19 World Cup. He is nicknamed, “Samastipir’s Ravindra Jadeja” as he resembles his batting style and bowls slow left-arm orthodox. Anukul has performed decently in his short T20 career, amassing 304 runs in 24 innings.
He has been exceptional with the ball, picking up 19 wickets in 31 games at an economy of 7.09 runs per over. He was picked by <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/who-is-hrithik-shokeen-all-you-need-to-know-about-mumbai-indians-spin-sensation/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Mumbai Indians</a> ahead of IPL 2018 and was with them for four seasons. During his time, Anukul played only a single game taking one wicket. However, he is an economical bowler and can fill the long-awaited void that was created by Shakib-al-Hasan’s exclusion. He can play an important role lower down the batting line-up.
If he plays, he can be utilized as a bowling asset alongside Sunil Narine and keep the opposition quieter in the middle phase of the innings. The all-around abilities of Venkatesh Iyer are not helping KKR to fruition. There is a strong possibility of pitches helping the spinners in the latter half of the tournament and this situation might be the best to induct Anukul Roy into the playing 11 for the upcoming matches.

KKR are seventh in the points table with three wins in eight matches

IPL 2022: 3 benched KKR players who deserve a chance in the playing XI

We take a look at 3 benched KKR players, who can come of the bench and change their fortune in the second-half of the tournament.