IPL 10: Team wise players who are playing IPL for the first time

KKR: Chris Woakes

Chris Woakes added to England’s memorable day at the auction as he sealed a deal of 4.2 Cr with the Kolkata Knight Riders. With Andre Russell’s absence in this year’s IPL and a major void to fill, KKR needed a solid all-rounder. Chris Woakes has got to be their most suitable pick for doing Russell’s job.

The player has played just eight T20I matches for England, while claiming just seven wickets. He also has played about 87 T20 matches, and has claimed 86 wickets. He has also went on to represent franchise cricket teams like Sydney thunder in Australia’s Big Bash League. In his three matches against India in the ODI series, Woakes scored 48 runs and took 6 wickets which is decent for an all-rounder.

KKR is surely hurt due to the absence of Russell and they will definitely hope for Woakes to contribute, if not necessarily replicate his performances. Woakes has huge pressure upon himself because he now has to prove the trust and responsibility placed on him.