The Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) are synonymous with spotting raw talent and transforming it into household names. Their scouting system has become a well-oiled machine, consistently unearthing players who not only dominate the IPL but also go on to represent India on the international stage. Here's a look at some of KKR's most successful finds who have donned the prestigious Indian jersey:
Shubman Gill's journey to becoming a mainstay in the Indian team across all formats began with his exploits in the 2018 U19 World Cup. KKR, recognising his exceptional talent, snapped him up in the auction. Over four seasons with KKR, Gill blossomed into a consistent scorer, amassing 1417 runs in 58 matches at a strike rate of 123.
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Gill is a big name in international cricket circuit
While KKR opted to retain Venkatesh Iyer ahead of the 2022 mega-auction, Gill's talent shone brightly with the Gujarat Titans. Gill, now a vital cog in India's batting line-up, boasts an impressive international record with 2403 runs in 45 matches, including a remarkable ODI double century.
Nitish Rana's story with KKR is one of unwavering consistency. Since joining the franchise in 2018, he has established himself as a dependable middle-order batsman, adept at playing long innings and accelerating the scoring rate when needed. His leadership qualities were recognised when he was appointed KKR captain in 2023.
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Rana with Navdeep Saini and Varon Aroon
Rana's international debut came in 2021 in an ODI series against Sri Lanka. While he couldn't quite capitalise on the opportunity, his consistent showing in the IPL, particularly his tally of 413 runs in 14 matches in the IPL 2023, keeps him in contention for a national comeback, especially with India weighing up a T20I revamp. In his 88 matches for KKR, Rana has amassed 2157 runs at a healthy strike rate of 136.60.
Varun Chakravarthy's arrival in IPL 2020 sent shockwaves through the tournament. His unique mystery spin bamboozled batsmen, making him a vital part of KKR's bowling attack. His exceptional performance in IPL 2020 (18 wickets in 13 matches) earned him a call-up to the Indian squad for the T20 World Cup 2021.
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Chakravarthy in Blue
However, his international stint was short-lived, with only two wickets in six T20I appearances. Despite the setback, Chakravarthy's return to form in IPL 2023 (20 wickets in 14 matches) signifies his potential to reclaim a spot in the national team.
Picked up by KKR in 2018, Prasidh Krishna honed his skills under their guidance, eventually emerging as their leading pacer. His ability to deliver yorkers at crucial junctures, particularly in the death overs, made him a valuable asset. Krishna's impressive showing in IPL 2021 (26 wickets in 17 matches) earned him a well-deserved national call-up.
Krishna in Team India’s camp
Injuries have hampered his progress since then, but a strong comeback could see him fight for a spot in India's World Cup squad. In his 34 matches for KKR, Krishna has taken 30 wickets.
Venkatesh Iyer's story with KKR is a whirlwind of highs and lows. He burst onto the scene in IPL 2021, playing a pivotal role in propelling KKR to the finals with his explosive batting (375 runs in 10 matches at a strike rate of 135.77). His meteoric rise earned him a place in the Indian T20I squad.
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Venkatesh Iyer With his KKR captain in national jersey
However, his international stint was brief, with limited opportunities. While his form dipped in IPL 2022, a resurgence in IPL 2023 (341 runs in 14 matches) suggests he hasn't lost his touch. Iyer's ability to bat at the top of the order and provide quick starts makes him a valuable asset, keeping him in the conversation for future national selection.
