Kolkata Knight Riders represent the emotion of cricket in Bengal. The Bollywood megastar, Shahrukh Khan and the iconic venue of Eden Gardens as home gives KKR the overwhelming support every year. Last decade, KKR’s popularity has grown immensely due to quality cricket and excellent players. Batters have been crowd favourite but bowlers win you matches. A bowler has to restrain the batter and also pick timely wicket; T20s makes it pretty difficult for bowlers to do so with the limited number of opportunities. KKR have always been impressed with their bowling; these bowlers deserve recognition.
1. Sunil Narine
Debuting in the IPL in 2012, Sunil Narine has become an asset to the Kolkata Knight Riders franchise. Sunil picked 181 wickets in 171 matches at an economy of 6.63 for KKR. Being one of the most experienced spinners on the team, he often led the bowling attack from the front. From breaking important partnerships to bowling super-overs, Sunil has been an integral part of KKR every season.
2. Andre Russell
Whenever it’s Russell, it’s always KKR. The Indian Premiere League played an important role in shaping and solidifying Russell’s international career. After joining KKR in 2014, Russell became a crucial member of the squad. Russell took 97 wickets in 111 matches at an economy of 9.10 for KKR. Whether it’s run chases or defending runs, Russell came to the rescue on many occasions for the team.
3. Piyush Chawla
Piyush had been a consistent performer for the knight riders for the last eight years. Since 2020 his dip in performance led KKR to sell him from the franchise. Chawla was a part of 76 games and contributed to 71 wickets at an economy of 8.24 for the team. His off-spin and bowling variation posed a threat to the batters, helping him to pick wickets.
4. Umesh Yadav
The Indian pacer, Umesh joined KKR in 2014 and continued up till 2017; but Umesh was re-picked in the auction in 2022. Umesh took 65 wickets in 68 matches with an economy of 8.44 for KKR. He played a crucial role for KKR which helped the team to lift the IPL trophy in 2014.
5. Varun Chakravarty
Varun, an off-spinner joined KKR through the IPL Auction in 2020 edition. KKR was an immediate success for Varun, helping him to earn his debut in Indian cricket. Varun took 61 wickets in 55 matches at a staggering economy of 7.39 for KKR. This spinner didn’t disappoint KKR and provided an essential boost to their bowling.
6. Jacques Kallis
The legendary South African all-rounder, Kallis, started his IPL journey with KKR in 2011. He played his last match in IPl in 2014 for KKR.; during his tenure for KKR, he played 70 games and took 48 wickets with an economy of 7.58 in IPL. His all-round abilities with the bowling and batting helped KKR win the 2012 IPL Trophy for the first time.
7. Shakib Al Hasan
Despite being rated as a top all-rounder of his generation, Shakib went unsold in the 2009 and 2010 editions of the Indian Premier League. He made his IPL debut under the banner of KKR and has never looked back since then. He took 48 wickets across 57 matches with an economy of 7.16 for KKR. Shakib has helped KKR win the 2012 and 2014 IPL Trophy; with his batting and bowling.
8. Kuldeep Yadav
Although Kuldeep’s association with KKR has been short, he provided the best services to the team. Signed up by KKR in 2014, Kuldeep by KKR in 2018. He went on to play 50 matches and got 46 IPL wickets at an economy of 8.18 for KKR. Impressed with his performance, the BCCI gave Kuldeep the chance to start his international career for India.
9. Lakshmipathy Balaji
Picked up by KKR from the auction in the fourth edition of IPL, Balaji’s association with KKR has only been for a meager three years. Representing KKR on 42 occasions, Balaji took 44 wickets with an economy of 7.62 in IPL. Praised for his consistency and economical bowling, Balaji has successfully defended low totals and put pressure on the batters.
10. Rajat Bhatia
Rajat could have been one of the leading all-rounders of his generation; had he got more opportunities. Despite his limited chances, he never was a disappointment for his franchise. KKR acquired the services of Bhatia only in 2011, after which he went on to take 36 wickets in 54 matches at an average of 7.16 for KKR.
