3 Best Impact Player Options For KKR [Source: IPLT20]
The defending champions, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), are all set to kick off their IPL 2025 campaign with the opening match against Royal Challengers Bengaluru on March 22. With a strong squad featuring stars like Andre Russell, Sunil Narine, and Rinku Singh, KKR are aiming for their fourth IPL title.
To achieve this, the team will rely on crucial impact players who can turn the game in their favor. Here are three players who can make a big difference for KKR this season.
1. Angkrish Raghuvanshi
Young batter Angkrish Raghuvanshi has been an underrated talent in the KKR squad since 2024. Known for his aggressive batting at the top order, he was bought for ₹3 crore.
In his debut IPL season, Raghuvanshi played 10 matches and scored 163 runs. While his overall tally may not seem huge, his early-season performances were crucial in giving KKR strong starts.
Matches | 21 |
---|---|
Runs | 385 |
Ave | 24.06 |
SR | 134.14 |
100s | 0 |
50s | 1 |
**Angkrish Raghuvanshi T20 Stats**
If KKR bowls first, they might bring in Raghuvanshi during the chase as an impact player in place of Vaibhav Arora or Varun Chakravarthy to strengthen their batting lineup. His attacking style can set the tone for the innings, putting pressure on the opposition.
2. Mayank Markande
KKR signed Mayank Markande for ₹30 lakh in the IPL 2025 auction. The experienced leg-spinner has previously played for Mumbai Indians, Rajasthan Royals, and Sunrisers Hyderabad.
Markande made a strong start in the IPL with Mumbai Indians in 2018, picking up 15 wickets in 14 games. Over the years, he has continued to impress, taking 12 wickets in 10 games in IPL 2023 and 8 wickets in 7 matches in IPL 2024.
Matches | 87 |
---|---|
Wkts | 92 |
Ave | 24.72 |
Econ | 7.80 |
4w | 4 |
**Mayank Markande T20 Stats**
KKR might use him as an impact player if they bowl second, bringing him in when they need an extra spin option. His experience playing at Wankhede Stadium, where he once represented MI, could be valuable, especially in matches against Lucknow and Chennai.
3. Umran Malik
Fast bowler Umran Malik made headlines in IPL 2021 when he stunned everyone with his raw pace, consistently bowling over 150 kmph. KKR secured him for ₹75 lakh ahead of IPL 2025, hoping he can be a game-changer.
Malik’s best season came in IPL 2022, where he finished as the fourth-highest wicket-taker with 22 wickets in 14 matches. However, injuries have hampered his last two seasons, and he will be eager to make a comeback in IPL 2025.
Matches | 54 |
---|---|
Wkts | 65 |
Ave | 24.98 |
Econ | 9.10 |
4w | 3 |
**Umran Malik T20 Stats**
KKR can bring in Umran Malik if they bat first and need an extra fast bowler. His sheer pace can trouble opposition batters, giving KKR a strong advantage in crucial matches.