Who Makes It to Our All-Time IPL XI? - KKR

image-lfnldprfKolkata Knight Riders with the 2014 IPL Trophy (Source: iplt20.com)

When it comes to the Indian Premier League (IPL), Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) is an emotion to the fans across West Bengal and northeast of India. The Shah Rukh Khan-co-owned franchise have clinched the title twice in the history of the cash-rich league. They defeated the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in 2012 and a couple of years later, thrashed the Kings XI Punjab. Both times, it was Gautam Gambhir who was leading the side.

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So, if we build an All-time Playing XI of KKR, what would it look like? Let's have a glance.



Openers: Robin Uthappa and Jacques Kallis

KKR have seen its peak when both Robin Uthappa and Jacques Kallis were a part of the side. Uthappa will also be the wicketkeeper of the side.  Uthappa once became the leading run-scorer in the 2014 season and earned the prestigious Orange cap. having stockpiled 2439 runs in 84 innings, the former Indian batter deserves to be in the All-time XI of KKR.

image-lfnl0oejOpeners of Kolkata Knight Riders All-time XI (Source: OneCricket)

Meanwhile, Kallis was terrific on the tough surfaces for KKR. He was a part of the Kolkata-based franchise between 2011 and 2014. In his initial three years, the all-rounder bashed over 300 runs consistently. In addition, he also bagged 42 wickets with an economy of 7.54. The Proteas great could open the bowling and deliver at the slog overs as well.

Middle Order: Gautam Gambhir, Manish Pandey, Yusuf Pathan

Gautam Gambhir is the leading run-getter for the franchise in the history of IPL. He garnered 3035 runs in 108 innings for the joint oldest team in the league. Having led KKR to two successful championships, Gambhir will be the captain of the side. The Delhi-born averaged 31.61 and scored at a strike rate of 128.24.

image-lfnl5otlMiddle Order of Kolkata Knight Riders All-time XI (Source: OneCricket)

Manish Pandey played some impactful knocks for KKR in 2011 and 2018. His 94 in the final against Kings XI Punjab will be one of the best knocks ever in the history of the IPL final. He smashed 1270 runs in 52 innings and averaged 31.75, striking at 125.12.

Yusuf Pathan is an incredible figure in the richness of IPL. He was an indispensable part of the Kolkata Knight Riders during their championship years - 2012 and 2014. He smashed 1893 runs in 91 innings and averaged 31.55 with the bat in hand. He had a strike rate of 138.28 and gelled some impeccable knocks for the franchise.

Lower-middle order: Shakib Al Hasan, Andre Russell and Sunil Narine

Shakib Al Hasan has had a roller coaster journey for KKR. He was there with the side when they clinched their first trophy and is still with them now. But in between, there were times the Bangladesh all-rounder participated for other franchises such as Sunrisers Hyderabad.  He played some credible knocks for the franchise and bagged 47 wickets in 38 innings with a superb economy of 7.18.

A KKR All time XI without Andre Russell and Sunil Narine is like a fish out of water. The Caribbean duo have not only been a part of KKR but also been quintessential for the Knight Riders brand across the world. 

image-lfnqm4tzLower Order of Kolkata Knight Riders All-Time XI (Source: OneCricket)

Narine came in as a specialist bowler in 2012 and sounded a mystery for the next couple of years. He revolutionised his batting and now is a proper all-rounder who can float anywhere in the order. The same thing applies to Russell who smashed 1977 runs in 78 innings with a threatening strike rate of 179.08. In addition, the Jamaican star scalped 88 Wickets. He can bowl in all the phases of an inning.

Bowlers: Rajat Bhatia, Umesh Yadav, Kuldeep Yadav

Rajat Bhatia is a wily customer and can bowl the deceptive slower one's. Moreover, he has a good knowledge of the conditions across the country. He bagged 71 wickets in 49 innings with an impressive economy of 7.33 during his stay at the Knight Riders. The Delhi-based cricketer was also handy with the bat in hand.

image-lfnmta7zBowlers of KKR All-time XI (Source: OneCricket)

Umesh Yadav played for franchises like KKR, RCB, DD, etc. But if one reports his performances for each franchise, the pacer transpires to be at his best for the Knight Riders. He has scalped 64 wickets in 54 innings with an economy: of 8.29. The Nagpur-born was lethal the previous year and is one of the best Indian bowlers going around the IPL.

KKR saw the rise of Kuldeep Yadav. The chinaman bowler was bagged in the year 2016 and since then he had picked 40 wickets in 45 innings. Very few people knew about him and it can be said that the KKR scouts did a pleasant job to name him to the squad.

Kolkata Knight Riders All-Time XI:

image-lfnl89mbKolkata Knight Riders (Source: OneCricket)