IPL 2025: Predicting starting four overseas players of KKR

Defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders have plenty of talented overseas players to pick from in the IPL auction. KKR has built a balanced and amazing squad with good Indian and foreign players.

Here, we explore the four best options to start for them in an upcoming edition.

1. Sunil Narine

Sunil Narine is a talented all-rounder in the IPL who can bat anywhere and bowl under pressure. He is a match-winner and has played a crucial role in KKR's three title wins. Narine is an explosive opening batter who provides a blistering start in the powerplay, damaging the opposition and setting up a strong score for his team. 

His bowling is economical; he takes wickets and disturbs the opposition's run-scoring. With 177 matches for KKR, Narine has taken 180 wickets at an average of 25.4, showcasing his exceptional skill as a bowler. As a batter, he has scored 1534 runs with a remarkable strike rate of 165.8, making him a complete package player.

2. Andre Russell

Andre Russell is a powerful batsman and versatile bowler who has scored 2484 runs in 127 matches for KKR, with an impressive strike rate of 174.9. He is a formidable force in death overs, often leaving bowlers battered. Russell is a versatile player who contributes with the ball, primarily bowling in the middle and death overs. 

He has taken 115 wickets for KKR, consistently delivering under pressure when his team needs him most. Russell's absence is deeply felt, but fans remain optimistic, knowing he can regain his touch at any moment. Opposition teams are also wary of him, aware that he can turn the game around single-handedly. As a veteran overseas player and the lifeblood of KKR, Russell can continue to represent the team.

3. Moeen Ali

Moeen Ali is a versatile all-rounder from England, capable of batting anywhere, as per the team's requirements, depending on the situation. He's particularly dangerous against spin, being a power hitter who can change the course of the game at any moment, especially during the middle overs, where he scores runs at a rapid pace, regardless of whether a spinner or pacer is bowling. 

In 67 IPL matches, Moeen has scored 1162 runs and has taken 35 wickets with his spin bowling. He can complement Sunil Narine's bowling, being an economical bowler who can weave a web of spin to dismiss the opposing team. Moeen can be a lucky charm for KKR, much like Sunil Narine. While Narine's middle-overs bowling can squeeze the opposition, slowing down the match, the combination of Narine and Moeen can strangle the opposition from both ends.

4. Spencer Johnson

Spencer Johnson is an Australian fast bowler who possesses the ability to swing the ball in both directions. Previously, he was part of the Gujarat Titans in the IPL, where he didn't receive ample opportunities, but showcased glimpses of his potential, indicating that he could be an effective bowler if given a chance.

However, KKR acquired him for INR 2.80 crore for the upcoming IPL 2025 season, and he might emerge as a leading bowling option for the team, especially if South African pacer Anrich Nortje is unavailable due to injury. Although Johnson didn't receive many opportunities with the Gujarat Titans, he performed well in other T20 leagues, which likely prompted KKR to sign him. KKR has a history of investing in young players.

Johnson has played 67 T20 matches, picking up 84 wickets. Last season, he played 5 matches for the Gujarat Titans, managing to take 4 wickets.

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