By releasing a host of cricketers, the franchise retained only 12 players, which meant KKR entered the auction with a maximum purse of INR 64.30 crore.
To address their top-order concerns, KKR roped in aggressive batters such as Tim Seifert, Rachin Ravindra and Finn Allen.
Cameron Green is likely to bat at No. 3. The Australian pace-bowling all-rounder cost the franchise INR 25.20 crore. Kolkata also spent INR 18 crore to acquire Sri Lanka pacer Matheesha Pathirana.
To further strengthen their pace attack, KKR signed Bangladesh left-arm pacer Mustafizur Rahman for INR 9.20 crore. The franchise also picked up several other players from the auction, including Tejaswi Singh, Akash Deep, Rahul Tripathi, Kartik Tyagi, Prashant Solanki and Sarthak Ranjan.
Former India off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin expressed his satisfaction with the Kolkata squad.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Ashwin said, “KKR have a fantastic team. I don’t know whether Ajinkya Rahane will lead, but if he captains with patience, something special can happen. Their biggest challenge will be how they get the best out of Pathirana. If they can manage his overs along with a mystery spinner, how will the opposition score runs? It’s a terrific squad.”
It was expected that Green would be sold for a high price. Several teams were involved in a bidding war for the Australian all-rounder. Mumbai Indians initiated the bidding, but the contest later narrowed down to Rajasthan Royals and KKR. Rajasthan pulled out at INR 13.40 crore, after which Chennai Super Kings entered the race.
Eventually, the battle was between CSK and KKR. Chennai withdrew when the price reached INR 25 crore, allowing Kolkata to sign Green for INR 25.20 crore.
Green is now the most expensive overseas player in IPL history.
Ashwin believes Chennai missed a small tactical opportunity, adding that Green would have been a valuable addition for the five-time champions.
“Personally, I feel Cameron Green would have been a brilliant addition for CSK. They may have missed a small tactical move there. But it’s not about the price. Cameron Green is a generational talent and a fantastic signing for KKR,” Ashwin said.
