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The Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) officially bowed out of the 16th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) following their defeat at the hands of the Lucknow Supergiants (LSG) on Saturday, May 20. They ended the season seventh on the points table, having won just six out of their 14 games.
Their failure to make it to the playoffs was down to their inability to perform as a collective unit. Initially, they had issues with their opening combination and the poor form of their experienced pacers. Andre Russell's inconsistency and Sunil Narine's strugges did not help their cause either.
Despite their tough run this season, the Knight Riders have a few positives to take back in the form of a few youngsters. These youngsters put up some brilliant performances and could go on to be a part of KKR's core in the future.
Here, we look at three such players.
#1. Rinku Singh
The first name on this list should not come as a surprise for anyone. Rinku Singh has been one of the biggest success stories of IPL 2023. The 25-year old from Aligarh showed a glimpse of his talent last year, but this year, he announced himself on the big stage.
In 14 games this season, he scored 474 runs at a brilliant average of 59.25 and a sensational strike-rate of 149.53. He scored four half-centuries and played numerous innings which left people stunned. His innings aginst the Gujarat Titans in which he smashed five sixes in the last over to win KKR the game was just a glimpse of what was to come later in the season.
He won a few games for KKR and whilst he was there at the crease, no opposition could breathe easily. Such was his confidence and impact this season.
In Rinku Singh, KKR have a talented player who has a calm head on his shoulders. He has become a sensation this year and will only get better with more experience.
#2. Suyash Sharma
The 20-year old leg-spinner, Suyash Sharma was signed by KKR after he impressed at the trials. The management felt that he had an X-factor about him and that prompted his selection.
However, ahead of IPL 2023, Suyash had no experience of playing domestic cricket. It was a huge gamble but Suyash repaid the faith that KKR showed in him.
He announced himself in his very first game, against RCB, returning figures of 3-30. Overall in IPL 2023, he picket up 10 wickets at a decent economy rate of 8.23.
Suyash had an impressive debut season despite being heavily inexperienced. With more exposure, he will only get better and could be a long-term prospect for KKR.
#3. Harshit Rana
One of the main things which hurt KKR this season was their fast-bowling. The likes of Umesh Yadav, Shardul Thakur and Tim Southee did not bowl well, which put a lot of pressure on the spinners. Moreover, Sunil Narine also struggled a bit, which made them one of the weakest bowling sides.
However, towards the back end of the season, they found someone who showed great skill, Harshit Rana. Rana played six games this season, picking up five wickets at an economy rate of 8.65 runs per over. Those stats don't do justice to how well he bowled this season.
He bowled with good speed and control and hit the deck hard. His bowling earned him praise from quite a few quarters and like Rinku and Suyash, he is someone who could be one for the future.
