Kolkata Knights Riders, owned by Shahrukh Khan is one of the most popular teams in IPL. The side based in Eden Gardens, Kolkata started their journey as one of the main eight teams and is one of the few teams which has participated in all the seasons under main management.
The team is very well supported throughout the world and has been home to several international and domestic stars. Kolkata Knight Riders surprised the World in the first season itself by acquiring stars such as Ricky Ponting and Shoaib Akhtar in the inaugural season.
Out of numerous overseas players who have represented the franchise a few have stood out and have established themselves as loved figures in the history of the team. Let us take a look at top four overseas players who have played for Kolkata Knight Riders:
Brendon McCullum:
The New Zealand wicket-keeper batsman became a legend in the first game itself. He was the first batsman to score a century in the tournament which came against Royal Challengers Bangalore in the first game of the tournament. McCullum smashed a brilliant 158 runs in the first game. He also led the KKR side in a few games and was recently anointed as the coach for the side. He represented the Kolkata side for 22 games and scored 587 runs for the team.
Jacques Kallis:
The South African legend was bought by Kolkata Knight Riders in 2011 mega auction. Kallis who started his career with Royal Challengers Bangalore took the Kolkata side to newer heights during his tenure with the side. He was a mainstay of the side led by Gautam Gambhir and became a pivotal figure in the dressing room. Kallis spent four seasons with KKR before retirement and later even went to coach the side. He managed to score 1296 runs for KKR in 56 games. He also grabbed 42 wickets in the same number of games.
Sunil Narine:
Bought as a mystery spinner by the Kolkata side, Narine went on to become the most feared spinner in the league. The West Indies star is an epitome of success for the Kolkata Knight Riders side. His antics at the opening slot also proved to be an extremely successful experiment by the KKR side. He has 771 runs in 110 innings. Narine also has 122 wickets under his belt.
Andre Russell:
Fondly called ‘Muscle Russell’ by his fans, the Caribbean star is arguably the best overseas player to ever have played for the Kolkata Knight Riders team. The West Indian started his IPL career with Delhi Daredevils before moving to Kolkata Knight Riders in 2014. He had an instant impact on the team and became an important cog in KKR’s machinery. He has featured for KKR on 57 occasions taking 54 wickets. Russell also has managed to score 1342 runs for the team and is one of the major figures in the KKR side.
