The Indian Premier League (IPL) is not just about the glitz and glamour of cricket’s biggest stars; it’s also a narrative of opportunities, sometimes missed. For Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) heading into the IPL 2025 season, the squad is stacked with talent, but not every player secures a spot in the playing XI. Here, we delve into three KKR players – Anukul Roy, Vaibhav Arora, and Luvnith Sisodia – who might not see any game time in the upcoming season.
1. Anukul Roy –
Anukul Roy, a left-arm spinner and handy lower-order batsman, has been part of the KKR setup but has often found himself on the bench. His IPL record shows he’s played only a handful of matches since being picked up, with limited opportunities to make an impact.
The Competition:
Spin Department: KKR has invested heavily in their spin department with players like Sunil Narine and Varun Chakravarthy. Narine’s all-round abilities, including his opening batting, make him indispensable, while Chakravarthy’s mystery spin has been crucial, particularly in the middle overs.
All-Round Options: The presence of all-rounders like Andre Russell, who can also bowl a few overs, further squeezes Anukul’s chances. With Russell’s experience and impact, KKR might prefer to keep their key players fresh, reducing the need for another spinning all-rounder.
Why He Might Not Play:
Lack of Specific Role: Anukul doesn’t offer something distinctly different from what KKR already has. His role as a left-arm spinner is somewhat redundant with the likes of Kulwant Khejroliya or even Narine, who can bowl left-arm spin when needed.
Performance: His performances in domestic cricket haven’t been standout enough to force the selectors’ hands. Unless there’s an injury or a dramatic shift in form, Anukul might find himself warming the bench.
2. Vaibhav Arora –
Vaibhav Arora, a fast bowler from Himachal Pradesh, was picked by KKR but has struggled to break into the team. His IPL appearances have been minimal, with his performances in those games not particularly memorable.
The Competition:
Pace Battery: KKR’s pace attack for IPL 2025 includes names like Mitchell Starc, a world-class left-arm pacer, and Anrich Nortje, known for his raw pace. These international stars, combined with the likes of Harshit Rana, who has shown promise, mean Arora is lower down in the pecking order.
Developmental Oversight: There’s also the aspect of KKR’s strategy to develop young Indian pacers, but with such strong competition, Arora might not get the necessary exposure unless there are injuries or poor performances from the mainstays.
Why He Might Not Play:
Overshadowed by Experience: With seasoned internationals and players with IPL experience ahead of him, Arora’s chances are slim unless KKR decides to invest in his development by giving him game time.
Injury Concerns: If there are no injuries or if the established players maintain form, there’s little incentive for KKR to risk disrupting their momentum by introducing someone with less proven track record at this level.
3. Luvnith Sisodia –
Luvnith Sisodia, an uncapped Indian wicket-keeper and batsman, joined KKR with hopes of making a mark. However, with KKR’s strategic acquisitions in the auction, his role seems more of a developmental one rather than an immediate first-choice player.
The Competition:
Wicket-Keeping: KKR has Quinton de Kock and Rahmanullah Gurbaz, both of whom offer international experience and significant batting prowess. De Kock, in particular, is expected to be the first-choice keeper-batsman due to his all-round capabilities.
Batting Depth: The team’s batting lineup is already robust with players like Venkatesh Iyer and Shreyas Iyer, reducing the need for another keeper-batsman unless there’s a specific tactical requirement or an injury.
Why He Might Not Play:
Preference for Experience: The IPL often favors experience, and with two seasoned wicket-keepers in the squad, Sisodia’s opportunities are significantly limited.
Development Role: His inclusion seems more geared towards long-term development rather than immediate impact, suggesting KKR might look to nurture him for future seasons rather than IPL 2025.
The IPL is as much about strategy as it is about talent. For players like Anukul Roy, Vaibhav Arora, and Luvnith Sisodia, the competition within KKR for IPL 2025 is fierce. Their journey might be one of waiting and learning from the sidelines unless a shift in team dynamics, like injuries or unexpected form dips, opens up opportunities.
Not playing a single match isn’t a verdict on their skills but rather an indication of the depth and quality KKR has assembled. For these players, the season could still be fruitful through learning, training, and perhaps, moments in practice matches or development leagues. As for KKR, their challenge will be to balance the current squad’s potential with nurturing future stars, ensuring that when their time comes, players like Roy, Arora, and Sisodia are ready to make an impact.
