IPL 2019: KKR release Starc, Johnson, Curran; retain all three U-19 cricketers

KKR squad for IPL 2019: Among Indian players, Vinay Kumar, Ishank Jaggi and Apoorv Wankhede were released by the two-time champions, which retained its core group of 13 cricketers, who played a key role in them finishing on the third position of IPL 2018.

Mitchell Starc was not the only high-profile overseas star released by the Kolkata Knight Riders. They have also decided to let go Former Australian paceman Mitchell Johnson, England fast bowler Tom Curran for the upcoming season of IPL.

South Africa’s Cameron Delport and West Indian Javon Searles were the other two overseas recruits shown the door by KKR.

Among Indian players, Vinay Kumar, Ishank Jaggi and Apoorv Wankhede were released by the two-time champions, which retained its core group of 13 cricketers, who played a key role in them finishing on the third position of IPL 2018.

While the decision to release Starc had a lot to do with Australian regulars not being available for the full season, former pacer Mitchell Johnson was let go because of his decision to retire from other forms of cricket including the Big Bash League.

"The retention was triggered by how our season went in 2018," Venky Mysore, the CEO of KKR said.

India’s U-19 star Kamlesh Nagarkoti, who was ruled out of the entire last season, managed to keep his position in the squad.

We have retained 13 players now, including Kamlesh Nagarkoti. He was injured, and he, unfortunately, couldn't play for us. He is still recovering, but given the skills and ability he has, we picked him with that intention, and we have retained him again.

"Releasing players in always a difficult decision, because we are like one big family. The cricketers, whether they play or they don't, often contribute in many other ways to a side. However, this was an opportunity for us to fine-tune the squad, and look at the strategies going forward."

The KKR team once again revolves around captain Dinesh Karthik, Robin Uthappa, Andre Russell Chris Lynn, Sunil Narine.

Retained: Dinesh Karthik (captain), Robin Uthappa, Chris Lynn, Andre Russell, Sunil Narine, Shubman Gill, Piyush Chawla, Kuldeep Yadav, Prasidh Krishna, Shivam Mavi, Nitish Rana, Rinku Singh, Kamlesh Nagarkoti.

Released: Mitchell Starc, Mitchell Johnson, Tom Curran, Cameron Delport, Ishank Jaggi, Vinay Kumar, Apoorv Wankhede, Javon Searles.