With IPL 2018 auction to be coming in a week’s time, the fans and followers are eagerly waiting to know the combinations of their favorite teams. Earlier this month, during the IPL retention event, Kolkatta Knight Riders (KKR) had opted to retain two big men from Windies: Sunil Narine, Andre Russell and now they can use 3 right to match cards which they use only on Indian players as they have already retained the maximum limit to 2 overseas players.

KKR has been one of the smartest teams in terms of buying players at the auction. They have always made valuable buys and have utilized their money better than the other teams. They do their homework coming into the auction and put their money on utility players. Their retention choices were a little surprising as gone for Russell ahead of Manish Pandey and Kuldeep Yadav, both of whom have been regulars in Team India. But in the process, they have given themselves more choices to pick from.

Also read: Russell thanks KKR's management

It is almost certain that they will use two of their RTM cards for Manish Pandey and Kuldeep Yadav. The third RTM card has a lot of contenders. A very straightforward choice is their current captain, Gautam Gambhir, but that possibility is pretty low as Gambir is himself looking to go with some other franchises. However, Gautam is highly rated by fans across the country, and support still remains a major factor when it comes to cricket in India.

The other option that they have is Robin Uthappa who has been highly successful playing at the top order over the years, but his recent form has been a little inconsistent owing to which it is unlikely that they will go for him. Another name that crosses the mind is of Yusuf Pathan and but in the last couple of years, he hasn’t been that much consistent as well

Prediction for RTM cards – Manish Pandey, Kuldeep Yadav, Robin Uthappa/ Yusuf Pathan.

Now, here is the probable list of the players who could fit in as per KKR’s requirement to buy for in the auction of IPL.

Yuzvendra Chahal

Chahal is pure quality when it comes to bowling leg-spinners. He is quick in the air, gives batsmen very less time to think, and very intelligent with his variations. He has been a class apart for Royal Challengers Bangalore. RCB cannot use RTM on him at the auction as they have retained two Indian players in form of Virat Kohli and Sarfaraz Khan. So, if they give up on him at the auction, KKR might well go ahead and get him.

Brendon McCullum

McCullum has been playing T20 cricket all over the world since its inception and everywhere he goes, he opens. Not to forget, he started his IPL career with the blistering 158-run knock against RCB in first IPL match for KKR. With Gautam Gambhir not retained, he could also be a possible contender to lead the team.

Chris Lynn

Chris Lynn and Brendon McCullum together make ‘Bash Brothers’ and they have shown interest in playing with each other across all leagues in the world. Lynn was a part of KKR last year but the franchise did not retain him. They cannot use their RTMs for him as they have already retained two overseas players. But they might go after him as he could turn out to be a key batsman for them.

Also read: Gambhir to leave KKR

Kane Williamson

Williamson is a sight to watch across all formats as a batsman. At Sunrisers Hyderabad, he never got the chance to play as much as other players. However, he is a great batsman and a great captaincy material as well. KKR, who are looking for a new captain, can go after him.