KKR makes a big move by signing star Indian all-rounder ahead of the IPL Auction 2023

Amid the preparation for the upcoming season of the Indian Premier League, all the franchises are gearing up. However, the two-time champion Kolkata Knight Riders are the most active franchise ahead of the auction. KKR picked Kiwi pacer Lockie Ferguson and Afghanistan wicketkeeper Rahmanullah Gurbaz from Gujarat Titans.

Now on Monday, they have once again used the trading window to add another big name to their ranks. This time, they have signed Indian pace-bowling all-rounder Shardul Thakur to their side.

As per the reports from ESPN Cricinfo, Shardul was on the wish lists of the Chennai Super Kings, Gujarat Titans, and Punjab Kings as well. However, KKR succeeds in acquiring him. Notably, this is now the sixth IPL team that Shardul will represent in the tournament.

Earlier, he has played for CSK, DC, PBKS, Mumbai Indians, and the former IPL franchise Rising Pune Supergiants. The all-rounder was picked by the Delhi Capitals in the last season of the IPL. He played all the game for DC in the TATA IPL 2022.

In 14 games, he took 15 wickets and also made 120 runs at a decent strike rate of 138. However, he has played a total of 75 games in the tournament and picked up 82 wickets in 9.06. He became the third player that KKR traded ahead of the auction.

The trading window ended at 5 p.m. on Monday. The IPL's governing body has organised the mini auction on December 23 in Kochi. But before that, all teams have to submit the list of their retained and released players to the BCCI by the end of the day on November 15.

Already, some big names have been released ahead of the auction. MI has released their most experienced player, Kieron Pollard, which means that the former West Indian captain will be under the hammer, while CSK has also released the highest wicket-taker in the IPL, Dwayne Bravo.

As per some reports, the 2016 IPL champion Sunrisers Hyderabad have released their captain, Kane Williamson, who didn't have a great performance in 2022. Thus, it is becoming more interesting with big names coming into the auction this time around.