In a surprising turn of events, Sri Lankan pacer Dushmantha Chameera has been roped in as a replacement for Gus Atkinson by the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) for the upcoming IPL 2024 season. Chameera’s addition to the squad comes after Atkinson, who was set to make his IPL debut, withdrew from the tournament due to scheduling conflicts managed by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB).
Chameera Joins Kolkata Knight Riders for IPL 2024
Chameera, who had remained unsold during the IPL auction, will now join KKR at his base price of INR 50 lakh (USD 60,000 approx). The 32-year-old brings with him a wealth of experience, having previously featured for teams like Rajasthan Royals, Royal Challengers Bangalore, and Lucknow Super Giants in past seasons of the IPL. Known for his ability to clock speeds north of 140kph, Chameera’s inclusion adds depth to KKR’s fast-bowling arsenal.
The Sri Lankan speedster recently showcased his prowess in the T20 format during the IL20 tournament in the UAE, where he impressed with his performance for Dubai Capitals against Abu Dhabi. With his ability to consistently trouble batsmen and pick up crucial wickets, Chameera is expected to be a valuable asset for KKR in the upcoming season.
Meanwhile, Atkinson’s withdrawal from the tournament comes after a series of international commitments, including representing England at the World Cup in India and a subsequent tour of the Caribbean. The ECB has opted to manage Atkinson’s workload, prioritizing his rest and recovery ahead of future engagements.
Chameera’s addition to the KKR squad bolsters their bowling department, complementing the likes of Mitchell Starc, who was secured by the franchise for a record-breaking price of INR 24.75 crore (USD 2.98 million approx.) at the auction. With the IPL 2024 season expected to commence in March and conclude by the end of May, cricket fans can anticipate thrilling encounters and captivating performances as the tournament unfolds.
Stay tuned for more updates on IPL 2024, as the final schedule is set to be announced following the confirmation of polling dates for India’s general elections by the Election Commission.
