Captain: Sunil Narine
Coach: Phil Simmons
Last Season: Group Stage Exit
In the inaugural season of the MLC, the LA Knight Riders struggled significantly, finishing with a disappointing 1-4 record. Despite being loaded with T20 stars, they suffered four consecutive losses in their first four matches. The margins of their defeats were alarming, including being bowled out for 114 and 50 in their first two games.
The lack of quality domestic batting talent was a widespread issue among MLC teams, but it was particularly detrimental for the LAKR. Even seasoned internationals like Martin Guptill and Jason Roy failed to make a substantial impact at the top of the order.
Long-time KKR stalwarts Sunil Narine and Andre Russell delivered notable performances, but the lack of support from other team members hindered their efforts from translating into victories. Russell was especially impressive with a strike rate near 160 and an average of 68, including two fifties. Narine maintained his usual economy with the ball, recording an ECON of 6.4. The only bright spot for LAKR was Rilee Rossouw's standout performance in their final league game, securing their first win.
International Players:
Rilee Rossouw will be replaced by the more renowned David Miller this season. Jason Roy and several English players will join the team during the peak of the English cricket summer. Afghanistan wrist spinner Waqar Salamkheil is expected to pair with captain Sunil Narine. Australian left-arm quick Spencer Johnson will lead the bowling attack, with Josh Little as a backup seam option. The international lineup is rounded out by Andre Russell, Shakib Al Hasan, and Alex Carey.
Domestic Talent:
In the domestic draft, LAKR picked TNPL wicketkeeper-batter Adithya Ganesh for $75,000. Ganesh, who played in the TNPL as recently as 2023, qualifies as a domestic player due to his immigration status on a spousal visa. Unmukt Chand, Saif Badar, and USA batter Nitish Kumar retained their spots despite underperforming last season. Chand, in particular, is eager to prove himself after being overlooked for a home World Cup, envisioning it as a redemption story. USA quicks Ali Khan and Shadley Van Schalkwyk, along with Corne Dry, add strength to LAKR's domestic bowling reserves.
Probable XI: Jason Roy, Sunil Narine, Unmukt Chand, Nitish Kumar, David Miller, Andre Russell, Adithya Ganesh/Saif Badar, Corne Dry, Ali Khan, Spencer Johnson, Waqar Salamkheil