Kolkata Knight Riders did a good job in the previous edition of the IPL. KKR has won the IPL title twice, one in 2012 and the other in 2014. Since then, they haven't been able to replicate the collective rhythm on the whole as a team like they have been used to.

Despite the limited resources, they made use of the opportunities to good effect as they finished third at the points table, which is worth applauding. Dinesh Karthik did a sensational job as a skipper. He gave good chances to the youngsters. However, the Knight Riders will be pushing themselves for the third title in a bid to level CSK and Mumbai Indians. If the widespread speculations are to be believed, the franchises are required to finish all the deals before November 15, which is supposed to be the last date for the transfer window. There are possibilities that the franchises might release some of their players ahead of the transfer window so that they can fill their wallet ahead of the mega-auction. Let’s take a look at the three players that KKR should release before the auction. Mitchell Starc KKR roped in the services of Mitchell Starc for a staggering INR 9.4 crores with an intention that he would bolster the bowling attack. However, with the Australian pace battery being ruled out of the tourney owing to a right leg injury, KKR were left with a lot to think about filling the void. Starc has a wide range of experience in his fruitful T20 career, picking 127 wickets at an average of 17.44, an economy rate of 7.14. His active presence is a sheer essence and an added advantage to the team. But what really makes it worse is Starc's string of injuries. Roping him at a huge prize but seeing him not playing due to an injury would be a worrying sign. So, Starc is one player that KKR should release ahead of the auction. Mitchell Johnson The Knight Riders roped in another left-arm Australian pacer, though for a lesser price of INR 2 crores. He plied his trade in the six matches where he bagged a couple of wickets at an average of 108, an economy rate of 10.28. His stats lack the strength and firepower given his calibre. The 36-year-old Johnson called it quits from all versions of the game previously this year. It is obvious that he won't be marking his presence in the upcoming season. R Vinay Kumar Vinay Kumar has always proved to be pretty much expensive for the team, leaking ample runs especially in crunch situations of the game. He played just 2 matches last season where he gave as many as 65 runs away in 3.5 overs, claiming a couple of wickets at an average of 32.50 with an infamous economy rate of 16.95. Indian bright prospects Shivam Mavi and Prasidh Krishna were given a nod ahead of Vinay Kumar. This means that Vinay will surely be overlooked this season and with Kamlesh Nagarkoti in the team as well, even he is likely to be picked ahead of Vinay Kumar, who is no longer the dynamic bowler that he used to be. By releasing Vinay Kumar from the team, KKR franchise will get INR 1 crore to explore for a suitable replacement.