Players KKR Can Target From LAKR For IPL 2027 After Historic MLC Win

Shane Watson and Jason Holder - (Source: X)

On Sunday, July 19, Knight Riders’ sister franchise Los Angeles Knight Riders scripted history and lifted the MLC title for the first time in four seasons. With the win, Knight Riders added another piece of silverware to their illustrious cabinet and took the trophy count to 10 across leagues around the world.

The MLC win will certainly boost the confidence within the KKR camp as well because the Ajinkya Rahane-led side had a poor IPL season. Notably, KKR finished 7th on the table with 13 points in 14 matches. The three-time winners will undergo heavy changes for IPL 2027.

Shane Watson’s LAKR Journey To Influence KKR For IPL 2027

For IPL 2026, Abhishek Nayar served as the team’s head coach. The former India player is under heavy scrutiny, and LAKR’s MLC win won’t help him. Notably, Shane Watson served as Nayar’s deputy for the past season.

However, the Australia legend was LAKR’s head coach, and now with this win, the camp might be tempted to replace Nayar with Shane Watson as the new head coach. If so, then the former Australia all-rounder will look to bring in a few LAKR stars to KKR for IPL 2027 via auction.

Therefore, this article will shed light on 3 LAKR players whom Shane Watson or KKR might look to target for IPL 2027.

1. Matthew Tromp

USA cricket have got a great talent in the form of Matthew Tromp. The 21-year-old took the MLC 2026 by storm as he amassed 309 runs in 10 innings. The youngster slammed 4 forty-plus scores. The 21-year-old also performed well in the final and amassed 39 (21), which helped LAKR to lift their first title.

Also Read: LAKR Lift Maiden MLC Trophy With Last Ball Thriller vs Washington Freedom

Tromp can also contribute with the ball and has a wicket to his name in MLC 2026. Hence, KKR can target the right-handed batter during the IPL 2027 mini-auction in December. Tromp can be a great middle-order option for KKR, allowing them the freedom to push Angkrish Raghuvanshi to open the innings.

Critiera	Data
Innings	10
Runs	309
Average	34.33
Strike-rate	155.28

(Stats in MLC 2026)

2. Shadley van Schalkwyk

On the other side, KKR can also vouch for experience and bring in USA’s Shadley van Schalkwyk. The 37-year-old had a wonderful MLC and picked up 16 wickets in 12 matches. KKR lack bowling options, and the USA star can add great depth to the bowling attack.

Another reason to bring in Shadley is the fact that he has proved his mettle in India during the 2026 T20 World Cup. He picked up 13 wickets in 4 matches, which included four-wicket hauls against India and Pakistan. Hence, the right-arm seamer is a great option for the Shahrukh Khan-owned franchise.

Critiera	Data
Innings	12
Wickets	16
Economy	9.47
Strike-rate	16.00

(Stats in MLC 2026)

3. Jason Holder

The man of the moment, Jason Holder, will remain in high demand before IPL 2027. The West Indies powerhouse currently plays for Gujarat Titans and is enjoying his cricket at the moment.

Talking about MLC 2026, Holder picked up 16 wickets in 12 matches and also scored 151 runs with the bat. At the moment, KKR are in need of a bowling all-rounder rather than the other way round, and Holder can be a great replacement for Andre Russell.

Even during IPL 2026, Jason Holder was magical with the ball and picked up 17 wickets in 11 innings for the Gujarat Titans. Unlike the above-mentioned two players, getting Holder won’t be easy for KKR, but the management would definitely look for a trade with the Gujarat Titans.