In a thrilling twist of fate, the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) have welcomed a new face into their ranks. Dushmantha Chameera, the fiery Sri Lankan fast bowler, has donned the iconic purple and gold jersey, ready to make an impact in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024.
Gus Atkinson, the promising England pacer, was initially slated to represent KKR in this season’s IPL. However, fate intervened. Atkinson withdrew from the tournament, with the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) managing his schedule after a grueling winter campaign. His absence left a void, and KKR needed a swift solution.
Enter Dushmantha Chameera. The 32-year-old speedster, capable of unleashing thunderbolts at speeds exceeding 140 km/h, stepped up to fill the gap. Interestingly, Chameera had gone unsold at the IPL 2024 auction, but destiny had other plans. KKR signed him as an injury replacement for Atkinson, securing his services at his base price of INR 50 lakh (approximately USD 60,000).
Dushmantha Chameera is no stranger to the IPL circuit. Over the years, he has plied his trade for various franchises—Rajasthan Royals, Royal Challengers Bangalore, and Lucknow Super Giants. His experience and versatility make him a valuable addition to KKR’s bowling arsenal.
Chameera’s day one as a Knight! ⚡️ pic.twitter.com/Ta9XJFH3Cj
— KolkataKnightRiders (@KKRiders) March 26, 2024
Dushmantha Chameera’s Recent Form and T20 Prowess
In his most recent T20 outing, Chameera showcased his prowess. Representing the Dubai Capitals against Abu Dhabi—the UAE affiliate of Knight Riders in the Inter-League T20—he snared 2 wickets for a mere 20 runs in his four overs. His ability to generate pace and extract bounce from the surface caught the eye.
Dushmantha Chameera joins forces with another overseas frontline quick—Mitchell Starc. Starc, acquired by KKR for a staggering INR 24.75 crore (approximately USD 2.98 million), brings his own brand of left-arm swing and lethal yorkers. Together, they form a formidable duo, ready to trouble opposition batsmen.
As the IPL gears up for its 2024 edition,Dushmantha Chameera’s journey with KKR begins. The roar of Eden Gardens awaits him—the passionate fans, the electric atmosphere, and the thrill of competing on Indian soil. For this Sri Lankan speedster, it’s more than just cricket; it’s a chance to etch his name in IPL folklore.