The Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), a franchise already boasting the world-class T20I bowler Varun Chakravarthy, have strategically invested in a potential successor during the recent IPL mini-auction in Abu Dhabi. They secured the services of 22-year-old mystery spinner Daksh Kamra from Hisar for Rs 30 lakh, drawing immediate comparisons to their established star.
The Striking Resemblance to a Proven Performer
Varun Chakravarthy, with 100 wickets in 84 IPL matches, has been a cornerstone of KKR's bowling attack, bamboozling batters with his variations. Intriguingly, the franchise seems to have found a bowler cast from a similar mould. Kamra's bowling action is remarkably similar to that of the Tamil Nadu spinner, whom he admires and studies closely.
"Daksh bowls in the same zones as Varun and has the same pattern," revealed Kamra's coach, Sandeep Kharb, in an exclusive conversation with TimesofIndia.com. This similarity wasn't lost on KKR's scouts, who identified Kamra as a strategic acquisition for the future.
Unpacking Daksh Kamra's Skill Set
Kamra is not just a one-trick pony. While his primary weapon is his mystery spin as a right-arm leg-spinner, he is a genuine all-rounder capable of powerful hitting. His journey began 11 years ago as a bowling all-rounder. His arsenal includes four key variations:
- Carrom ball
- Googly
- Slider
Coach Kharb highlighted the technical work behind his potent googly, stating, "The speed of the googly is so high that it hits the pad or the stumps on most occasions. The speed of an average googly is 95–97 km/h." Kamra honed his control through extensive tennis-ball cricket, which allowed for greater experimentation.
His batting prowess is fueled by exceptionally fast hand speed, enabling him to clear boundaries with ease. A strict fitness regime focusing on strength training underpins his all-round capabilities.
The Path to KKR: Trials, Talent, and Transformation
Kamra's road to the IPL wasn't straightforward. After making his debut for Haryana's under-23 team and picking up wickets in limited opportunities, he faced a setback when dropped from the state side. Coach Kharb's intervention with the Haryana Cricket Association proved crucial, earning Kamra another chance where he excelled.
This performance put him on the radar of IPL scouts. He was invited for trials by both KKR and Rajasthan Royals (RR), where he left a significant impression. "KKR and RR scouts soon noted his bowling... Vikram Rathour and Kumar Sangakkara praised him a lot," shared Kharb.
The trial moment that sealed the deal involved KKR's mentor, Abhishek Nayar. "Abhishek Nayar asked him to bowl certain deliveries. Daksh started with two leg-spin deliveries, getting a wicket off the second ball. Nayar then asked him to bowl a googly, which hit the pad, leaving him impressed," Kharb added.
Now, with a four-hour daily training routine split between batting and bowling, and a strong belief in manifestation, Daksh Kamra is ready for his IPL chapter. His goal is simple: "to give my 110% for KKR." The question remains whether this young mystery spinner from Hisar can follow in the formidable footsteps of Varun Chakravarthy and become KKR's next bowling superstar.
