5 reasons why Kolkata Knight Riders can win IPL 2018
Kolkata Knight Riders have been one of the most successful teams in the history of Indian Premier League. They are one of the three teams to have won the IPL trophy on two or more occasions, with Chennai Super Kings and Mumbai Indians completing the list.
As things stand this season, KKR currently occupy the 3rd position in the points table and have almost already qualified for the playoffs. A defeat would make things easier for the other four teams placed below them and bring them into contention as well.
However, the Kolkata-based franchise boasts of a composed team which includes many players who are proven match-winners in their own right. Considering all the factors, KKR is definitely a strong contender for the title.
Here are the five reasons why Kolkata Knight Riders can win the IPL this season:
#1 The X-factor of Sunil Narine
Sunil Narine has made a tremendous impact in the Indian Premier League over the last six seasons. He set the IPL on fire and awed the spectators with his capability of disguising variations in his off-breaks when he signed for KKR in 2012. He was in contention for the Purple Cap (awarded for most wickets in the tournament) for three successive seasons - 2012, 2013 and 2014.
However multiple bans on his suspicious bowling actions have hampered his bowling a lot and he has simplified his bowling action ever since.
Even though his bowling has lost the edge, he has contributed with the bat, to help KKR's season. It is hard to imagine that a player who used to be the last tailender in any batting lineup a few years ago, plays as an opening batsman for KKR now.
His ability to increase the run rate rapidly in the first powerplay, makes him a really dangerous batsman. He has scored 277 runs so far with two half-centuries and has been the Knight's most successful bowler so far with 14 scalps.
He is definitely KKR's X-factor in their run-up to the title.