Flashy KKR look to turn tables in IPL 7

Save for 2012, Kolkata Knight Riders have failed to live up to their potential

Authored by Ajay Suresh for ‘The Wicket Post’

A few days ago, we all must have come across the TV show ‘Living with KKR’ on the Discovery channel. Watching that program, anyone could tell that it hadn’t been an immaculate journey for the team and its celebrity owners. The show threw light on the evolution of KKR, the ups and downs they’ve faced as well as the future prospects of the team.

The one-time champions have had an average record through most of the IPL, except for 2012, when they’d pulled out spectacular performances. Would they look for a repeat of 2012 this time around?

Kolkata has always been seen as a balanced team that has failed to fully utilise their potential. Their poor performance last season garnered quite some criticism, considering the fact that they were the defending champions. However, Jay & Co. have made some brilliant picks this auction, to bring about the perfect recipe this season.

But you can’t say it has been a perfect auction for KKR this year. They’ve lost a couple of good players like Brendon McCullum who could’ve made KKR a much stronger side with his current form and unpredictable batting at the top. They’ve also lost the bowling of Brett Lee who started their previous season with a wicket off the very first delivery! He could have shattered the stumps and contained runs in any situation. KKR would definitely be missing the services of Brett Lees experience.

Nevertheless, they have a very promising set of players this season as well. Their batting line-up has been further strengthened with the addition of Manish Pandey, a flamboyant youth who would be remembered as the first Indian to score a century in the IPL. His healthy first-class average of 53.37 talks a lot about the way he carries himself whilst at the crease. He was also a part of the Karnataka team that won the Ranji trophy this year.

Suryakumar Yadav and Robin Uthappa are also two key Indian batsmen to watch out for. Yadav has a good first-class average of 50.97. Manvinder Bisla, a man who famously won the trophy for KKR in 2012, is another player to watch out for in the flat and dry pitches of the UAE.

KKR also boast of Jacques Kallis, who is the undisputed best all-rounder at present. His ability to change the game with both the ball and the bat for more than a decade now, has inspired cricket lovers.

Shakib Al Hassan is also an excellent all-rounder whose left-arm spin slows the run rate in the middle overs. However, his performances in the Asia Cup and the World T20 have thrown him out of the spotlight for a while. He will be looking to redeem himself this IPL.

Yusuf Pathan is another talented all-rounder who would like to have a go this season. Known to be a hard hitter of the ball, his performances in the first leg of the tournament is something to be watched out for.

Undoubtedly, KKR has one of the strongest bowling line-ups that is second only to SRH.

Their latest addition, Morne Morkel, is known for being a nightmare for opponents on his day. But can he get the ball to rise in the flat UAE pitches?

Vinay Kumar is another man in great form. His courage and leadership skills guided Karnataka to their Ranji win this season. He was in dangerous form throughout the tournament, and his magical spell in the Irani Trophy makes him look deadly. He would be looking forward to carry on his momentum.

Umesh Yadav is another great talent, and the Vidarbha pacer would help make crucial breakthroughs initially and even in the final overs.

Sunil Narine is another uncanny spinner who would help slow down the opponent’s run rate in the middle overs, and his bowling is still difficult to pick for many batsmen. Piyush Chawla can also prove to be a great asset for the team, and his googlies and leg-break can prove to be useful for KKR.

With all said and done, KKR does have a couple of impact players. On paper, they definitely do look strong. But finally, performances talk. KKR would be looking forward to make an early strike in the tournament with a win in their first match against Mumbai.

Their poor record against Mumbai is something they should be wary of. Gautam Gambhir does have a great team under him, but his leadership skills would be tested. Overall, KKR would be hoping to justify their owners’ choices and make sure that they do everything right to repeat their performance in IPL 2012!

Written by: Shrinivas Uppili

Edited By: Ajay Suresh