IPL 2017: Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) Predicted 11

KKR are looking to become the first side to win three IPL titles

Consistency is the name of the game as far as Kolkata Knight Riders are concerned. No team has won more IPL titles than them and they have built that around the same successful model that CSK employed in the first few seasons of the IPL and brought them so much glory.

At least for the start of the IPL 2017 campaign, KKR can't stick to their formula. Andre Russell has a one-year ban he is currently serving, Umesh Yadav has been advised rest and Shakib Al Hasan is currently playing in the T20I series against Sri Lanka.

Extra Cover: IPL 2017: Top 8 domestic players who can be game changers

For the opener against Gujarat Lions, KKR will have to make a few changes to compensate for the players that aren't available. Here's their possible XI that could take to the field for the clash against Suresh Raina's side.

Openers:

Gautam Gambhir (Captain)

Gambhir will be looking to lead from the front

If there is one player who exemplifies the virtues that KKR are trying to extol it is their captain, Gautam Gambhir. Ever since he moved from Delhi Daredevils to the Kolkata Knight Riders, he has overseen the franchise's most successful period in the IPL, leading them to two IPL titles in the process.

The dependable opener has a lot of things going for him. Although he might not be the dashing opener that gets sides off to a fast start from which they can go for a huge total, his style is one that makes perfect sense for a power-packed KKR middle-order.

As he ensures that there isn't too many wickets lost, KKR get off to a steady start from which their middle-order takes over to get them to a comfortable score.

Robin Uthappa (Wicketkeeper)

His partner-in-crime is someone who has mastered the art of scoring runs at the top of the innings in T20s. Although he hasn't played too many times for India in the shortest format of the game that is due to misfortune rather than his form in the IPL, which has been incredibly consistent since he moved to KKR.

Ahead of IPL 2017, however, there are a few question marks surrounding him. Not least his fitness, which kept him out of a large chunk of the domestic season for Karnataka, who suffered a blip as a result. With the Champions Trophy not too far away, he will be hoping for a strong season that could propel him back into the national side.