IPL 2018: 5 reasons why Kolkata Knight Riders can win IPL XI

Kolkata Knight Riders' (KKR) journey in the Indian Premier League (IPL) has been no less than a Bollywood potboiler, filled with lows and highs and fightbacks and setbacks. Being a victim of constant trolling in the first three years, the Shah Rukh Khan and Jay Mehta owned franchise's rise in Gautam Gambhir's era was similar to a Phoenix's one - from its own ashes.

But after uncountable wonderful memories and two titles to show for, Gambhir has returned to the city in which he grew up. After 7 years, KKR have once again gone through a major renovation. Their new-look side has been criticised a lot. Interestingly, they are the only franchise to have exhausted their full purse of money (Rs 80 crores), and yet, they have the least number of players (19).

But criticism is something the KKR management won't mind, given that they had to hear similar things way back in 2011 when they built a completely new look side. They surprised everyone back then, and they could pull off a similar act this time as well because there certainly are some factors which could work in their favour.

#5- Opening pair of Chris Lynn and Sunil Narine

KKR has got an opening pair that will give nightmares to the greatest of the bowlers. Unfortunately for the men with the ball in hand, they will have to encounter Lynn at one end and Narine on the other, when they face the boys in purple and gold. Both the Aussie and the Caribbean are known for their ability to send the ball into orbit.

Lynn played seven matches last season and accumulated 295 runs. Alongside his last year's average of nearly 50, Lynn's strike rate of over 180 completely justifies his stature. On the other hand, after losing some of his venom with the ball, Narine went berserk with the bat last year.

The pinch-hitter might average under 20, but his strike rate of 170+ means he, alongside Lynn, can surely give the team a great start in the powerplays.