IPL 2018, playoffs: SWOT analysis of Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR)
14 games, a rejigged franchise, a new captain, a jittery start, and then things worked out. They stumbled, slipped, and then found their mojo again. This season has not been a flawless one for the Kolkata Knight Riders, but more about scrapping and getting the job done, albeit in not a very pleasing manner.
They are now into the playoffs and will take on the Rajasthan Royals in the eliminator at their home ground, Eden Gardens.
We take a look at their strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats leading in to the playoffs.
Strengths
The leadership of Dinesh Karthik, although not very fluid to start off, has slowly become more definitive and the man himself has grown as the captain of the team.
His moves on the field are affirmative and one that has the stamp of pragmatism at all times.
And then the spinners - Kuldeep Yadav, Piyush Chawla, and Sunil Narine - form the cornerstone of KKR's attack.
Also, the openers Sunil Narine and Chris Lynn have been a revelation for them this season. They have been exhilarating and very consistent with their starts which have allowed Dinesh Karthik to come lower down the order and apply the finishing touches to the innings.