IPL 2018: Why Kolkata Knight Riders can be a lethal team this season
There were some intense bidding wars for well-known players and also for new faces at this year's IPL auctions. All these seasons, the Kolkata Knight Riders have been one of the smartest teams at the auctions and have built the strongest of squads. However, this time, Venky Mysore and the KKR management seemed to have gone with a different set of plan and strategy. They have been criticized for building a side that does not appear very formidable and have been termed 'careless' for the manner in which they have spent their purse.
KKR were not able to make a side as lethal as they have had in the past. Mysore's tactics this time were a little difficult to understand. They were not very careful about their budget and this affected them as they had to consolidate the side with lesser known players. They lack back-up options and a suitable contender to captain the side.
However, the KKR team, if analyzed, is a solid and a balanced team and a dangerous playing XI can be made from the squad.
KKR Squad
Batsmen : Chris Lynn, Shubman Gill, Dinesh Karthik (Wicket-keeper), Robin Uthappa (Wicket-keeper), Nitish Rana, Cameron Delport, Ishank Jaggi, Apoorv Wankhade, Rinku Singh
Bowlers : Sunil Narine, Mitchell Starc, Piyush Chawla, Kuldeep Yadav, Vinay Kumar, Mitchell Johnson, Kamlesh Nagarkoti, Shivam Mavi, Javon Searles
All Rounders : Andre Russell
In the absence of Gautam Gambhir, it is quite obvious that it will be the destructive pair of Chris Lynn and Sunil Narine who will open the innings for KKR.
Next to come in, would be Robin Uthappa, who has been a vital part of the Knight Riders' side ever since he has been a part of the family. Since Manish Pandey and Gautam Gambhir will be absent this time, Uthappa will have to take up major responsibility in what is effectively an inexperienced middle-order.
The Knight Riders will have to play two young uncapped batsmen, Shubman Gill and Nitish Rana, at number four and five. Gill is a very talented batsman and he is indeed one to watch out for. His wonderful century in the Under-19 Cricket World Cup against Pakistan, has already wowed many cricketing experts. Rana impressed with his heroics over the past two seasons in the IPL and would be looking to contribute this time as well.
KKR have bought an experienced wicket-keeper in Dinesh Karthik. He is a sure starter and will be coming in to bat at number six. The seventh spot will be reserved for the 'Big Man'- Andre Russell. His presence strengthens the team in every aspect, be it batting, bowling or fielding.
Coming in next would be Mitchell Starc, followed by Piyush Chawla, Kuldeep Yadav and Vinay Kumar.
The playing XI looks perfect. The side has a perfect blend of experience and youth. They have Cameron Delport and Mitchell Johnson as backs-up for the foreigner players, in case Starc or Lynn gets injured. However, an injury for Uthappa or Karthik, can cost the Knight Riders as they have to solely depend on uncapped youngsters, which can spell trouble.
This is where the problem lies for KKR. If injuries don't strike, then the side is a strong one indeed. Players like Kamlesh Nagarkoti, Shivam Mavi, Ishank Jaggi and Javon Searles might be fielded as well.
KKR would be with a new captain this time; a matter which has ignited much debate in the IPL circuit. They have a few potential contenders in Karthik, Uthappa and Vinay Kumar. Karthik is the most experienced amongst them and so, should be their first choice. Despite that, KKR might go for Uthappa as he has been with the team for the past few years and knows how the team functions.
We can conclude that the Knight Riders' side isn't as weak as it has been made out to be. The side definitely has the potential to win the league and the two-time champions will hope that they can do just that and repeat history.