CLT20 2014: SWOT analysis of Kolkata Knight Riders

Kolkata Knight Riders, the winners of this years Indian Premier League, start their Champions League campaign on 17th September, whenthey meet the most consistent T20 team of the IPL, Chennai Super Kings. Buoyed by injuries and without some of their key players, the Kolkata team are placed in a group also featuring Perth Scorchers, the winners of AustralianBig Bash League,Dolphins,the winners from South Africa, and a Qualifier, besides the Super Kings.FIXTURES : 17 September- KKRv CSK21 September- KKR v Qualifier 24 September- KKR v Perth Scorchers29 September- KKR v DolphinsHeres a look at the chances of Gautam Gambhirs men in this years CLT20:

#1 Strengths

The biggest strength for the franchise is undoubtedly the presence of West Indian spinner Sunil Narine. Since 2012, his 4 overs have poised the biggest threat to the opposition and Gambhir has minced no words in stating that he is one of the most important players in the team. In the absence of Shakib al Hasan, it goes without saying that he will be the player to watch out for.

Gambhir’s aggressive captaincy and leadership qualities tend to get the most out of his players and he has been instrumental in changing the team’s fortunes ever since he was made captain in 2011. Under him the team showed great character to notch up 9 wins on the trot after losing 5 of their 7 games initially in this year’s edition of the IPL, and the team knows how to emerge stronger when things aren’t going their way.

The franchise, which also won the IPL in 2012, managed to get their act together in crucial junctions and with every game in the CLT20 being important, the Knights would want to gain early momentum.

Playing all their league games on the slow wickets of Hyderabad should aid their bowling unit, and with a number of all-rounders in their ranks, this team would hope to enter the play-offs.