IPL 9 Team Preview: Kolkata Knight Riders

Tags: Indian premier league 2016, Kolkata Knight Riders, Gautam Gambhir, t20

Published on: Apr 07, 2016

Two-time champions, Kolkata Knight Riders, will once again be among the favourites to make it to the business end of the tournament, and from there on, have the capability to win if they perform to potential.

Two-time champions, Kolkata Knight Riders, will once again be among the favourites to make it to the business end of the tournament, and from there on, have the capability to win if they perform to potential. KKR will once more be led by out-of-favour Indian opener Gautam Gambhir. The left-hander's international career may be all but over, but he remains a force on the IPL circuit. His leadership skills are debatable, particularly because of the controversies he has got into owing to his bad temper. But, the fact is that Kolkata have an extremely strong line-up, and should be disappointed if they don't make it to the fag end of the event.

Star batsmen: In the last couple of seasons, Robin Uthappa has been the most destructive player for Kolkata at the top of the other. His performances even earned him an India recall, but he was unlucky to be dropped again. At KKR, the team will look up to him for blazing starts once again, in the company of skipper Gambhir, who has been blowing hot and cold with the willow of late. In Manish Pandey, they have an IPL veteran, who smashed a match-winning hundred against Australia in Australia. Pandey will again be among the central attractions in the team. On the international front, they will look for contributions from Chris Lynn and reverse-sweep specialist Colin Munro.

Star bowlers: When it comes to their bowling Morne Morkel will be the key. He has delivered some excellent spells under pressure, and will be expected to continue with the same for KKR, and lead the fast bowling pack. Sunil Narine is also part of the squad, but his effectiveness will remain a concern considering the constant changes he has had to make in his bowling actions. It remains to be seen whether he can still deliver with the same efficiency. The inconsistent but talented Umesh Yadav is also part of the squad along with old warrior Brad Hogg. Australia's John Hastings, leggie Piyush Chawla and Jason Holder are the other options in their kitty.

All-round prowess: In the all-round department, KKR would have high hopes from West Indies' Andre Russell. He was the man who came up with commanding batting efforts, coupled with his useful bowling and brilliant fielding skills as Kolkata won the title a couple of years back. Nothing different will be expected of him this time. Kolkata are also lucky to have Shakib Al Hasan, one of the best all-rounders in world cricket. They have also kept their faith in Yusuf Pathan, although his skills seem on the wane. If Pathan gets his batting right, he could still destroy opponents and his bowling too is rather useful. Holder also is a decent bat.

Past performances: Kolkata are among the three teams to have won the IPL twice, Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings being the other two. They were winners in 2012 and again in 2014. Kolkata had a horrific time in the first few years of the event even though they had a strong side all through. From 2008 to 2010, they were eliminated in the group stage. In 2011, they showed first signs of improvement as they made it to the play-offs. It has been a rollercoaster ride since then. In between their victories, they were eliminated in the group stage in 2013, and again, last year.

-- By A Cricket Analyst

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