IPL 10: SWOT Analysis of Kolkata Knight Riders

Two-time IPL Champions Kolkata Knight Riders will be aiming to become the first franchise to lift 3 IPL titles once the 10th edition of the extravaganza kicks off from tomorrow. The Shah Rukh Khan-owned franchise has been one of the most consistent teams in the tournament so far and in one among the 3 teams to lift the trophy more than once.

After a lacklustre performance in the first 3 seasons under the captaincy of former India skipper Sourav Ganguly, the fortunes of Kolkata changed when the reign was handed over to flamboyant Delhi lad Gautam Gambhir. The results were immediate as KKR reached the playoffs in 2011 and went on to clinch the title in 2012. In a year’s time, they lifted the title again by defeating Kings XI Punjab at the Chinnaswamy Stadium.

Even in the previous edition, KKR reached the playoffs but lost to eventual champions Sunrisers Hyderabad in the eliminator clash by 22 runs. Their batting faltered during crucial junctures which eventually prevented them from lifting their 3rd IPL trophy.

Strengths

Now, this team doesn’t need an introduction and everyone is aware of the prowess this franchise possess both on the field and on the glamour quotient. The squad boasts of some exceptional players especially in the shortest format in both batting and the bowling department. Starting with the opening combination of captain Gautam Gambhir and Robin Uthappa, the duo has the ability to score some quickfire runs during the power play and get their team off to a flying start.

The middle order comprises of some exceptional power hitters who has the ability to change the complexion of the match within a blink of an eye. Manish Pandey, Suryakumar Yadav and Yusuf Pathan on their day have the ability to make any bowling line ups look clueless. Yadav has provided the team with some crucial innings in the middle and his pick up flick shot for a six remains his signature shot.

Despite Yusuf Pathan being not in the best of forms, the opposition bowlers will be aware of his brutal power hitting skills and the amount of impact he can have on a particular match. Manish Pandey who played a match winning innings in the final of the 2014 edition which helped KKR seal their 2nd IPL title will look for yet another successful campaign with the two tie champions.

The bowling department will be spearheaded by Caribbean magician Sunil Narine who has been the No.1 bowler for KKR in the previous seasons. With the ability to turn the ball both ways with an identical action, Narine will proof to be a definite threat for the oppositions despite having a re-modified action. Shakib Al Hasan will also prove to a crucial member for KKR with his all-round abilities but given the huge group of foreigners to choose from he might not get a look in for a couple of matches.

The fast bowling department comprises of 3 foreigners who will be fighting for their spots. Keeping all situations in mind, only 1 out of these might be a part of the Playing XI. While Trent Boult has been New Zealand’s spearhead, Chris Woakes has the ability to contribute with the bat too which might keep him in good stead ahead of the opening encounter.

The squad also comprises of left-arm chinaman bowler Kuldeep Yadav who made a sensational Test debut against Australia very recently. He has been a potent weapon for Gambhir and will look to carry on his good work in the upcoming edition.

Weakness

There is as such no weakness in the squad with each and every members having the ability to turn the match on its head. The absence of Andre Russell will definitely hurt them as the all-rounder provided them with the much-needed stability in both the departments.

In the bowling department, the franchise consists of some unknown commodities who will be eager to make their mark in the tournament. Guys like Ankit Rajpoot and Sayan Ghosh will be looking forward to the opportunity to mingle with some of the stalwarts of the game. Ishank Jaggi who earlier remained unsold during the auction was eventually bought by KKR a day after the auction.

If they are not pegged back by any injury issues, KKR shouldn’t be too much worried about their weakness as they don’t have any if the playing combinations remain fit and sound.

Opportunities

In the absence of Andre Russell, it might well be a big opportunity for Chris Woakes to fill his gap but it’s not possible for Woakes to match up to the hitting abilities of Russell. Woakes is a frontline bowler and has the ability to provide his team with some crucial runs down the order but when comparing with the big man from West Indies, he lacks in the power hitting abilities.

It will be a big opportunity for local bowler, Shayon Ghosh, to prove his mettle in front of huge crowds if he is given a break. Youngster Ishank Jaggi will look to make full use of his opportunity after remaining unsold during the auction day.

Leg-spinner Piyush Chawla who has been around for a long time will look to revive his career with a notable performance for KKR in the upcoming season. Despite being touted as one of the most promising prospects in the nation during his growing days, Chawla couldn’t continue his good work for a long time and was later ousted from the national team.

Threat

The absence of hard-hitting all-rounder Andre Russell will definitely allow the other franchises to relax a bit more. Despite having some tremendous players in the squad Russell’s absence will leave a huge void as the all-rounder used had the ability to change the game with both bat and the ball.

Umesh Yadav is expected to miss the first 3 games of the tournament and according to CEO Venky Mysore, the fast bowler might be seen in action from 13th April during KKR’s first home game against the Kings XI Punjab. He was a revelation for Team India during the long home season and it was a much-deserved break for Umesh.