Manish Pandey, Yusuf Pathan, Suryakumar Yadav. (Photo Source: BCCI)Two-time champions KKR did not have the best of times in the previous edition of IPL. But that hasn’t taken away their reputation as one of the most consistent sides in the IPL. They have repeatedly made it into the play-offs since 2012 and 2014. They made it to the playoffs again last year, but lost in the Eliminator to Sunrisers Hyderabad and finished fourth in the table.

This year they may appear a tad bit less threatening due to Andre Russell’s absence at the moment.  And they kept that in mind when they entered the auction as they made the smartest and most precise choice when bidding. It is very difficult for any player to fit into the role that Russell had for KKR, but they have bought players that will hope to make a similar impact.

After releasing several bowling options, it was expected that they would go after bowlers more than batsmen. They went on to acquire several seamers like Chris Woakes, Trent Boult, Nathan Coulter-Nile, Rishi Dhawan, and Sayan Ghosh and seam-bowling all-rounder Rovman Powell. Darren Bravo remained their only big name among batsmen.

<b>Here we analyse their best possible XI for IPL 10:</b>

<strong>Gautam Gambhir, Robin Uthappa </strong>

<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-120431" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Gautam-Gambhir-Robin-Uthappa.jpg" alt="Gautam Gambhir, Robin Uthappa" width="600" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-120431" class="wp-caption-text">Gautam Gambhir, Robin Uthappa. (Photo Source: BCCI)</figcaption>

The Knight Riders batting line-up had been their strength throughout the previous edition. And more often than not, the opening pair of Gambhir and Uthappa had successfully laid down the foundation for their Team and given them a headstart. KKR did not invest in batsmen in the auction because they already possess a star-studded batting line-up, their openers being their most solid foundation.

Skipper Gautam Gambhir had been their leading run-scorer in the previous edition and overall stood 5th among all highest run scorers with 501 runs at an average of 38.50 including 5 half-centuries at a strike rate of 121. Robin Uthappa had also been at his top with 394 runs at an average of 26.26 with 3 half centuries and it is only fitting to let them continue their role as openers. Any change in the current pairing will disrupt the rapport the two share. There is no point in considering any changes in the already established opening slot because these two players have been playing their role responsibly.

<strong>Manish Pandey, Yusuf Pathan, Suryakumar Yadav</strong>

<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-120433" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Manish-Pandey-Yusuf-Pathan-Suryakumar-Yadav.jpg" alt="Manish Pandey, Yusuf Pathan, Suryakumar Yadav" width="600" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-120433" class="wp-caption-text">Manish Pandey, Yusuf Pathan, Suryakumar Yadav. (Photo Source: BCCI)</figcaption>

Kolkata Knight Riders have to be a little careful if continuing with Manish Pandey at no. 3. He has not been in his best of forms lately. In the previous edition too, he scored 248 runs 11 innings at an average of 31.00 which according to his calibre is not impressive. The runs have come, but not as easily as you’d expect. In his last 10 innings for India and Karnataka, his highest score was 77 against Jharkhand in the Vijay Hazare Trophy. Other than that, he has been struggling to go past 30-35 runs. A player like him cannot be dropped and must feature in the Playing XI despite the slight troubles he is facing at the moment. He is best suited at No. 3 and pushing him down the order will not help.

Yusuf Pathan is the backbone of KKR’s middle-order. His ‘once in a blue moon’ kind of innings assures you with a sure shot victory. He is their third highest top scorer with 361 runs at a staggering average of 72.20 and a strike rate touching 145.56. He has featured in many match-winning crucial cameos that have only strengthened his case as a T20 specialist. After a forgettable start at the Vijay Hazare Trophy, he has come back stronger and piled many runs, including a match-winning 71 against Assam. He is the best fit at the No.4 spot and can be the opponent’s nightmare if he gets started. He will have a stronger role to play as a pinch hitter this year due to the absence of Russell’s prowess.

The vice captain, Suryakumar Yadav must step up to showcase his calibre this year. He is best suited for the shorter format of the game but last year, he managed only 186 runs for himself.  He remains their first preference at No. 5 but he will have to make way for someone else if he continues his bad run like he did in the Vijay Hazare Trophy. In his last six innings, he was dismissed at a single digit 4 times including 3 ducks. Despite his poor form, Yadav remains a crucial player for the KKR middle order line up as their batting line up digs deep. In case of failure to perform in initial matches, the KKR might decide to give a chance to someone like Sheldon Jackson. Or, perhaps, Chris Lynn if they can trade him instead of another overseas player in the XI.

<strong>Chris Woakes, Umesh Yadav and Trent Boult</strong>

<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-120435" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Chris-Woakes-Umesh-Yadav-and-Trent-Boult.jpg" alt="Chris Woakes, Umesh Yadav and Trent Boult" width="600" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-120435" class="wp-caption-text">Chris Woakes, Umesh Yadav and Trent Boult. (Photo Source: BCCI &amp; Getty Images)</figcaption>

KKR had to focus on getting a seam-bowling all-rounder owing to the unavailability of Andre Russell and they roped in Chris Woakes who had a great series in India recently with overall 6 wickets in 3 matches. He is also very capable of marking his presence with few big hits and the position at No. 6 or No. 7 is best moulded for him. He has a Herculean task under him to do something similar to Russell and prove his worth, and I have a feeling, KKR might not miss Russell as much because of him.

They have Umesh Yadav who has been proving time and again that he is an asset for every side he plays for. His brilliant form in Test cricket has got everyone asking for more. Though in his last 10 outings, only 2 have been for the shorter format, there is no doubt that he will be KKR’s go-to bowler in home conditions. He has been with this side for quite some time now and knows his job well.  However, he must work on his economy, which was the downside of his bowling in the previous edition.

Trent Boult has got to be their best pick at No. 11 because they needed someone to do the job instead of Morne Morkel. Boult, infact, is a much better option for the role of a specialist seamer. Though he did not feature in SRH last year, due to injuries and their already set combination of a strong bowling line-up, Boult, in all likelihood, is going to be worth every penny. They also decided to opt for Nathan Coulter-Nile who can be a great back up option for the same role because Boult is extremely prone to injuries. Boult remains my #1 preference keeping in mind the fairly good series he had in India.

<strong>Shakib Al Hasan, Sunil Narine, Piyush Chawla</strong>

<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-120436" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Shakib-Al-Hasan-Sunil-Narine-Piyush-Chawla.jpg" alt="Shakib Al Hasan, Sunil Narine, Piyush Chawla" width="600" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-120436" class="wp-caption-text">Shakib Al Hasan, Sunil Narine, Piyush Chawla. (Photo Source: BCCI)</figcaption>

KKR has always been a side that associates itself with quality spin bowling. With the likes of Shakib, Narine and Piyush Chawla and Kuldeep Yadav, their spin department is the strongest among all sides. My best three remain Shakib, Narine and Chawla. Kuldeep Yadav was brilliant during the India A game against England, but the performances have been pretty ordinary after that. Chawla makes his cut for his experience and also the little batting power he possesses.

Shakib Al Hasan did not have the best of seasons last year because he had just 5 wickets under his name in the 10 matches he played. Lately, he has been a match-winner for Bangladesh with the bat more than the ball. He stands at No. 2 in the list of ICC T20 all-rounders, so there is no doubt that he will cement the No. 6 or No. 7 position. He has been a key player for KKR and will groom his spin to be at it’s best before the Champions Trophy.

Sunil Narine was their 2<sup>nd</sup> leading wicket taker last year. He had 11 wickets at an economy rate of 7.09. He picked 10 wickets in 8 matches during his stint at the PSL. He has not been as threatening after the remodelled action but he still remains one of the best spinners for any side. This contingent is capable of choking every opposition if it’s the typical Eden Garden wicket despite the fact that only one bowler from KKR, Russell, made it into the top 10 leading wicket-takers.

<strong>Kolkata Knight Riders&#8217; final squad for IPL 2017:</strong>

Gautam Gambhir, Sunil Narine, Kuldeep Yadav, Manish Pandey, Suryakumar Yadav, Piyush Chawla, Robin Uthappa, Shakib Al Hasan, Chris Lynn, Umesh Yadav, Yusuf Pathan, Sheldon Jackson, Ankit Singh Rajput, Andre Russell, Trent Boult, Chris Woakes, Rishi Dhawan, Nathan Coulter-Nile, Rovman Powell, R Sanjay Yadav, Ishank Jaggi, Darren Bravo, Sayan Ghosh

Manish Pandey, Yusuf Pathan, Suryakumar Yadav

<p><amp-img class="size-full wp-image-120433" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Manish-Pandey-Yusuf-Pathan-Suryakumar-Yadav.jpg" alt="Manish Pandey, Yusuf Pathan, Suryakumar Yadav" width="600" height="400" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img></p>
<p>Manish Pandey, Yusuf Pathan, Suryakumar Yadav. (Photo Source: BCCI)Two-time champions KKR did not have the best of times in the previous edition of IPL. But that hasn’t taken away their reputation as one of the most consistent sides in the IPL. They have repeatedly made it into the play-offs since 2012 and 2014. They made it to the playoffs again last year, but lost in the Eliminator to Sunrisers Hyderabad and finished fourth in the table.</p>
<p>This year they may appear a tad bit less threatening due to Andre Russell’s absence at the moment. &nbsp;And they kept that in mind when they entered the auction as they made the smartest and most precise choice when bidding. It is very difficult for any player to fit into the role that Russell had for KKR, but they have bought players that will hope to make a similar impact.</p>
<p>After releasing several bowling options, it was expected that they would go after bowlers more than batsmen. They went on to acquire several seamers like Chris Woakes, Trent Boult, Nathan Coulter-Nile, Rishi Dhawan, and Sayan Ghosh and seam-bowling all-rounder Rovman Powell. Darren Bravo remained their only big name among batsmen.</p>
<h4><b>Here we analyse their best possible XI for IPL 10:</b></h4>
<h4><strong>Openers</strong></h4>
<h4><strong>Gautam Gambhir, Robin Uthappa&nbsp;</strong></h4>
<figure id="attachment_120431" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-120431" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><amp-img class="size-full wp-image-120431" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Gautam-Gambhir-Robin-Uthappa.jpg" alt="Gautam Gambhir, Robin Uthappa" width="600" height="400" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img><figcaption id="caption-attachment-120431" class="wp-caption-text">Gautam Gambhir, Robin Uthappa. (Photo Source: BCCI)</figcaption></figure>
<p>The Knight Riders batting line-up had been their strength throughout the previous edition. And more often than not, the opening pair of Gambhir and Uthappa had successfully laid down the foundation for their Team and given them a headstart. KKR did not invest in batsmen in the auction because they already possess a star-studded batting line-up, their openers being their most solid foundation.</p>
<p>Skipper Gautam Gambhir had been their leading run-scorer in the previous edition and overall stood 5th among all highest run scorers with 501 runs at an average of 38.50 including 5 half-centuries at a strike rate of 121. Robin Uthappa had also been at his top with 394 runs at an average of 26.26 with 3 half centuries and it is only fitting to let them continue their role as openers. Any change in the current pairing will disrupt the rapport the two share. There is no point in considering any changes in the already established opening slot because these two players have been playing their role responsibly.</p>
<h4><strong>Middle Order:</strong></h4>
<h4><strong>Manish Pandey, Yusuf Pathan, Suryakumar Yadav</strong></h4>
<figure id="attachment_120433" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-120433" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><amp-img class="size-full wp-image-120433" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Manish-Pandey-Yusuf-Pathan-Suryakumar-Yadav.jpg" alt="Manish Pandey, Yusuf Pathan, Suryakumar Yadav" width="600" height="400" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img><figcaption id="caption-attachment-120433" class="wp-caption-text">Manish Pandey, Yusuf Pathan, Suryakumar Yadav. (Photo Source: BCCI)</figcaption></figure>
<p>Kolkata Knight Riders have to be a little careful if continuing with Manish Pandey at no. 3. He has not been in his best of forms lately. In the previous edition too, he scored 248 runs 11 innings at an average of 31.00 which according to his calibre is not impressive. The runs have come, but not as easily as you’d expect. In his last 10 innings for India and Karnataka, his highest score was 77 against Jharkhand in the Vijay Hazare Trophy. Other than that, he has been struggling to go past 30-35 runs. A player like him cannot be dropped and must feature in the Playing XI despite the slight troubles he is facing at the moment. He is best suited at No. 3 and pushing him down the order will not help.</p>
<p>Yusuf Pathan is the backbone of KKR’s middle-order. His ‘once in a blue moon’ kind of innings assures you with a sure shot victory. He is their third highest top scorer with 361 runs at a staggering average of 72.20 and a strike rate touching 145.56. He has featured in many match-winning crucial cameos that have only strengthened his case as a T20 specialist. After a forgettable start at the Vijay Hazare Trophy, he has come back stronger and piled many runs, including a match-winning 71 against Assam. He is the best fit at the No.4 spot and can be the opponent’s nightmare if he gets started. He will have a stronger role to play as a pinch hitter this year due to the absence of Russell’s prowess.</p>
<p>The vice captain, Suryakumar Yadav must step up to showcase his calibre this year. He is best suited for the shorter format of the game but last year, he managed only 186 runs for himself. &nbsp;He remains their first preference at No. 5 but he will have to make way for someone else if he continues his bad run like he did in the Vijay Hazare Trophy. In his last six innings, he was dismissed at a single digit 4 times including 3 ducks. Despite his poor form, Yadav remains a crucial player for the KKR middle order line up as their batting line up digs deep. In case of failure to perform in initial matches, the KKR might decide to give a chance to someone like Sheldon Jackson. Or, perhaps, Chris Lynn if they can trade him instead of another overseas player in the XI.</p>
<h4><strong>Pacers</strong></h4>
<h4><strong>Chris Woakes, Umesh Yadav and Trent Boult</strong></h4>
<figure id="attachment_120435" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-120435" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><amp-img class="size-full wp-image-120435" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Chris-Woakes-Umesh-Yadav-and-Trent-Boult.jpg" alt="Chris Woakes, Umesh Yadav and Trent Boult" width="600" height="400" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img><figcaption id="caption-attachment-120435" class="wp-caption-text">Chris Woakes, Umesh Yadav and Trent Boult. (Photo Source: BCCI &amp; Getty Images)</figcaption></figure>
<p>KKR had to focus on getting a seam-bowling all-rounder owing to the unavailability of Andre Russell&nbsp;and they roped in Chris Woakes who had a great series in India recently with overall 6 wickets in 3 matches. He is also very capable of marking his presence with few big hits and the position at No. 6 or No. 7 is best moulded for him. He has a Herculean task under him to do something similar to Russell and prove his worth, and I have a feeling, KKR might not miss Russell as much because of him.</p>
<p>They have Umesh Yadav who has been proving time and again that he is an asset for every side he plays for. His brilliant form in Test cricket has got everyone asking for more. Though in his last 10 outings, only 2 have been for the shorter format, there is no doubt that he will be KKR’s go-to bowler in home conditions. He has been with this side for quite some time now and knows his job well. &nbsp;However, he must work on his economy, which was the downside of his bowling in the previous edition.</p>
<p>Trent Boult has got to be their best pick at No. 11 because they needed someone to do the job instead of Morne Morkel. Boult, infact, is a much better option for the role of a specialist seamer. Though he did not feature in SRH last year, due to injuries and their already set combination of a strong bowling line-up, Boult, in all likelihood, is going to be worth every penny. They also decided to opt for Nathan Coulter-Nile who can be a great back up option for the same role because Boult is extremely prone to injuries. Boult remains my #1 preference keeping in mind the fairly good series he had in India.</p>
<h4><strong>Spinners</strong></h4>
<h4><strong>Shakib Al Hasan, Sunil Narine, Piyush Chawla</strong></h4>
<figure id="attachment_120436" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-120436" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><amp-img class="size-full wp-image-120436" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Shakib-Al-Hasan-Sunil-Narine-Piyush-Chawla.jpg" alt="Shakib Al Hasan, Sunil Narine, Piyush Chawla" width="600" height="400" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img><figcaption id="caption-attachment-120436" class="wp-caption-text">Shakib Al Hasan, Sunil Narine, Piyush Chawla. (Photo Source: BCCI)</figcaption></figure>
<p>KKR has always been a side that associates itself with quality spin bowling. With the likes of Shakib, Narine and Piyush Chawla and Kuldeep Yadav, their spin department is the strongest among all sides. My best three remain Shakib, Narine and Chawla. Kuldeep Yadav was brilliant during the India A game against England, but the performances have been pretty ordinary after that. Chawla makes his cut for his experience and also the little batting power he possesses.</p>
<p>Shakib Al Hasan did not have the best of seasons last year because he had just 5 wickets under his name in the 10 matches he played. Lately, he has been a match-winner for Bangladesh with the bat more than the ball. He stands at No. 2 in the list of ICC T20 all-rounders, so there is no doubt that he will cement the No. 6 or No. 7 position. He has been a key player for KKR and will groom his spin to be at it’s best before the Champions Trophy.</p>
<p>Sunil Narine was their 2<sup>nd</sup> leading wicket taker last year. He had 11 wickets at an economy rate of 7.09. He picked 10 wickets in 8 matches during his stint at the PSL. He has not been as threatening after the remodelled action but he still remains one of the best spinners for any side. This contingent is capable of choking every opposition if it’s the typical Eden Garden wicket despite the fact that only one bowler from KKR, Russell, made it into the top 10 leading wicket-takers.</p>
<h4><strong>Kolkata Knight Riders’ final squad for IPL 2017:</strong></h4>
<p>Gautam Gambhir, Sunil Narine, Kuldeep Yadav, Manish Pandey, Suryakumar Yadav, Piyush Chawla, Robin Uthappa, Shakib Al Hasan, Chris Lynn, Umesh Yadav, Yusuf Pathan, Sheldon Jackson, Ankit Singh Rajput, Andre Russell, Trent Boult, Chris Woakes, Rishi Dhawan, Nathan Coulter-Nile, Rovman Powell, R Sanjay Yadav, Ishank Jaggi, Darren Bravo, Sayan Ghosh</p>
<div><strong>&nbsp;</strong></div>

<p><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-120433" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Manish-Pandey-Yusuf-Pathan-Suryakumar-Yadav.jpg" alt="Manish Pandey, Yusuf Pathan, Suryakumar Yadav" width="600" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px"></p>
<p>Manish Pandey, Yusuf Pathan, Suryakumar Yadav. (Photo Source: BCCI)Two-time champions KKR did not have the best of times in the previous edition of IPL. But that hasn’t taken away their reputation as one of the most consistent sides in the IPL. They have repeatedly made it into the play-offs since 2012 and 2014. They made it to the playoffs again last year, but lost in the Eliminator to Sunrisers Hyderabad and finished fourth in the table.</p>
<p>This year they may appear a tad bit less threatening due to Andre Russell’s absence at the moment.  And they kept that in mind when they entered the auction as they made the smartest and most precise choice when bidding. It is very difficult for any player to fit into the role that Russell had for KKR, but they have bought players that will hope to make a similar impact.</p>
<p>After releasing several bowling options, it was expected that they would go after bowlers more than batsmen. They went on to acquire several seamers like Chris Woakes, Trent Boult, Nathan Coulter-Nile, Rishi Dhawan, and Sayan Ghosh and seam-bowling all-rounder Rovman Powell. Darren Bravo remained their only big name among batsmen.</p>
<h4><b>Here we analyse their best possible XI for IPL 10:</b></h4>
<h4><strong>Openers</strong></h4>
<h4><strong>Gautam Gambhir, Robin Uthappa </strong></h4>
<figure id="attachment_120431" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-120431" style="width: 600px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-120431" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Gautam-Gambhir-Robin-Uthappa.jpg" alt="Gautam Gambhir, Robin Uthappa" width="600" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-120431" class="wp-caption-text">Gautam Gambhir, Robin Uthappa. (Photo Source: BCCI)</figcaption></figure>
<p>The Knight Riders batting line-up had been their strength throughout the previous edition. And more often than not, the opening pair of Gambhir and Uthappa had successfully laid down the foundation for their Team and given them a headstart. KKR did not invest in batsmen in the auction because they already possess a star-studded batting line-up, their openers being their most solid foundation.</p>
<p>Skipper Gautam Gambhir had been their leading run-scorer in the previous edition and overall stood 5th among all highest run scorers with 501 runs at an average of 38.50 including 5 half-centuries at a strike rate of 121. Robin Uthappa had also been at his top with 394 runs at an average of 26.26 with 3 half centuries and it is only fitting to let them continue their role as openers. Any change in the current pairing will disrupt the rapport the two share. There is no point in considering any changes in the already established opening slot because these two players have been playing their role responsibly.</p>
<h4><strong>Middle Order:</strong></h4>
<h4><strong>Manish Pandey, Yusuf Pathan, Suryakumar Yadav</strong></h4>
<figure id="attachment_120433" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-120433" style="width: 600px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-120433" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Manish-Pandey-Yusuf-Pathan-Suryakumar-Yadav.jpg" alt="Manish Pandey, Yusuf Pathan, Suryakumar Yadav" width="600" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-120433" class="wp-caption-text">Manish Pandey, Yusuf Pathan, Suryakumar Yadav. (Photo Source: BCCI)</figcaption></figure>
<p>Kolkata Knight Riders have to be a little careful if continuing with Manish Pandey at no. 3. He has not been in his best of forms lately. In the previous edition too, he scored 248 runs 11 innings at an average of 31.00 which according to his calibre is not impressive. The runs have come, but not as easily as you’d expect. In his last 10 innings for India and Karnataka, his highest score was 77 against Jharkhand in the Vijay Hazare Trophy. Other than that, he has been struggling to go past 30-35 runs. A player like him cannot be dropped and must feature in the Playing XI despite the slight troubles he is facing at the moment. He is best suited at No. 3 and pushing him down the order will not help.</p>
<p>Yusuf Pathan is the backbone of KKR’s middle-order. His ‘once in a blue moon’ kind of innings assures you with a sure shot victory. He is their third highest top scorer with 361 runs at a staggering average of 72.20 and a strike rate touching 145.56. He has featured in many match-winning crucial cameos that have only strengthened his case as a T20 specialist. After a forgettable start at the Vijay Hazare Trophy, he has come back stronger and piled many runs, including a match-winning 71 against Assam. He is the best fit at the No.4 spot and can be the opponent’s nightmare if he gets started. He will have a stronger role to play as a pinch hitter this year due to the absence of Russell’s prowess.</p>
<p>The vice captain, Suryakumar Yadav must step up to showcase his calibre this year. He is best suited for the shorter format of the game but last year, he managed only 186 runs for himself.  He remains their first preference at No. 5 but he will have to make way for someone else if he continues his bad run like he did in the Vijay Hazare Trophy. In his last six innings, he was dismissed at a single digit 4 times including 3 ducks. Despite his poor form, Yadav remains a crucial player for the KKR middle order line up as their batting line up digs deep. In case of failure to perform in initial matches, the KKR might decide to give a chance to someone like Sheldon Jackson. Or, perhaps, Chris Lynn if they can trade him instead of another overseas player in the XI.</p>
<h4><strong>Pacers</strong></h4>
<h4><strong>Chris Woakes, Umesh Yadav and Trent Boult</strong></h4>
<figure id="attachment_120435" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-120435" style="width: 600px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-120435" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Chris-Woakes-Umesh-Yadav-and-Trent-Boult.jpg" alt="Chris Woakes, Umesh Yadav and Trent Boult" width="600" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-120435" class="wp-caption-text">Chris Woakes, Umesh Yadav and Trent Boult. (Photo Source: BCCI &amp; Getty Images)</figcaption></figure>
<p>KKR had to focus on getting a seam-bowling all-rounder owing to the unavailability of Andre Russell and they roped in Chris Woakes who had a great series in India recently with overall 6 wickets in 3 matches. He is also very capable of marking his presence with few big hits and the position at No. 6 or No. 7 is best moulded for him. He has a Herculean task under him to do something similar to Russell and prove his worth, and I have a feeling, KKR might not miss Russell as much because of him.</p>
<p>They have Umesh Yadav who has been proving time and again that he is an asset for every side he plays for. His brilliant form in Test cricket has got everyone asking for more. Though in his last 10 outings, only 2 have been for the shorter format, there is no doubt that he will be KKR’s go-to bowler in home conditions. He has been with this side for quite some time now and knows his job well.  However, he must work on his economy, which was the downside of his bowling in the previous edition.</p>
<p>Trent Boult has got to be their best pick at No. 11 because they needed someone to do the job instead of Morne Morkel. Boult, infact, is a much better option for the role of a specialist seamer. Though he did not feature in SRH last year, due to injuries and their already set combination of a strong bowling line-up, Boult, in all likelihood, is going to be worth every penny. They also decided to opt for Nathan Coulter-Nile who can be a great back up option for the same role because Boult is extremely prone to injuries. Boult remains my #1 preference keeping in mind the fairly good series he had in India.</p>
<h4><strong>Spinners</strong></h4>
<h4><strong>Shakib Al Hasan, Sunil Narine, Piyush Chawla</strong></h4>
<figure id="attachment_120436" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-120436" style="width: 600px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-120436" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Shakib-Al-Hasan-Sunil-Narine-Piyush-Chawla.jpg" alt="Shakib Al Hasan, Sunil Narine, Piyush Chawla" width="600" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-120436" class="wp-caption-text">Shakib Al Hasan, Sunil Narine, Piyush Chawla. (Photo Source: BCCI)</figcaption></figure>
<p>KKR has always been a side that associates itself with quality spin bowling. With the likes of Shakib, Narine and Piyush Chawla and Kuldeep Yadav, their spin department is the strongest among all sides. My best three remain Shakib, Narine and Chawla. Kuldeep Yadav was brilliant during the India A game against England, but the performances have been pretty ordinary after that. Chawla makes his cut for his experience and also the little batting power he possesses.</p>
<p>Shakib Al Hasan did not have the best of seasons last year because he had just 5 wickets under his name in the 10 matches he played. Lately, he has been a match-winner for Bangladesh with the bat more than the ball. He stands at No. 2 in the list of ICC T20 all-rounders, so there is no doubt that he will cement the No. 6 or No. 7 position. He has been a key player for KKR and will groom his spin to be at it’s best before the Champions Trophy.</p>
<p>Sunil Narine was their 2<sup>nd</sup> leading wicket taker last year. He had 11 wickets at an economy rate of 7.09. He picked 10 wickets in 8 matches during his stint at the PSL. He has not been as threatening after the remodelled action but he still remains one of the best spinners for any side. This contingent is capable of choking every opposition if it’s the typical Eden Garden wicket despite the fact that only one bowler from KKR, Russell, made it into the top 10 leading wicket-takers.</p>
<h4><strong>Kolkata Knight Riders&#8217; final squad for IPL 2017:</strong></h4>
<p>Gautam Gambhir, Sunil Narine, Kuldeep Yadav, Manish Pandey, Suryakumar Yadav, Piyush Chawla, Robin Uthappa, Shakib Al Hasan, Chris Lynn, Umesh Yadav, Yusuf Pathan, Sheldon Jackson, Ankit Singh Rajput, Andre Russell, Trent Boult, Chris Woakes, Rishi Dhawan, Nathan Coulter-Nile, Rovman Powell, R Sanjay Yadav, Ishank Jaggi, Darren Bravo, Sayan Ghosh</p>
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IPL 2017: Kolkata Knight Riders' Best Possible XI

Two-time champions KKR did not have the best of times in the previous edition of IPL. But that hasn’t taken away their reputation as one of the most consist