5 reasons why Kolkata Knight Riders can win IPL 2018

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The Knights haven't been mercurial this season, but they have what it takes to claim the title

Kolkata Knight Riders have been one of the most successful teams in the history of Indian Premier League. They are one of the three teams to have won the IPL trophy on two or more occasions, with Chennai Super Kings and Mumbai Indians completing the list.

As things stand this season, KKR currently occupy the 3rd position in the points table and have almost already qualified for the playoffs. A defeat would make things easier for the other four teams placed below them and bring them into contention as well.

However, the Kolkata-based franchise boasts of a composed team which includes many players who are proven match-winners in their own right. Considering all the factors, KKR is definitely a strong contender for the title.

Here are the five reasons why Kolkata Knight Riders can win the IPL this season:


#1 The X-factor of Sunil Narine

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Sunil Narine has been KKR's trump card ever since he joined them in 2012

Sunil Narine has made a tremendous impact in the Indian Premier League over the last six seasons. He set the IPL on fire and awed the spectators with his capability of disguising variations in his off-breaks when he signed for KKR in 2012. He was in contention for the Purple Cap (awarded for most wickets in the tournament) for three successive seasons - 2012, 2013 and 2014.

However multiple bans on his suspicious bowling actions have hampered his bowling a lot and he has simplified his bowling action ever since.

Even though his bowling has lost the edge, he has contributed with the bat, to help KKR's season. It is hard to imagine that a player who used to be the last tailender in any batting lineup a few years ago, plays as an opening batsman for KKR now.

His ability to increase the run rate rapidly in the first powerplay, makes him a really dangerous batsman. He has scored 277 runs so far with two half-centuries and has been the Knight's most successful bowler so far with 14 scalps.

He is definitely KKR's X-factor in their run-up to the title.

#2 The hard-hitting Andre Russell

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The swashbuckling batsman can tear down opposition bowling at will

Andre Russell is one of the finest all-rounders in world cricket in the last couple of years. He did not contribute enough in his debut season in 2014 as a KKR player, but scored well in the following editions, barring the 2017 season.

His ability to hit the ball with brute force and catapult it beyond the boundary ropes for massive sixes, makes him a dangerous batsman. He has been consistent with the ball as well and has breached the 10-wicket mark twice in 2014 and 2015.

He has done well in both the bowling and batting departments this season, scoring 249 runs and taking 10 wickets so far. If Russell has a good match with the bat and the ball, KKR win the match more often than not.

KKR will want him to fire on all cylinders if they are to win the title.

#3 The depth in their batting

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KKR possess good depth in their batting department

Kolkata Knight Riders have always had good batsmen leading the line for the team and playing vital knocks in winning matches. This season has been no different for the Knights and their batsmen have all contributed to the many victories.

The depth in their batting makes it easy for them to chase down big totals and post big scores to defend as well.

Openers Sunil Narine and Chris Lynn score runs at a brisk rate and set the momentum for the middle-order players to benefit from. Robin Uthappa and Dinesh Karthik continue to perform well every season and are proven match winners.

Andre Russell, Shubman Gill and Nitish Rana score runs in the last overs to put up high-scoring totals on board.

#4 The captaincy of Dinesh Karthik

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Dinesh Karthik is one of the most experienced players in the tournament

Dinesh Karthik has been in and out of the Indian national team ever since he started playing for the team. He is a good wicket-keeper when it comes to technique and accuracy. MS Dhoni's rise as one of the finest wicketkeeper-batsman in the history of the game pushed DK down the order, which also limited his opportunities.

He played for three different IPL teams before he signed for KKR and was given the captaincy. An IPL veteran with 3315 runs in his kitty, the KKR captain has scored 412 runs this season and contributes to the team whenever possible.

His leadership skills can't be questioned as he has led the team superbly so far, keeping them in contention for the playoffs ever since taking the mantle from captain Gautam Gambhir who lead KKR to the trophy on two previous occasions.

#5 A balanced bowling unit

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KKR's bowlers can inflict some serious damage to the opposition batting lineup

The Knight Riders have always been known for their bowling and can terrorize opposition batsmen with their variations and pace.

They have a strong bowling department which comprises of the deadly trio of Sunil Narine, Piyush Chawla and Kuldeep Yadav. Sunil Narine is their leading wicket-taker with 127 wickets, Piyush Chawla is a veteran in Indian bowling circuits and the young Kuldeep Yadav has immense potential, which was why he was inducted into the Indian national team in 2017.

The fast-bowling department is headed by Andre Russell who has been in fine form. Javon Searles, Shivam Mavi and Prasidh Krishna are exciting youngsters, while the experienced Mitchell Johnson can produce good cameo performances whenever the team needs him.

The all-round capabilities of the Knight Riders can be decisive if they want to win the title this season.

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Edited by Nishant Jayaram